A practical collision avoidance system implementation using proven signaling components

This paper provides a description of a collision avoidance system (CAS) that is being developed by Union Switch & Signal (US&S) for Alaska Railroad Corporation. The CAS performs two main functions: automated traffic planning, and vital collision avoidance. The CAS is being implemented with proven signaling system elements such as the US&S MicroLok®II and MicroCab® platforms, a standard computer-aided dispatching subsystem, and commercially available communication network elements. This implementation will provide a higher level of safety and performance relative to the manual train control system currently in operation on the railroad. The safety aspects of the CAS will be proven to be in compliance with the proposed FRA Rule 236 Subpart H requirements.