Workshop Description

Railroad-highway grade crossings present some of the most complex and high-risk situations in traffic engineering. This 4-hour workshop provides a clear and practical overview of railroad preemption, including how it works, why it is critical for safety, and what agencies must consider when designing, timing, and maintaining preempted traffic signals near rail lines. The session is designed for engineers, technicians, planners, and safety professionals who interact with at-grade crossings or corridor management. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• Purpose of Railroad Preemption - Why preemption is required, safety implications, and typical use cases
• Type of Preemption - Standard vs. advanced preemption and when each is appropriate. 
• How Train Detection Works - Overview of DC track circuits, AC/AFO circuits, motion sensors, and constant warning time devices. 
• Preemption Sequence Fundamentals - Gate down times, queue clearance intervals, dwell times, and track clearance intervals. 
• Traffic Signal Controller Operations - Phasing, timing logic, and NEMA/ATC controller considerations. 
• Design & Coordination Considerations - Storage distance, queueing analysis, near-side vs. far-side placement, and corridor impacts. 
• Communication Between Agencies - Roles of highway agencies, railroads, and diagnostic teams. 
• Common Issues & Troubleshooting - False activations, insufficient clearance time, detection errors, and field observations.
• Regulatory & Standards Overview - MUTCD, AREMA guidance, and relevant USDOT expectations. 
• Case Examples - Real-world situations illustrating effective (and ineffective) preemption design. 

Who Should Attend: 

Traffic Engineers, signal technicians, public works staff, consultants, safety managers, planners, any anyone involved in rail-adjacent roadway operations. 

Learning Outcomes: 

Participants will gain a practical understanding of how railroad preemption works, how to design and evaluate preemption timing, how to communicate effectively with rail partners, and what steps can reduce risk and improve safety at grade crossings. 

Class size is limited to 30 participants per location. The cost of the workshop is $100.00. Registrants are reminded that registration is not complete until payment is made. The registration fee includes handout materials and a certificate of participation. Participants completing this workshop will receive .40 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), 4.0 Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Thank you for your continued support of the Alabama Transportation Assistance Program. 

Instructor: Scott Tison

Scott Tison, Associate Director of the Alabama Transportation Assistance Program (ATAP), is one of the nation’s foremost subject matter experts in construction safety (work zones), roadside appurtenances, and transportation materials. Mr. Tison has worked with various LTAP Centers across multiple states. Mr. Tison is a member of several Transportation Research Board committees, including Traffic Control Devices (ACP 55), Tison is also a member of the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and has assisted the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) with developing their T3 Curriculum.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that circumstances may arise that could require you to cancel your registration, and we make every effort to accommodate your needs. Due to commitments to our instructors and facilities, the registration fee is not refundable if a registrant withdraws less than five working days before the workshop. You may substitute registrants; please notify us in advance if possible. Non-paid, no-show registrants will be invoiced for the full cost of the workshop. ATAP reserves the right to cancel or modify any program offering but will provide registrants with the option of a full refund. Auburn University will not be responsible for expenses incurred by a registrant as the result of a cancelled or rescheduled workshop.

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