Caltrain is implementing high-tech safety improvements at their crossings, with more safety installations coming this year.

The Churchill Avenue Crossing in Palo Alto is the next of Caltrain’s crossings to receive the new LiDAR and camera-based artificial intelligence (AI) solution, RailSentry. This technology, developed by Herzog, uses LiDAR and cameras to observe an area and alert railroad operations of lingering vehicles or other objects to mitigate collisions between trains and cars, people, or other objects.

Initial Success in Burlingame

The deployment of RailSentry follows the successful installation at the Broadway Crossing in Burlingame.

The AI-based learning software analyzes the information and alerts dispatchers and Transit Police to any detected potential hazard. The system’s data is also used to ensure that traffic control measures facilitate smooth traffic flow.

RailSentury has already made an impact, helping Caltrain demonstrate the effectiveness of installed safety improvements. 

The company installed solar-powered markers at the Broadway Burlingame Crossing to clearly delineate road lines and prevent cars from turning too far onto the tracks in January. These markers are similar to existing markers at other pedestrian crossings and were installed after the replacement of railroad ties and upgraded concrete panels, which were geared toward providing a smoother crossing for drivers.

Prior to these enhancements at the Broadway Burlingame Crossing, one vehicle was removed from the tracks every three months. RailSentury’s technology revealed that three vehicles per week attempted to turn onto the tracks and ultimately left on their own.

Increased Safety at the Crossing

Since the installation of the markers, there have been zero attempts to turn onto the tracks. Caltrian receives regular alerts when vehicles rest on the tracks for longer than expected, providing them with warnings to alert trains if necessary properly.

Additional information provided by RailSentury has allowed for better signal pre-emption times and traffic control.

The crossings will receive additional safety enhancements throughout the course of the year, including updating paint striping, redoing pavement markings, moving signal stop bars, installing new signage, and placing flexible reflective delineator posts to reduce speeds and help drivers safely navigate the intersection.

Caltrain has also worked with technology providers to improve navigation instructions around tracks to prevent cars from getting stuck in the crossing.

“Safety is a core value at Caltrain that underlies everything we do,” said Michelle Bouchard, Caltrain Executive Director. “We are committed to delivering safety improvements that will make a difference for our riders and the people that cross our tracks every day.”