Safety is
the number one concern for users, owners, and designers of the North
American transportation system. Increased safety has been achieved
through a broad range of programs-from mandatory seat belt laws
to improved pavement surface textures to sophisticated gates and
video surveillance of dangerous highway-rail grade crossings. With
a 24% increase in motor vehicles in the U.S., coupled with a 32%
increase in miles driven per car per year expected between 1990
and 2010 (according to Car & Driver magazine) safety will continue
to be a major concern.
Federal initiatives have earmarked $3 billion for safety construction,
including road hazard reduction and improved safety at the more
than 160,000 public highway-rail grade crossings in the U.S. Canada
is similarly working on an extension to the Canada Infrastructure
Works Program that expired in March 1999.
Precast
concrete grade crossings are suitable for all traffic types-light,
high speed, and freight rail; automobile and truck traffic; pedestrians
and cyclists. The transition from roadway pavement to track, and
back, is uniform and practically unnoticeable to motorists. Precast
concrete grade crossings are economical, virtually maintenance-free,
and provide long-term performance.