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Anti-trespass panels

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  • Description
  • Notable Practices
  • Advantages
  • Drawbacks
  • Images
  • References
  • Related Measures

Anti-trespass panels are used to restrict access to the Right-Of-Way (ROW) from grade crossings and other potential entry points. These panels are made from recycled rubber or timber and have a surface that is difficult to walk on. Panels can have a repetitive skewed profile or a raised pyramid design. This measure is most effective at crossings that are close to train stations or attractions (parks, shopping center, schools, etc.). These crossings tend to have commuters or pedestrians using the ROW between the crossing and the station/attraction as a shortcut. The measure should be combined with proper channelization to prevent people from walking around the panels.

Anti-trespass panels have helped reduce railroad trespasser activity, according to evaluations of panel effectiveness, including one evaluation in the United States. The U.S. study reports a 38-percent reduction in the number of trespassers following the installation of the anti-trespass panels at a crossing in Fayetteville, AR [1]. Other research studies conducted in Europe evaluate the effectiveness of anti-trespass panels in combination with other physical and behavioral measures. These studies reported between a 30- and 98-percent reduction in the number of trespassers following installation of the panels along railroad ROW and at crossings [2][3][4].

  • Consider the potential for individuals to attempt to jump over the panel when determining the width of the panel needed. [1]
  • Consider adding snowplow lift signs near the panels if installed in snowy areas to reduce the occurrence of damage during snowplowing. [2]
  • Consider safety and operational impacts on train and roadway users when scheduling panel installation.
  • Develop a maintenance strategy to remove dirt, fallen debris, and snow from the panels.
  • Reflective paint can increase a panel’s visibility on the ground. [4]
  • Ensure that there are escape routes around panels for train passengers during emergency evacuation. [4]
  • Consider adding entry gates along the fence for railroad workers or first responders to access the railroad ROW. [4]
  • Post warning and prohibitive signs near the panels.
  • Create proper channelization along the railroad ROW so that people cannot walk around the panels.
  • Anti-trespass panels are simple to install. [2]
  • The panels are made of rubber and can be cut to fit around existing infrastructure (e.g., columns, signs).
  • Panels are relatively low cost. The cost is primarily associated with the materials, as the panels may be installed by rail staff.
  • Unlike rock treatments, where installation is only outside the tracks, installation for anti-trespass panel can also be between the rails.
  • Panels can be both a visual and physical deterrent. [4]
  • Anti-trespass panels can make it difficult for railroad maintenance workers and first responders to access the railroad ROW.
  • Anti-trespass panels can make it more difficult for passengers to exit the railroad ROW during an emergency evacuation.
  • Without proper upkeep, anti-trespass panels can fill up with dirt, fallen debris, or snow, reducing their effectiveness.
Figure 1.Anti-trespass panels installed at a grade crossing in Fayetteville, AR. Image Credit: Volpe CenterFigure 2. Anti-trespass panels installed at a grade crossing in Fayetteville, AR. Image Credit: Volpe CenterFigure 3. Anti-trespass panels from Google Street View

[1] Ngamdung, T. and DaSilva, M. (2019). Effect of Anti-Trespass Guard Panels on Pedestrian Behavior. Technical Report No. DOT/FRA/ORD-19/23. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration.

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration Office of Research, Development and Technology, conducted a research study that evaluated the effectiveness of anti-trespass guard panels installed on a railroad right-of-way (ROW) adjacent to the West Dickson Street grade crossing in Fayetteville, AR. The goal of the panels was to reduce the number of pedestrians that trespass onto railroad ROWs. Data was collected over 10 weekends before and another period of 10 weekends after the installation of the anti-trespass guard panels. Results indicated that the number of trespassing pedestrians was reduced by 38 percent, from 166 trespassers before installation to 103 after installation. Though these results seemed to indicate that this safety enhancement was effective in improving pedestrian behavior, it is important to note that no measure of pedestrian traffic was collected and this safety enhancement has only been studied at one unique crossing. Additional field testing is necessary before recommendations for wider use can be made.

[2] Svensson, K. and Dahlstrand, A. (2019). Pyramid Rubber Mats Obstructing Rail Track Trespassers. The Swedish Transport Administration.

Description: This report describes a study, conducted by Swedish Transport Administration, to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-trespass panels installed at six test site locations throughout the rail network in Sweden. The test site locations include three at rail yard, one at grade crossing, one at tunnel, and one at station platform. The report includes data on the effects of anti-trespass panels on the number of trespassers at these locations.

[3] RESTRAIL. (2014). Evaluation of measures, recommendations and guidelines for further implementation: Pilot test #7, A combination of measures at Ayden Station – TCDD.

Description: This document describes a pilot test of various physical and behavioral measure including anti-trespass panels to reduce the occurrence of suicides and trespasses on railway property as part of the RESTRAIL project.

[4] SAFER-LC. (2020, September 30). Prevention of Pedestrian Trespassing in the Vicinity of LC. SAFER-LC  Toolbox.

Description: This webpage provides information on implementing anti-trespass panels in Europe, including recommendations, potential criticalities, and study results & references.

 

Additional Resources

Metrolinx. (2020, August 27). Rolling out the mats for safety – Metrolinx is moving ahead with the installation of more potentially life-saving rail corridor anti-trespassing mats.

Description: This news article describes an effort by Metrolinx in Canada to increase safety at level road and pedestrian crossings by installing the anti-trespass panels at high-risk locations.

Rock treatments to restrict access