Right-of-way fencing
- Description
- Notable Practices
- Images and Audio
- References
The goal of Right-Of-Way (ROW) fencing is to restrict pedestrians from using the ROW as a shortcut between destinations, prevent vandalism to railroad property, and deter individuals from intentionally entering the path of an oncoming train.
Studies have shown that the installation of fencing is often associated with a significant reduction in the number of trespassers [1]. One study found that fencing was only effective when it was longer than 100 meters, with shorter stretches of fencing not achieving the same benefit [2].
Fencing the entire U.S. rail network is not economically feasible. Therefore, fencing should be installed strategically using a data-driven approach; this may include data on past trespass and suicide casualties, debris strikes, trespass observations, and locations where fencing has been breached in the past [3]. The presence of nearby schools, parks, high-traffic commercial establishments, and other spaces that can attract pedestrians should also be considered when identifying potential fencing locations.
The type of fencing can range from basic fencing solutions, such as standard chain link fence, to bollard-enforced, expanded metal, high-security fencing. The most appropriate choice depends on a variety of factors, including cost, existing policy, community impact, needs assessment, and potential for success [3]. There may be ways to augment each type of fencing to reduce the potential for vandalism and increase the effectiveness of it as a deterrent, including the addition of vegetation such as bougainvillea, a thorny ornamental vine [4].
The table below provides strengths and weaknesses of the most commonly used options for fencing choice [3].
| Fencing System | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Standard Chain Link | Ease of configuration | Easily cut, easily scaled |
| Intertrack | Ease of configuration | Easily cut, easily scaled |
| Welded-Wire | Ease of configuration, Difficult to cut | Easily cut |
| Expanded Metal | Difficult to cut, Difficult to scale |
Additional search terms: chain link, barrier, deterrent, fence, RO
- Use a data-informed approach to determine locations where fencing should be installed. Consider the processes described in Risk assessment and hotspot monitoring [3].
- When installing fencing in a residential area, redirect potential trespassers to the nearest safe, legal crossing location for pedestrian access to destinations on the opposite side of the tracks, as neighborhoods can become closed off from important resources in the community if reasonable, safe alternative routes are not provided.
- Build a cooperative relationship with local communities and neighborhoods adjacent to the tracks Community stakeholder collaboration to establish community support for fencing, and to understand and meet individual community needs and concerns [3].
- A gate should be included in the design of the fencing in case there is a need to gain access to the system, such as for maintenance or during an emergency [5]. Clarify how gates will be unlocked and relocked when access is needed.
- Ensure that fencing on electrified lines (e.g., third rail, overhead line electrification) is grounded appropriately [5].
- Fences should be at least 1600 feet (500 meters) and installed on both sides of the tracks to reduce the potential for trespassing to be displaced to other track locations [5].
- Paint or grease may be applied to the fence to discourage individuals from climbing over.
- Fencing works best when combined with other prevention measures; some examples include Trespassing signage, Suicide prevention messaging, Video detection, Sensor detection, Safety patrols and law enforcement.
- Continued maintenance ensures safety and effectiveness. Fencing materials and quality can affect durability and future maintenance needs. Fencing may degrade over time or be vandalized by trespassers and need to be maintained or replaced.
Images:
Audio:
[1] Silla, A. and Luima, J. (2011). Effect of three countermeasure against the illegal crossing of railway tracks. Accident Analysis & Prevention. Volume 43, issue 3, 1089-1094
Abstract: This study was designed to investigate the effects of three countermeasures – landscaping, building a fence and prohibitive signs – on the frequency of trespassing, which in this case means crossing the track at places where it is forbidden. At each location the official route was no more than 300 m away. The main results showed that the effect of each countermeasure on the frequency of trespassing was statistically significant. Specifically, the fencing reduced trespassing by 94.6%, followed by landscaping (91.3%) and prohibitive signs (30.7%). The majority of illegal crossings were committed alone and the persons trespassing were mostly adults and men. In addition, the results demonstrated some tendencies of how the effects of the selected countermeasures can vary with the characteristics of the trespassers. The main implication of this study is that the building of physical barriers such as landscaping or fencing is recommended for reducing trespassing. However, if the required resources are not available or the site is not suitable for such measures, the use of prohibitive signs is recommended. Further, there is a need to tailor the countermeasures to the characteristics of the trespassers in order to ensure that the most appropriate countermeasures are applied.
[2] Clapperton, A., Dwyer, J., Spittal, M., & Pirkis, J. (2023). The effectiveness of installing trackside fencing in preventing railway suicides: a pre-post study design in Victoria, Australia. Injury prevention, 29(6), 525-527.
Document Summary: Our study adds to knowledge about restricting access to means in the railway environment by examining the effectiveness of the installation of trackside fencing, and in particular, by examining whether differences in effectiveness exist depending on the length of the fencing installed. We identified a 57% reduction in suicides if the fencing was at least 100 metres long.
[3] Stanchak, K., Foderaro, F., and DaSilva, M. (2015). High-Security Fencing for Rail Right-of-way Applications: Current Use and Best Practices. Technical Report No. DOT/FRA/ORD-15/38. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration.
Abstract. The Volpe Center investigated how high-security fencing is used to prevent right-of-way (ROW) trespassing at several urban transit and commuter rail agencies in the United States. Interviews, operations documentation, and site visits were used to gather information for this research, and it was found that the best high security fencing installations do the following: 1) prevent trespassing in all directions, i.e., over, under, and around; 2) are strategically placed in locations determined through rigorous hazard analysis and have community support; and 3) are part of a comprehensive railroad fencing program.
[4] Meade, J. (2024). Trespassing and suicide prevention efforts along the Brightline Corridor. Presentation at the workshop for Grade Crossing Safety and Railroad Trespass Prevention. Piscataway NJ.
Presentation description: In some fenced locations along their system, Brightline has added certain flowering thorny vines to the fences to deter vandalism. Initial impression is that this has worked quite well.
[5] RESTRAIL. (2016, April 29). 9.1 Fencing at hotspots. Restrail Toolbox.
Description: This webpage provides information on implementing fencing at hotspots in Europe, including recommendations, considerations for implementation, and relevant research results.
U.S. Department of Defense. (1993). Military Handbook: Design Guidelines for Security, Fencing, Gates, Barriers, and Guard Facilities (MIL-HDBK-1013/10).
Abstract: This military handbook, MIL-HDBK-1013/10, provides the latest state-of-the-art criteria for security fencing, gates, barriers, and guard facilities and is primarily intended for use by Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFACENGCOM) design engineers and architectural and engineering firms. The contents cover specific criteria to be used during the selection, design, and construction of security fencing, gates, barriers, and guard facilities.