HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2018 0516 CC SPC ITEM 04A04.a
Item: 4.A.
CITY OF MOORPARK,
CALIFORNIA
City Council Meeting
of May 16, 2018
ACTION Heard presentation
BY M. Benson
MOORPARK CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Sean Corrigan, City Engineer/Public Works Director
DATE: May 8, 2018 (CC Special Meeting of 5/16/18)
SUBJECT: Presentation on Operational Issues with Signals at Rail Crossings
Near Moorpark Train Station
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
At the April 4, 2018 Council meeting, Mayor Parvin requested a meeting with
representatives from the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) and the
Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) to discuss the phantom/ghost train
phenomenon, particularly at the Spring Road rail crossing. This problem exists at a
number of stations in southern California where a rail crossing is close to a station.
SCRRA has done extensive work at both the Spring Road and Moorpark Avenue/SR23
rail crossings to better seal the rail corridor, reducing the risk of vehicle /pedestrian train
accidents. However, because the crossings are in close proximity to the station, the
ghost train effect has caused consternation amongst drivers who cannot see trains at
the station when the gates are down. After a set period of time when a train is stopped
at the station, the gates will “time out” and rise to allow traffic through. And, when the
train does move again, the gates operate again. This can be very frustrating to drivers.
The rail industry is working on a technical solution to modify rail signal system
operations but this is not yet commercially available.
Staff from VCTC and SCRRA will provide the Council with information and answer
questions.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Consider presentation from representatives of VCTC and SCRRA and receive and file
this agenda report.