Planning of timber loading sites and the level crossing requirements for them

Most of the timber loading sites have level crossings. However, at many of the sites, traffic could be managed without crossing tracks.
There are no safety requirements or guidelines for level crossings at timber loading sites to support planning and maintenance. The requirements for level crossings in the public road network do not apply to them.
Planning of timber loading sites and operations at them are primarily guided by ensuring maximum timber volumes. The general view is that there is not enough space for traffic at the timber loading sites. The location of the timber stacks results in cramped conditions and vision barriers. The combined effect of cramped conditions and vision barriers on traffic safety has not been fully recognised in the planning of the sites.

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency should update the planning guidelines for timber loading sites so that the sites can be planned without level crossings. If level crossings are needed at the sites, safety requirements that are independent of the site classification should be specified for them.

Where applicable, the planning of level crossings at timber loading sites should be based on the same criteria as the level crossings in the road network. The impact of site maintenance on level crossing safety should also be considered in the guidelines.

Most of the timber loading sites have level crossings. However, at many of the sites, traffic could be managed without crossing tracks.
There are no safety requirements or guidelines for level crossings at timber loading sites to support planning and maintenance. The requirements for level crossings in the public road network do not apply to them.
Planning of timber loading sites and operations at them are primarily guided by ensuring maximum timber volumes. The general view is that there is not enough space for traffic at the timber loading sites. The location of the timber stacks results in cramped conditions and vision barriers. The combined effect of cramped conditions and vision barriers on traffic safety has not been fully recognised in the planning of the sites.