Virginia Drivers Receive App Alerts on Blocked Railroad Crossings
Virginia drivers can now receive timely app alerts regarding blocked railroad crossings, thanks to a new technology initiative. Andria McClellan, a former Norfolk City Council member, has developed the app through her company, Oculus Rail.
Oculus Rail: Innovation in Traffic Management
Founded in early 2024, Oculus Rail aims to address the frequent complaints about train-related traffic disruptions. McClellan personally experienced these issues, which motivated her to create a solution. After an extensive search for a technology partner, she collaborated with Port Solution Integrators, a Portsmouth-based company. Together, they developed solar-powered wireless sensors and the necessary data integration for the app.
Key Features of the App
The Oculus Rail app was launched in October 2024. Within just weeks, it expanded nationwide, already garnering over 2,000 downloads. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices through the App Store and Google Play.
- Real-time alerts about blocked railroad crossings
- Forty solar-powered sensors installed at important crossings in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Suffolk
- AI technology to monitor train blocking durations and traffic impacts
Improving Commuter Experience
Business owner Michael Millard-Lowe has voiced his satisfaction with the app, noting its effectiveness in alleviating frustrations from traffic backups due to crossings. “Blocked crossings are my biggest pet peeve,” he stated, emphasizing how the app helps manage commuting routes.
The app features a color-coded map: indicators turn from green to orange when a crossing is blocked and revert to green when it clears. This user-friendly interface allows drivers to adjust travel plans based on real-time data.
Collaborations and Future Plans
Oculus Rail aims to integrate its data with platforms like Google Maps and Waze, enhancing the navigational experience for users. The company handles the installation and maintenance of sensors, providing valuable data to municipalities for an annual data subscription, typically ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 per crossing.
Pavithra Parthasarathi, from the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization, highlighted the app’s potential benefits. It allows drivers to make informed decisions about their routes or travel times based on crossing blockage information not available elsewhere.
Expanding Horizons
McClellan has expressed her commitment to furthering the outreach of Oculus Rail. Future plans may involve addressing additional motoring concerns, such as bridge conditions and road flooding.
“This initiative is an extension of my public service career,” she remarked. Her vision is to enhance the quality of life for residents in Hampton Roads and, ultimately, across the United States.
