Intelligent Perimeter Systems (IPS), a developer of vehicle barrier and traffic control systems, recently completed installation of the first retractable railroad crossing safety barrier system in the nation.

The railroad crossing, located at Denton Road in Van Buren Township, Wayne County, Michigan, is the first crossing in the nation to be equipped with IPS' Model 100 retractable delineators as part of a railroad crossing safety test conducted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). There are approximately 4,800 public railroad crossings in the state of Michigan.

It is anticipated that the Denton Road project will create awareness and pique the interest of transportation officials around the nation regarding this new technology aimed at protecting people and saving lives.

The IPS Model 100 retractable traffic control delineators, which offer easy and low-cost operation, were developed as a safe and easy way to control or redirect traffic on roadways, parking areas and railroad crossings. Designed to withstand the punishment of repeated impacts, the Model 100 delineators are used in situations where repetitive changes in lane usage or traffic flow patterns are required. The state-of-the-art delineators are housed in self-contained, modular cartridges recessed in the ground and are uniquely easy to install, operate and maintain.

The low-power Model 100 delineators are electronically deployed at railroad crossings when a train is approaching to discourage drivers from driving around lowered crossing gates. Designed to provide a barrier across the entire width of a crossing roadway, the retractable Model 100 delineators automatically deploy as a train approaches, reaching their full deployment height in about six seconds. A fully redundant design with no single point of failure ensures that the system works even if one delineator fails. The Model 100 delineators are activated by a signal from the cross gate system so they are deployed in conjunction with the gate arms.

IPS offers the Model 100 delineators as part of a complete traffic management control system designed to direct traffic around railroad crossings and other high-risk intersections and roadways. Additionally, the flexible software architecture allows it to seamlessly integrate with other major access control systems.

Other applications of the Model 100 delineator include: toll collection lanes, weigh stations, parking lots, tunnel and bridge entrances, HOV lanes and reversible lanes. IPS recently completed installation of Model 100 delineators at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland.