Sensing Techniques and Detection Methods for Train Approach Detection

In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of currently available train approach detection methods and discuss some of the more innovative detection techniques for addressing the safety at highway-rail intersections (HRI) as well as the safety of railway workers by providing sufficient early warning of oncoming locomotives. A comprehensive review of various sensor technologies and detection techniques is provided, all of which have been attempted in experimental settings by academia and transportation agencies. Our goal is to highlight remaining research issues to help foster innovation in this area and facilitate the research on innovative train detection methods in the pursuit of a suitable technology-based early-warning train approach detection solution.