directly inform the train operator of the potential risk have been installed. NR has introduced similar obstacle detection technology at 200 locations. This uses both radar and lidar optical remote sensing system to detect whether an object is crossing the track and communicates with the signalling system to turn signals to danger if an object is detected, which is a first for the British railway network. Similarly on the Marks Tey - Sudbury line in eastern England a GPS system is providing users with up-to-the-minute information on precise train location so that they know when it is safe to use the level crossing, avoiding unnecessarily long waiting times. “Often people can wait up to 20 minutes to use this level crossing because it is a single-track line that has a significant distance between signals,” Gallagher says. “In the 21st century we should be able to detect where trains are to inform people when it is safe to use a level crossing so they are not left waiting for this amount of time.” Since the programme began, Gallagher says that NR has reduced its level crossing accident risk factor by
nearly 20% meaning that level crossings are now arguably safer than they have ever been. The life-cycle cost savings achieved also mean that the programme is effectively paying for itself.
But with three years to go until the risk assessment programme is completed, and with new technology being installed all the time, Gallagher is hopeful of achieving more. If this is the case, tragedies like Elsenham will increasingly become a distant memory.
“When we complete
our programme of analysis of risk
assessment at every level crossing in the country in
Obstacle detection technology is now in use at 200 locations.
2015 I expect to see that every one of them will have a higher level of safety and asset quality than we have ever seen before,” Gallagher says. “We are
still going to have accidents, but hopefully we are going to find that these accidents are not the result of the risk factors that we identify.” IRJ
DIN ISO 9001 and IRIS certified
Primary and secondary suspension systems for rail vehicles Rubber–to–metal bonded suspension elements for noise and vibration reduction
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IRJ December 2012 35
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