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MITIGATION OF LIGHT TRESPASS FROM HEADLAMPS OF LOCOMOTIVES
ON
CURVED TRACKS
Michael Weber 2011 Railroad Environmental Conference Jeff Terry
RailPictures.net
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Presentation Outline
parsons 2
Introduction to Project and Parsons Role
Conditions Related to Potential Light Impacts
Locomotive Headlamp Light Exposure Simulation
Sound and Light Barrier Characteristics
Recap/Conclusion
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Introduction to Project and Parsons Role
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Ryan Parent RailPictures.net
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Background
Action: Railroad acquisition.
Acquiring Entity: Canadian National Railway Company (CN).
Entity Acquired: EJ&E West Company.
Approval Authority: Surface Transportation Board (STB).
Lead Agency for Preparation of EIS under NEPA: STB.
Consultant to CN for Noise and Transportation: Parsons.
Homes Near Matteson Junction withinVillage of Matteson.
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Mainline Acquired from EJ&E (in blue)
Courtesy of Canadian National Railway Company
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Characteristics of Project & Matteson Junction
Overall Project Acquisition of EJ&E mainline track and
yards.
Former EJ&E Mainline: Longer trains, more frequent
operations.
Identified environmental impacts included noise and
vibration.
Matteson Junction Improvements Enhance connection between
Chicago and Matteson Subdivisions.
CN and Matteson agreed that CN would build noise barrier
alongside.
CN asked Parsons to determine barrier height increase to block
light.
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Connectors: Design, Barrier Alignment, Operations
Loop Connector NE ConnectorUltimate average daily operations* 8
4* Between north-side connector crossovers and Matteson Subdivision
mainline.
Holden Park Development
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Conditions Related to Potential Light Impacts
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Chase Gunnoe RailPictures.net
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Project Design Within Area of Potential Impact Curved track:
light projects outward.
Elevated trackbed.
Barrier must be below top of slope.
Sloped track profiles.
SB trains well above base of barrier.
Parsons & TranSystems, 2010-2011 TranSystems, 2010
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Basis for Modeled Headlamp Height
Source: CN, 2009
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Isocandela Plot for Reference Locomotive Headlamp
Model Q400PAR56/SP/75V (400W 75V). Center Beam Candlepower
(CBCP) = 285010. Beam Spread of 10% CBCP (Horiz. X Vert.) = 13 X
13.5; Beam Spread of 10% CBCP = 5.5 X 5.Courtesy of Marty Giubardo
Sr., Senior Sales Manager, PowerRail Distribution
285010
253340
158330
126670
101330
63330
31660
15830
6330
3160
cd
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Locomotive Headlamp Exposure Simulation
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raylewis RailPictures.net
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Light Exposure Simulation: Methodology
Topography, preliminary track design: FormZ software.
Locomotive, light beam, residences: 3DStudioMax.
FormZ components imported into 3DStudioMax model.
Cross-Sectional Views at Key Positions: MicroStation.
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Simulation Results: Perspective View, NB Move
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Simulation Results: Perspective View, SB Move
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Projection of Partially Blocked Light Beam on Facades
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Sound and Light Barrier Characteristics
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Parsons, 2011 Photographer: Michael S. Weber
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Additional Barrier Height to Prevent Light Trespass
Source: Parsons, 2010-2011
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Sound and Light Barrier: During Erection
Courtesy of Eric S. Bullerman, Senior Engineer, TranSystems
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Recap/Conclusion
Recap
Elevated, curved and sloped tracks adjacent to residences.
Previous commitment by CN to barrier for noise abatement.
Headlamp beams oriented directly towards homes during
passbys.
Conclusion
Heightening of noise barrier provided additional value to
community.
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Authors Contact Information / Questions
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Michael WeberParsons100 West Walnut StreetPasadena, CA
[email protected]
James Gardiner RailPictures.net
Questions?
