The document discusses light trespass from locomotive headlamps onto homes near curved railroad tracks in Matteson, Illinois. Parsons simulated locomotive headlamp light exposure to determine how much to increase an existing noise barrier alongside the tracks. The simulation showed headlamp beams projecting directly onto homes during train passbys due to elevated and curved track geometry. Parsons concluded increasing the height of the planned noise barrier would prevent light trespass from locomotives onto the residences while still providing noise mitigation benefits to the community.

1. 1
MITIGATION OF LIGHT TRESPASS FROM
HEADLAMPS OF LOCOMOTIVES ON
CURVED TRACKS
Michael Weber 2011 Railroad Environmental Conference
© Jeff Terry RailPictures.net

2. Presentation Outline
parsons 2
 Introduction to Project and Parsons’ Role
 Conditions Related to Potential Light Impacts
 Locomotive Headlamp Light Exposure Simulation
 Sound and Light Barrier Characteristics
 Recap/Conclusion

3. Introduction to Project and Parsons’ Role
3
© Ryan Parent RailPictures.net

4. 4
Background
 Action: Railroad acquisition.
 Acquiring Entity: Canadian National Railway Company (CN).
 Entity Acquired: EJ&E West Company.
 Approval Authority: Surface Transportation Board (STB).
 Lead Agency for Preparation of EIS under NEPA: STB.
 Consultant to CN for Noise and Transportation: Parsons.
 Homes Near Matteson Junction within…Village of Matteson.

5. 5
Mainline Acquired from EJ&E (in blue)
Courtesy of Canadian National Railway Company

6. 6
Characteristics of Project & Matteson Junction
 Overall Project
 Acquisition of EJ&E mainline track and yards.
 Former EJ&E Mainline: Longer trains, more frequent operations.
 Identified environmental impacts included noise and vibration.
 Matteson Junction Improvements
 Enhance connection between Chicago and Matteson Subdivisions.
 CN and Matteson agreed that CN would build noise barrier alongside.
 CN asked Parsons to determine barrier height increase to block light.

7. 7
Connectors: Design, Barrier Alignment, Operations
Loop Connector NE Connector
Ultimate average daily operations* 8 4
* Between north-side connector crossovers and Matteson Subdivision mainline.
Holden Park
Development

8. Conditions Related to Potential Light Impacts
8
© Chase Gunnoe RailPictures.net

9. 9
Project Design Within Area of Potential Impact
 Curved track: light projects outward.
 Elevated trackbed.
 Barrier must be below top of slope.
 Sloped track profiles.
 SB trains well above base of barrier.
© Parsons & TranSystems, 2010-2011 © TranSystems, 2010

10. 10
Basis for Modeled Headlamp Height
Source: CN, 2009

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Isocandela Plot for Reference Locomotive Headlamp
Model Q400PAR56/SP/75V (400W 75V). Center Beam Candlepower (CBCP) = 285010. Beam Spread of 10% CBCP (Horiz.
X Vert.) = 13° X 13.5°; Beam Spread of 10% CBCP = 5.5° X 5°.
Courtesy of Marty Giubardo Sr., Senior Sales Manager, PowerRail Distribution
285010
253340
158330
126670
101330
63330
31660
15830
6330
3160
cd

12. Locomotive Headlamp Exposure Simulation
12
© raylewis RailPictures.net

13. 13
Light Exposure Simulation: Methodology
 Topography, preliminary track design: FormZ software.
 Locomotive, light beam, residences: 3DStudioMax.
 FormZ components imported into 3DStudioMax model.
 Cross-Sectional Views at Key Positions: MicroStation.

14. 14
Simulation Results: Perspective View, NB Move
Sample Still Frames from Video Animation Presented at Conference
00:00:03:19 00:00:06:12 00:00:08:24
00:00:11:19 00:00:13:06 00:00:17:06

15. 15
Simulation Results: Perspective View, SB Move
Sample Still Frames from Video Animation Presented at Conference
00:00:00:00 00:00:03:07 00:00:08:24
00:00:11:27 00:00:14:11 00:00:19:11

16. 16
Projection of Partially Blocked Light Beam on Facades

17. Sound and Light Barrier Characteristics
17
© Parsons, 2011 Photographer: Michael S. Weber

18. 18
Additional Barrier Height to Prevent Light Trespass
Source: Parsons, 2010-2011

19. 19
Sound and Light Barrier: During Erection
Courtesy of Eric S. Bullerman, Senior Engineer, TranSystems

20. 20
Recap/Conclusion
 Recap
 Elevated, curved and sloped tracks adjacent to residences.
 Previous commitment by CN to barrier for noise abatement.
 Headlamp beams oriented directly towards homes during passbys.
 Conclusion
 Heightening of noise barrier provided additional value to community.

21. Author’s Contact Information / Questions
21
Michael Weber
Parsons
100 West Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA 91124
michael.weber@parsons.com
© James Gardiner RailPictures.net
Questions?