Today, Caltrain began installing a LiDAR and camera-based artificial intelligence (AI) solution, called RailSentry, at its Churchill Avenue Crossing in Palo Alto as part of its ongoing commitment to safety improvements. This new technology, developed by Herzog, uses a combination of LiDAR and cameras to observe an area and alert railroad operations groups of lingering vehicles or other objects to mitigate collisions between trains and vehicles, people or other objects. The deployment of this technology follows its successful installation at the Broadway Crossing in Burlingame.
Caltrain has implemented a host of safety infrastructure improvements at crossings in addition to the latest technological improvements, including installing pavement markings and reflective posts, with additional installations planned for throughout the year.
RailSentry’s AI-based learning software analyzes the information and alerts received by dispatchers and Transit Police to any detected potential hazards. RailSentry data is also used to ensure traffic control measures are facilitating smooth traffic flow.
The technology has already had an impact, helping Caltrain demonstrate the effectiveness of installed safety improvements. In January, Caltrain installed solar-powered markers at the Broadway Burlingame Crossing to clearly delineate road lines to prevent cars from turning too far onto the tracks, similar to existing markers at other pedestrian crossings. The installation of the markers comes after the replacement of railroad ties and upgraded concrete panels late last year, which were geared toward providing a smoother crossing for drivers.
Prior to these enhancements at the Broadway Burlingame Crossing, Caltrain removed one vehicle every three months from the tracks. RailSentry’s technology revealed that three vehicles per week attempted to turn onto the tracks and ultimately left on their own. Since the installation of the markers in January, there have been zero attempts by vehicles to turn onto the tracks. Caltrain receives regular alerts when vehicles rest on the tracks for longer than expected, providing Caltrain with warnings to properly alert trains if necessary. RailSentry has provided additional information to Caltrain and the City of Burlingame that has led to better signal pre-emption times and traffic control.
This crossing 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.”
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About Caltrain: Owned and operated by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, Caltrain provides rail service from San Francisco to San Jose, with commute service to Gilroy. Serving the region since 1863, Caltrain is the oldest continually operating rail system west of the Mississippi and the first railroad to convert from diesel to electric power in a generation.
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Media Contact: Dan Lieberman, 650.622.2492