FILENAME: H:\PROJFILE\19118 - NCHRP SYNTHESIS 47-15\ADMIN\P\19118 - NCHRP 47-15 LOI - 2015-06-30.DOCX

June 30, 2015 Project #: 19118.P

Donna Vlasak NCHRP Synthesis Program Transportation Research Board 500 5

th Street NW

Washington, DC 20001

RE: Expression of Interest – NCHRP Synthesis 20-05/Topic 47-15: State of the Practice for Traffic Signal Preemption at Intersections near Highway-Railway Grade Crossings

Dear Ms. Vlasak,

Kittelson & Associates, Inc. (KAI) is pleased to submit this Letter of Interest for developing NCHRP Synthesis 20-

05/Topic 47-15: State of the Practice for Traffic Signal Preemption at Intersections near Highway-Railway Grade

Crossings. Tom Urbanik, Ph.D., P.E., would be our principal investigator, assisted by Alison Tanaka, P.E., of KAI. Paul

Olson, P.E., PTOE, of P.R.Olson Associates Ltd. will play a minor role in identifying state and local technical experts as

well as information on current practices collected while he was at FHWA. Please note that we can comply with the

terms of the contract.

RESEARCH TEAM AND EXPERIENCE

Tom Urbanik started his transportation career as a graduate student in 1969 working on railroad grade crossings. His

thesis was “Driver Information Systems for Highway-Railway Grade Crossings,” published by the Indiana State Highway

Commission (Joint Highway (now Transportation) Research Project) in July 1971. This early ITS-like project created a

45-year interest in the topic. Tom has been involved in railroad-grade-crossing issues as a municipal traffic engineer,

transportation researcher, and consultant advising clients on how to improve preemption of traffic signals near

railroad grade crossings. Tom and Alison have also recently completed the Signal Timing Manual, Second Edition

(STM2), which will be published shortly by NCHRP as Report 812. The STM2 is the most-recent and advanced

presentation of material on railroad preemption.

Tom is a member of The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and serves on

Committee 36, which develops the railroad standards for railroad grade crossings. These standards have been updated

in recent years, and it is important to correctly reference this area of changing practice. Tom was also a member of the

Highway Rail Intersection working group, which developed IEEE 1570™-2002 (IEEE standard for the interface between

the Rail Subsystem and the Highway Subsystem at a Highway Rail Intersection). This ITS standard has been used in

some installations and is a means to providing more robust interfaces between the two systems.

Tom has completed two previous syntheses (259 and 387), so is familiar with both the goal of the program as well as

the challenges associated with completing a synthesis when there is limited information and the practice is rapidly

evolving. In the case of this project, a crucial element is identifying key personnel who can provide detailed information

on this technical topic. The number of practicing engineers is limited, and finding those individuals with knowledge and

experience will be critical for compiling information that captures the current state-of-practice.

Paul Olson has been working with traffic signals for over 35 years. He has worked on the design of traffic signal systems

connected to railroad crossings both for heavy and light rail, in both routine and complex intersection settings. He has

also served as a technical expert, assisting in the review and improvement of several problematic railroad crossings.

During his tenure at FHWA, he led a program of traffic signal operations review. Reviews were made in 21 regions

Expression of Interest – NCHRP Synthesis 20-05/Topic 47-15 Project #: 19118.P June 30, 2015 Page: 2

Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Portland, Oregon

around the nation and included over 150 local agencies. Paul’s knowledge of rail-related projects around the country

will expedite the location of reference material and key individuals with knowledge of state and local practices.

RESEARCH VISION AND PLAN

In concept, syntheses are straight-forward, typically having as few as three or four chapters (plus a summary):

Introduction, Overview of Subject, Current Practice, and Conclusions. The previous synthesis on this topic (NCHRP

Synthesis 271: Traffic Signal Operations Near Highway-Rail Grade Crossings) had five chapters, separating traffic signal

controller issues from railroad interface issues. While this approach was adequate for simple simultaneous preemption

systems, the synthesis overlooked advance preemption and the complexity of railroad handling issues (e.g., changes in

speed and direction following detection).

The goal of this project should be to compile information on a range of practices – from very simple systems using

traditional simultaneous preempt with single detection to more advanced systems using multiple inputs before the

warning system is activated for vehicles and pedestrians crossing the tracks. (Recent work by the City of Portland has

identified issues with train handling in complex environments and offers a good case study of the challenges.) The

vision for this synthesis is to provide practitioners with both an understanding of the challenges as well as current

solutions to address the challenges. A likely outcome is the identification of additional research to further close the gap

between present capabilities and the needs in complex corridors.

