3D laser scanning of level crossings

The Netherlands has many level crossings: intersections where a road and a railway cross at the same level. Many of these are vulnerable to low-loaders; the low height of low-loaders increases the risk of them getting stuck at a level crossing, causing delays and unsafe situations.

Level crossings at a raised level to the road surface can cause delays and unsafe situations around the track. ProRail asked Iv to design a concept for a level crossing in Lisse, which is prone to problems with low-loaders, to eliminate this vulnerability. A lot of agricultural traffic also uses this level crossing. Before the design process begins, it is crucial to accurately map the current situation in Lisse. The level crossing – both the location of the road and the track – was measured using 3D laser scanning developed by Iv. The scanning is performed using a laser scanner in combination with tachymetry and GNSS. The millions of points are measured, for the most part, contact-free, quickly and accurately. Based on advanced follow-up calculations to determine the potential hazard class k, a concept design was created below this class to eliminate the vulnerability to low loaders.

The use of non-contact 3D measurement meant that there was no disruption to traffic. There was no need for temporary closures to ensure safety during the survey. Iv mapped the situation at Lisse level crossing to provide a weighted recommendation. Criteria such as road and rail traffic impact, cost and environmental impact were considered. The result of this advice is a safer situation for traffic and the immediate environment and better accessibility.