Industry Case Study
Elk Valley Coal Project, Elkford BC
The Challenge
Elk Valley Coal needed a traffic control solution for a mountain coal site in Elkford, British Columbia. A hauling road, with heavy, slow moving trucks carrying up to 500 ton loads, was intersecting a road carrying civilian traffic. The first challenge was to find a solution that would ensure the safety of the intersection; the second was to find a traffic solution that would give hauling trucks the right of way all the time so they could decrease the number of stopping times and reduce maintenance costs.
The Solution
Trafco designed a solution that would always pre-empt the traffic signals to permit the free flow of the heavy vehicles, while still providing a safe crossing for civilian traffic.
- Devises were installed to detect the arrival times of heavy vehicles and ensure they had enough time to cross the intersection.
- The green light was given to civilian vehicles when all hauling trucks were cleared.
- Barrier gates were also provided to ensure safety of both sets of traffic. One barrier gate was installed on the hauling road to prevent civilian traffic from turning right. Another was installed to prevent civilian traffic from proceeding when hauling trucks were approaching the intersection on route.
The Result
Hauling trucks never had to stop at a traffic light before leaving the hauling road, saving company time and keeping costs for automotive parts and truck maintenance, particularly brakes, down. Barrier gates ensured the compliance of intersection signals, keeping both civilian traffic and workers safe.
Tasks Fulfilled
- Research and assessment
- Design of intersection
- Product search and implementation
- Project management and execution
- Follow up and training
