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News Release
Feb. 26, 2008 |
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Quad gates improve safety at Ames railroad crossing AMES, Iowa – A recent railroad crossing improvement at Duff Avenue in Ames includes an updated safety feature. The four quadrant gates installed at the Union Pacific Railroad’s crossing are the first in Iowa designed to prevent motorists from being trapped between the gates. A loop detection system embedded in the pavement at the crossing detects the presence of a vehicle between the crossing gates and automatically delays closing the exit gate. 
Jim Gibson of the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (Iowa DOT) Office of Rail Transportation, said, “This is one of the most studied crossings in Iowa because of the high volume of traffic, 14,500 vehicles on the road and 66 trains per day. The crash history at this site is also high with 18 crashes since 1978. As most people driving through Ames can attest, the traffic congestion caused when trains occupy the crossing is a major concern. This improvement is the next step to reduce hazards at this location.” The safety improvement price tag is estimated at $315,000, with federal rail crossing funds administered by the Iowa DOT covering 90 percent of the cost. The Union Pacific Railroad will pay the remaining 10 percent and any maintenance costs for the equipment. #
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