A Feasibility Study on Improvement and Supplement of Traffic Signs and Markings for Highway-Rail Grade Crossing in China

A highway-rail grade crossing (HRGC) is an intersection where railways and roads intersect. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and improve the existing traffic signs and markings for HRGCs in China by means of literature review and questionnaire survey. The research work has three parts: First, the authors analyzed and evaluated existing traffic signs and markings based on driver’s comprehension index. Second, the unreasonable traffic signs and marking for HRGCs in the existing standards were improved. Finally, some innovative traffic signs and markings were referred to the standards and research of developed countries. The improved and supplemented traffic signs and markings (ISTM) for HRGCs will be quantitatively evaluated in terms of driver’s comprehension and recognition. The results showed that drivers gave positive feedback to ISTM, which proved the findings in this research can be used for reference in guiding the design of traffic signs and markings for HRGCs.