UK-first trial in Wales could make level crossings safer and quicker
Network Rail has tested Universal Signalling’s ‘U-Cross’ system on the Heart of Wales line
A new, UK-first trial on rural railways in Wales could make level crossings much safer and quicker to use.
Network Rail has tested Universal Signalling’s ‘U-Cross’ system on the Heart of Wales line, using real-time data to show exactly where trains are and how long it’s safe to cross.
The technology was fitted along an eleven-mile stretch between Llandeilo and Llandovery, with trains automatically sending their location to signallers.
If successful, the system could be rolled out across more of the country, aiming to speed up journeys for farmers and rural communities while keeping everyone safer.
The challenge
Network Rail say user-worked crossings are common on rural lines and require users to contact the signaller by telephone before crossing.
While current processes are safe, signallers often rely on train-location information drawn from several different sources, which can result in delays for people waiting to cross.
‘U-Cross’ addresses this challenge by delivering real-time, enhanced situational awareness directly to the signaller - including exactly how many minutes are available to cross safely before the next train arrives - enabling faster, safer decision-making.
They say the combined efforts of Universal Signalling, Network Rail Wales & Borders and Transport for Wales - co-funded by the Innovation Acceleration Forum - enabled this trial to be delivered quickly and effectively.
How the trial worked
The two-week trial (3 - 14 November) took place on an 11-mile section of the Heart of Wales line between Llandeilo and Llandovery, covering 20 user-worked crossings.
As part of the trial, the track was fitted with U-Beacon Universal Locator Beacons, visible as green discs attached to the sleepers through Llandovery Station, and in-service Transport for Wales trains were fitted with readers and communications equipment.
Trains automatically transmitted their position to the signaller when approaching or clearing a crossing.
The systems in-built health and performance monitoring capability collected more than 400,000 data points for the team to analyse.
The next phase will look to extend the technology across the full 96-mile Heart of Wales line, which has 126 crossings, before exploring opportunities on other rural rail routes across the UK.
A UK-first trial
Anthony Aldred, Operations Manager, Network Rail Wales and Borders said, “Managing access to the railway at user-worked crossings is a key part of keeping our network safe for the people and communities who rely on it. In rural areas, where signallers rely on information from multiple sources, U-Cross gives them a clear, instant view of train locations and visual confirmation of whether a crossing is safe to use, while defaulting to established procedures if a fault is detected.
“This product has real potential to further strengthen safety and reduce delays for users and it has been incredibly valuable to support this project.
“We’re proud to be part of this UK-first trial as we work with Universal Signalling and our industry partners to explore how it could benefit more locations across the network.”
'The first stepping stone'
Stephen Head, Chief Executive Officer at Universal Signalling said, “U-Cross is the first stepping stone towards our vision for next-generation digital signalling that’s affordable for rural lines. What truly sets this apart is the speed of deployment, which drives down cost to the railway.
“We’ve automated and productionised as much of the process as possible, stripping out much of the cost base. Fitting 11 miles of track in just two and a half overnight possessions, with no prior design work, shows what’s possible with our system.
“It’s been a delight working with the Wales & Borders teams, and the support from Transport for Wales has been fantastic. Feedback from this trial and analysis of the data collected will inform refinements ahead of the next phase.”