Crossing guidance added to growing online reference library

A growing online library of light rail safety documents now includes updated guidance on the design and management of tramway crossings for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorised road users.

Published by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board it draws on the experience of professionals from across the sector and covers the layout of crossings, signage and risk assessments.

It also builds on existing guidance and, although it is not intended to be applied retrospectively to existing tramways, the document can be used by owners and operators to help drive continual safety improvements.

Mark Ashmore, Safety Assurance Manager at the LRSSB, explained: “Clearly all areas where other road users interact with the tramway present safety challenges. However, where people who are not in a motorised form of transport cross tracks, there are some specific risks and it is vital they are managed effectively.

“This latest LRSSB guidance sets out the key principles of crossing design and management based on sector-wide best practice specifically for these environments.

“For example, crossings should be at 90 degrees to the track as the flange gap can be a hazard to users which increases when the crossing is at a different angle to the track and gradient changes should be avoided as they present a hazard to pushchairs, wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

“The guidance also looks at measures that can be taken to alert road users of the presence of trams and to remind them to take additional care when near to a tramway.”

Entitled LRG2.0: Guidance on Tramway Crossings for Non-Motorised Users, the full document can be downloaded from the LRSSB’s online reference library here.