The research approach would begin with identifying the relevant previous research as well as practitioners with

knowledge of the technical and policy issues impacting current practice. This task will be aided by Paul Olson, who can

provide cost-effective identification of experienced practitioners from his involvement with FHWA technical assistance

to state and local agencies.

Current practice will be quantified and delineated based on a survey of practitioners. This will help develop an

understanding of the range of current practice, particularly as it relates to state-of-the-art systems. The survey will

contain questions to identify agencies for follow-up interviews and possible case studies. The survey will also request

copies of agency policies and timing practices (e.g., use of advance preemption, timing calculations, interconnect

practices, maintenance practices).

An important aspect of presenting the material to practitioners will be the graphics, as complex timing relationships

can be difficult to understand without high-quality graphics. Graphics will be developed to the same quality and

consistency as the STM2.

We look forward to hearing back from you after the panel has met, and hope to be able to undertake this important

synthesis.

Sincerely,

Tom Urbanik II, Ph.D., P.E. Senior Principal Engineer

Dr. Urbanik is an international expert in transportation system management and operations,

with expertise from the broad policy standpoint to the details of advanced traffic control

systems. He provides his clients with a broad perspective based on his involvement in a wide

variety of geographically diverse projects. He has focused his comprehensive experience in

transportation engineering on outcome-based traffic signal system projects including

extensive experience with railroad preemption, transit signal priority, adaptive traffic signal

control, streetcar integration with signal systems, and a broad range of traffic signal systems

practice. Dr. Urbanik has been active in establishing next generation traffic signal system

concepts that take a multimodal perspective on performance-based system operation. Dr.

Urbanik is the lead author on the Traffic Signal Timing Manual, Second Edition, which is soon

to be published by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (Report 812) and the

USDOT Federal Highway Administration. He has extensive experience with traffic signal

controllers including preemption. Tom has been involved with railroad preemption projects in

Alaska, Oregon, Minnesota, Texas, and Florida.

TOM URBANIK, PE, PH.D Senior Principal Engineer

EDUCATION PhD Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University

MS Civil Engineering, Purdue University

BS Civil Engineering, Syracuse University

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 46

LICENSES Professional Engineer (Civil): TX, MI

AFFILIATIONS Institute of Transportation Engineers, Fellow

American Society of Civil Engineers, Member

Transportation Research Board, Emeritus Member and Former Chairman of Traffic Signal Systems Committee

International Municipal Signal Association, Member

American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association, Member

AWARDS Individual Service Award: Tennessee Section, Institute of Transportation Engineers (2008)

Trinity Senior Researcher Award: Awarded by Texas Transportation Institute (1999)

SIGNAL SYSTEMS

Dr. Urbanik is an Emeritus Member and former Chairman of the Traffic

Signal Systems Committee of the Transportation Research Board, reflecting

his extensive experience in traffic signals and traffic signal systems. His

focus has been on how to achieve the maximum system performance

consistent with local agency objectives. He has a strong background in the

various techniques used to analyze arterial flow, intersection traffic

operations, and optimizing vehicle (including bus, streetcar, LRT and trucks)

movement. He is proficient in traffic controller operation, including free

and coordinated applications, as well as cabinet design related issues. He is

lead author on the Second Edition of the Traffic Signal Timing Manual. Tom

has extensive experience with railroad preemption including both

controller operation and the interface with the railroad active warning

systems.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

Dr. Urbanik is a leader in integrated management of the surface

transportation system. His work with Institute of Transportation Engineers

and TRB helped develop and promote the concept of Transportation

System Management and Operations (TSMO). His research has helped

improve the understanding of what potential benefits of TSMO are

achievable. Dr. Urbanik was an early participant in Integrated Traffic

Management Systems (ITMS) and subsequently was the author of

“Management of Surface Transportation Systems,” NCHRP Synthesis of

Highway Practice 259. He has been involved in several studies using

simulation to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative strategies to provide

better operations of complex freeway and arterial corridors. Dr. Urbanik is

an advocate of multimodal performance-based operations. He has

extensive experience related to multimodal operations of transit (bus, LRT,

and streetcar).

