Railroads and rail transit agencies are tasked with securing their rights of way, which often feature open access points such as grade crossings and station platforms that can lead to trespassing incidents. This creates a continuous challenge for operators and public agencies to balance security with the safe and efficient delivery of services. TRB hosted a webinar on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Eastern that shared techniques and treatments to employ to deter trespassing, ranging from physical barriers to public outreach and education. Presenters discussed deployment of electronic surveillance through rail crossing cameras and other devices to monitor grade crossing activity and provide alerts for actions.
This webinar was based on TCRP Research Report 233: Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way and TCRP Synthesis 177: Electronic Surveillance of Railroad-Highway Crossings for Collison Avoidance: State of the Practice.
This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program and the Standing Technical Committee on Rail Safety.
The slides and recording are available.
 
Webinar agenda and presenters

• Strategies for deterring trespassing on rail transit and commuter rail rights of way – Jeffery E. Warner, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
• Electronic surveillance of railroad-highway crossings for collision avoidance: State of the practice – Amiy Varma, AAAJ, LLC
• Development of railroad trespassing database using artificial intelligence – Francesco Bedini Jacobini, Federal Railroad Administration
• Question and answer session moderated by David C. Wilcock, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were be for presentations and the final 30 minutes were be reserved for audience questions.
 
Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Understand the most effective methods and techniques to deploy to deter trespassing on rail rights of way
• Analyze surveillance data collected from rail crossing cameras to enhance engineering, education, and enforcement efforts
• Recognize the vital role grade crossing surveillance and trespasser deterrence plays in the safe operation of rail systems

 
Professional Development Hours
This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.
American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits
This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.