Advance Preempt with Gate-Down Confirmation: Solution for Preempt Trap

The preempt trap, a safety issue at some traffic signals near railroad grade crossings with advance preempt, can be addressed in several ways if the operating authority is aware of the potential problem. However, some solutions, such as not using advance preemption, result in other problems, including potentially unsafe clearance intervals during preemption. A simple solution, available from railroads under the standards of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association, that provides both safe and efficient operation is evaluated. The evaluation demonstrates the potential value of the use of advance preempt with gate-down confirmation.