Alison has experience with signal systems, signal timing, operations analysis, signal design,

and transportation research. She has worked on projects developing and implementing

optimized signal timing plans and parameters, and has experience with training engineers and

field technicians on the use of signal timing software. In addition to her work with signal

timing, she is also experienced in traffic signal design, having designed new signals, retrofitted

existing signals, and worked with the design of adaptive systems. She approaches signal

system projects collaboratively with both a signal design and signal timing perspective, always

considering the operating environment and needs of the system. Most recently, Alison has

been working as an author on the new edition of the Signal Timing Manual.

ALISON TANAKA, PE Engineer

EDUCATION MS Transportation Engineering, Purdue University

BS Civil Engineering, Oregon State University

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 4

LICENSES Professional Engineer (Civil): OR

AFFILIATIONS Women’s Transportation Seminar, Member

AWARDS Women’s Transportation Seminar Member of the Year (Portland Chapter, 2015)

Women’s Transportation Seminar New Voice (Portland Chapter, 2013)

NCHRP 3-103: UPDATE OF THE SIGNAL TIMING MANUAL

Alison was co-author and lead graphic designer for the research team that

prepared the new edition of the Signal Timing Manual. The manual

addresses specific aspects of traffic signals including planning, design,

operations, and maintenance, with proper consideration for all modes. It

also discusses the operational features of the standard traffic signal

controller including detection layout and timing considerations,

coordination parameters, and preferential treatment applications, such as

railroad preemption and transit priority.

CORRIDOR SIGNAL RETIMING AND FIELD IMPLEMENTATION

Alison has participated in the development and implementation of many

coordinated signal timing plans. In addition to having an understanding of

basic signal timing features used for corridor retiming, her projects have

included signal timing at intersections coordinated with at-grade railroad

crossings. She has also helped develop new controller logic for flashing

yellow arrow (FYA) and pedestrian interactions. As part of many of these

signal timing efforts, she has collaborated with multiple operating agencies

to find mutually beneficial solutions.

SIGNAL DESIGN NEAR AT-GRADE LRT CROSSING

Alison was the signal designer for two signals in a transit-oriented area –

one located at an existing LRT crossing and one located north of the tracks.

In combination with the design plans, she helped to develop signal timing

strategies that would allow the signals to be coordinated with the existing

LRT crossing. The plans also included the design of signing, striping, and

pedestrian signals for pedestrian crossings at the LRT tracks.

NWS VOYAGE ADVANCED FEATURES GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

Alison helped develop a guidance document for advanced NWS Voyage

features. The document was written to help an agency use their existing

timing software to its fullest advantage. After the document was complete,

Alison worked with a team to present the information in the guidance

document to agency staff, including both engineers and field technicians.

Paul R. Olson, P.E., PTOE, (FITE)

Mr. Olson has been working in Intelligent Transportation Systems since 1980. He has worked for Washington State DOT (8 years) and as a private consultant (10 years). In his career, he has been responsible for the design and implementation of a number of systems from a single signal to large central computer control systems, including many firsts such as the first center-to-center communications network using Ethernet over fiber for 8 Silicon Valley traffic signal systems (1994) and a microprocessor-based touch screen CCTV control system for WSDOT (1984). He has been with FHWA Resource Center since 1998. He graduated with a B.S.C.E. from Washington State University and received a Certificate in Telecommunications Engineering from University of California at Berkeley. His expertise is in Traffic Signal Operations, Systems Engineering, Telecommunications, and ITS procurements.

EDUCATION

University of California, Berkeley – Certificate in Telecommunications System Engineering (1997) Washington State University, Pullman, Washington – B.S.C.E. (1980) Highline Community College, Des Moines, Washington – A.A. (1976)

LICENSING

Civil Engineer 1984 Washington #22188 1987 Oregon #13,849 1987 Arizona #21557 1991 Nevada #9334 1992 California #C49516

Traffic Engineer 1987 Oregon #13,849 1989 California #1534

Other Institute of Transportation Engineers – Professional Traffic Operations Engineer, PTOE # 559 (2000) FCC Amateur Radio Service Extra Class License – Call Sign KØWSU (2009) Colorado Apprentice Electrician Card #42221 (2008) IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level II Certification (2010, Expired)

ORGANIZATIONS

Institute of Transportation Engineers – Fellow Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – Telecommunications, Standards Associations Transportation Research Board Traffic Signal Systems Committee – Member (2003 to 2013) National Institute of Advanced Transportation Technology – Program Advisor (2000 to Present) Amateur Radio Relay League – Amateur Radio Emergency Service Colorado District 23 International Municipal Signals Association