ROAD OVER

BRIDGES
ENHANCING CONNECTIVITY & SAFETY

A PRESENTATION BY AYAN GUHA (TRAINEE JE/DDE/MLDT)

 CONTENTS
TABLE OF
01
OVERVIEW
Importance of ROB

02
DEFINITION
What is a ROB

03
COMPONENTS
Structural Components

04
ADVANTAGES
Why ROBs are superior than
L.C. Gates

05 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Principles and Construction
Process
 CONTENTS
TABLE OF
06
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Economic Advantages

07
CHALLENGES
Challenges and their Solutions

08
CONCLUSION
 IMPORTANCE
OF ROB

CONTINUOUS CONNECTIVITY

REDUCED TRAVEL TIME

ENHANCED SAFETY

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

EMERGENCY SERVICES
ACCESSIBILITY
 PURPOSE
DEFINITION &
A "Road Over Bridge" refers to a structure designed to carry a road or
highway over an obstacle, such as a river, railway, valley, or another
road.

It provides a continuous and elevated pathway for vehicular and

pedestrian traffic, allowing for the seamless flow of transportation
over the obstacle. Road Over Bridges are engineered to support the
weight of the road and the vehicles using it while spanning the
impediment below, enhancing connectivity and facilitating efficient
transportation.

Road Over Bridges serve to ensure uninterrupted connectivity,

enhance transportation efficiency, improve safety by separating
traffic, contribute to urban development, facilitate emergency
services access, reduce environmental impact, foster economic
growth, and provide resilient infrastructure.
STRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS
 COMPONENTS
All bridges can be summarized into two main parts:

1. SUBSTRUCTURE 2. SUPERSTRUCTURE
1. THE SUBSTRUCTURE

COMPONENTS
ABUTMENTS:

Vertical supports at the ends of the bridge that resist horizontal forces and provide stability.

PIERS:

Vertical supports between abutments, located within the span of the bridge, that bear the
load of the superstructure and transfer it to the foundation.

FOUNDATION:

The base structure below ground level that supports the bridge, distributing loads to the
underlying soil or rock.

WING WALLS:

Walls attached to the abutments that help redirect and guide water away from the
bridge structure.
 COMPONENTS
2. THE SUPERSTRUCTURE
DECK:

The top surface of the bridge, serving as the roadway for vehicles and pedestrians.

GIRDERS OR BEAMS:

Horizontal components that support the deck and transfer loads to the abutments and
piers.

BEARINGS:

Devices placed between the superstructure and substructure to allow for movements
caused by temperature changes, settling, or other factors.
 COMPONENTS
2. THE SUPERSTRUCTURE
EXPANSION JOINTS:

Gaps or joints in the bridge structure that accommodate thermal expansion and
contraction, preventing damage due to temperature variations.

PARAPETS:

Protective barriers or walls along the sides of the bridge deck to enhance safety for
vehicles and pedestrians.

APPROACH SLABS:

Transition slabs connecting the bridge deck to the roadway approaches, ensuring a
smooth transition for vehicles.
ADVANTAGES
 ADVANTAGES
ENHANCED SAFETY: ROBs eliminate accidents at level crossings, a critical
safety improvement for Indian Railways.

REDUCED LIABILITY: Eliminating level crossings decreases the liability

associated with rail accidents.

EFFICIENT RAIL OPERATIONS: ROBs minimize disruptions, ensuring more

efficient and timely rail services.

IMPROVED TRAIN SPEEDS: With level crossings eliminated, trains can

operate at higher speeds, enhancing overall rail efficiency.

DECREASED MAINTENANCE COST: ROBs generally require less

maintenance, resulting in cost savings for Indian Railways.

IMPROVED TRAFFIC FLOW: ROBs reduce congestion near railway

crossings, facilitating smoother vehicular movement.
 ADVANTAGES
ENHANCED EMERGENCY RESPONSE: ROBs provide unimpeded access
for emergency services, crucial for rapid response along the rail corridor.

OPTIMISED LAND UTILISATION: ROBs allow more efficient land use,

minimizing space needed for level crossing approaches.

