MARC Home Page > Transportation Department > ITS Architecture > Market Packages > Definitions
This
market package manages highway traffic at highway-rail intersections (HRIs)
where operational requirements demand advanced features (e.g., where rail
operational speeds are greater than 80 miles per hour). This market package
includes all capabilities from the Standard Railroad Grade Crossing Market
Package and augments these with additional safety features to mitigate
the risks associated with higher rail speeds. The active warning systems
supported by this market package include positive barrier systems that
preclude entrance into the intersection when the barriers are activated.
Like the Standard Package, the HRI equipment is activated on notification
by wayside interface equipment which detects, or communicates with the
approaching train. In this market package, the wayside equipment provides
additional information about the arriving train so that the train's direction
of travel, estimated time of arrival, and estimated duration of closure
may be derived. This enhanced information may be conveyed to the driver
prior to, or in context with, warning system activation. This market package
also includes additional detection capabilities that enable it to detect
an entrapped or otherwise immobilized vehicle within the HRI and provide
an immediate notification to highway and railroad officials.
