Infrastructure Wrong Side Failures

Definition

The number of higher risk (hazard index of 50 or above) failures of infrastructure. This measure identifies failure areas where improvement to the infrastructure is required or perverse equipment behaviour manifests itself when new equipment is introduced.
 

Results

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Commentary

The continued improvement in infrastructure wrong-side failure rate is a reflection of the general improvement in the asset stewardship incentive index (ASII) which has outperformed the expectations of the 2003 Access Charges review, in spite of greater volumes of traffic on the network than anticipated.

We are now in the final phase of our three-phase transformation programme, which builds on reducing safety risks, standardising processes and delivering efficiencies by removing unnecessary costs.

The New Measurement Train (NMT) and other train-based measurement have improved detection of potential failures before they become serious from a safety perspective. We have also realised the early opportunities for improvement, such as accelerated re-railing programmes and rail grinding to tackle rolling contact fatigue.

The numbers of signals and telecoms high risk failures are very small. The 2007/08 autumn season produced a different pattern of leaf fall, which has led to a reduction in the number of leaf fall railhead contamination related signalling failures.

We are focusing increasingly on tackling the root causes of long-standing issues that affect asset performance. In particular, components that are not sufficiently reliable are being progressively replaced on a campaign basis.

In 2007/08, we have seen a particularly strong performance in the reduction of broken rails which are at their lowest ever level. The major factors are the mild weather experienced this year and increased use of ultrasonic testing, supported by the ongoing impact of improvements due to targeted asset renewal and maintenance.