California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

2005-06 – 2015-16 California State Rail Plan
When the department develops intercity rail track and signal upgrade projects, it
evaluates grade crossings within the project limits, and makes improvements to the
crossing as part of the overall project.
State and a number of communities have also taken steps to utilize new and
emerging technology to improve crossing safety and reduce crossing impacts.
In Southern California, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies such
as advanced vehicle sensors, four-quadrant gates, variable message signs, and
wayside warning horns are being tested.
California Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to
eliminating death and injuries resulting from grade crossing collisions and other
pedestrian and vehicular trespassing on railroad property. Most railroads
operating in California and many related industries are members. California
Operation Lifesaver is part of Operation Lifesaver, Incorporated, a national
organization whose efforts focus on three main components: education to promote
awareness of the hazards of crossing tracks, engineering for improved warning
devices and signals, and enforcement of traffic regulations at grade crossings and
along rail lines.
AIR QUALITY
The California ARB directs California air quality programs. Established in 1967,
the ARB is charged to attain and maintain healthy air quality, conduct research,
and systematically address major causes of air pollution in 15 air basins and
58 counties. One of the means through which the ARB accomplishes this is
through the monitoring of emissions standards.
There is a clear linkage between rail operations and air quality. As part of normal
operations, trains produce pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and carbon
monoxide. In 2002, 4.9 percent of the total California statewide mobile emissions
of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 7.5 percent of sulfur oxides (SOx) were contributed
by rail operations.
Through various emission standards and programs, there has been a significant
reduction in pollution over the years. However, continued growth, physical
conditions, and public health considerations demand continued diligence.
Total organic gases (TOG) include all hydrocarbons (HC). Reactive organic gases
(ROG) include organic gases but exclude methane and a number of low molecular
weight halogenated organics. CO is carbon monoxide. Particulate matter (PM)
refers to small solid and liquid particles such as dust, sand, salt spray, and smoke.
PM10 is a subset of PM with particle sizes of an aerodynamic diameter of ten
micrometers or smaller. 30 In comparing locomotive total emissions to total truck
emissions, truck contributions to statewide daily emissions are considerably
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