LONG-TERM COST SAVINGS: Despite higher initial costs, ROBs offer

long-term benefits in safety and operational efficiency.

MODERNIZATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE: Investing in ROBs aligns with

Indian Railways' modernization efforts, contributing to overall advancement
and safety.
CONSTRUCTION
 CONSTRUCTION
1. PROJECT IDENTIFICATION:

Identification of a level crossing where a Road Over Bridge is deemed

necessary for safety, traffic flow, or other operational reasons.

2. FEASIBILITY STUDY:

Conduct a comprehensive feasibility study, considering factors such as traffic

volume, safety concerns, and coordination with other transportation
authorities.

3. DESIGN AND PLANNING:

Develop detailed engineering designs and plans for the ROB, considering
railway specifications, traffic patterns, and soil conditions.

4 LAND ACQUISITION:

Acquire the necessary land for the construction of the ROB and associated
approaches, adhering to legal and regulatory processes.
 CONSTRUCTION
5. UTILITY RELOCATION:

Relocate utilities such as water pipes, gas lines, and electrical cables in coordination with
relevant authorities to clear the construction path.

6. FOUNDATION WORK:

Excavate and prepare the foundation for the bridge supports, taking into account soil
conditions and adherence to Indian Railways' standards.

7. SUBSTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION:

Construct the substructure, including abutments and piers, following the specific
guidelines and standards set by Indian Railways.

8. SUPERSTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION:

Assemble and install the superstructure, including beams or girders, ensuring compliance
with Indian Railways' specifications.
 CONSTRUCTION
9. APPROACH ROADS:

Construct approach roads leading to and from the ROB, following Indian Railways'
guidelines for road-rail interface safety.

10. UTILITIES INTEGRATION:

Integrate utilities such as drainage, lighting, and other necessary systems in accordance
with Indian Railways' standards.

11. SAFETY FEATURES:

Install safety features such as barriers, signals, and signage in compliance with Indian
Railways' safety requirements.

12. TESTING AND INSPECTION:

Conduct structural testing and inspections to ensure the ROB meets both safety and
quality standards, adhering to Indian Railways' specifications.
PROJECT
RECENT

KEY PLAN FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A ROB IN LIEU OF L.C. GATE IN ASN DIVN OF EASTERN RAILWAY
 IMPACT
ECONOMIC
REDUCED REDUCED
ACCIDENT TIME & FUEL MAINTENANCE
COST SAVINGS COST
ROBs enhance Improved traffic flow Although initial costs
safety, lowering by ROBs reduces may be higher, ROBs
costs associated travel time and fuel often result in
with accidents and consumption for long-term
emergency road users. maintenance cost
responses. savings.
CHALLENGES
 CHALLENGES
LAND ACQUISITION:

Challenge: Acquiring land for ROB construction can face resistance from
local communities or pose legal hurdles.

Solution: Transparent communication, community engagement, and

adherence to legal processes can mitigate resistance. Proper compensation
and rehabilitation measures are crucial.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT:

Challenge: Construction activities can lead to traffic congestion and

disruptions in the surrounding areas.

Solution: Implementing well-thought-out traffic management plans,

temporary detours, and clear communication with the public to minimize
inconvenience.
 CHALLENGES
UTILITY RELOCATION:

Challenge: Relocating utilities like water lines, gas pipes, and electrical cables
can be time-consuming and disrupt existing services.

Solution: Early coordination with utility providers, efficient relocation plans,

and minimizing service disruptions through temporary solutions during
relocation.

SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION:

Challenge: Construction poses safety risks to workers and the public in the
vicinity.

Solution: Strict adherence to safety protocols, training programs for workers,

and effective signage and barricading to alert the public about construction
zones.
 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the imperative shift from
LEVEL CROSSING (L.C.) GATES to
ROAD OVER BRIDGES (ROBS) marks
a pivotal chapter in the evolution of
INDIAN RAILWAYS.

The significance of this transition

cannot be overstated, as it addresses
critical challenges and propels our
railway infrastructure into a new era of
safety, efficiency, and economic
development.
THANK YOU