Download or read book Development of Information on Intermodal Safety Issues in Illinois written by Athanasios K. Ziliaskopoulos and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The objective of this study was to identify safety and efficiency issues related to the intermodal truck movements in the Chicago area. The literature was comprehensively reviewed and all possible sources of information were identified, so that a clear and objective assessment of the status of the intermodal industry in Chicago could be provided, as well as the problems they face and the problems they are creating. It was not possible to get complete access to all databases, or conclusively answer questions, such as "Are intermodal trucks less safe than the non-intermodal trucks?" However, the reasons for that were identified and recommendations for remedying this shortcoming were provided. The requirements of this study were exceeded by investigating sources of potential information not considered before (automatic vehicle location, yard gate information) as well as the development of innovative tools that can help engineers and planners to objectively evaluate future improvements on the street network. In addition, the global view was taken of looking at the problem at the system level. Truck drivers were surveyed in a cost effective way and both insights and objective data were obtained. Also, in the course of this research, communication was established with all involved stakeholders (trucking companies, drivers, Illinois Transportation Association, Chicago Area Transportation Study, rail companies, the police) who helped the team understand the problems better from their perspectives. The findings of this research are outlined with emphasis on the implementable recommendations.