We’ve developed a new tech that makes replacing and maintaining level crossings a quicker and more cost-efficient process.
The remote digital tech is also far more reliable and easier to repair if there are issues. And it’s greener and more sustainable.
Delays and disruptions caused by level crossings
We want to speed up the way we maintain and replace level crossings – ultimately cutting delays to train journeys caused by this work.
There are hundreds of level crossings across our railway. They allow motorists and pedestrians to cross the track safely on intersecting roads. Maintaining and updating them is an essential but often costly and time-consuming. This is because we sometimes have to close lines and roads to safely out carry out the work.
The system that controls when a level crossing operates is typically the most expensive part to renew. It often sits separately outside the parts of the level crossing you see – like the barriers and road traffic lights – in its own box.
But the way the control system is connected to the rest of the level crossing means we currently have to replace the entire level crossing when we’re renewing it. This makes the job far longer and more expensive.
Plus, a level crossing failure often requires us to manually reset the system by hand. Again, this can add to delays and disruption.
An innovative tech
That’s why we’ve worked with safety systems manufacturer Schweizer Electronic to develop tech that allows us to replace just the control system when it comes to the end of its life. If the rest of the level crossing equipment is fine, we won’t replace it. This makes it a greener, more efficient and simpler solution to replacing level crossings.
The new tech can also automatically reset – even remotely – in some circumstances when a level crossing fails. This can help us get level crossings working again quicker – and potentially save countless minutes of delays to your journeys. It would also help keep our staff safe by removing the need for work on the track.
Trialling the tech
We successfully began trialling the new tech on the railway at Ganton between York and Scarborough in September 2024. We built a trial level crossing next to the existing level crossing to vigorously test the tech without it interrupting your trains, pedestrians or motorists.
We’re now preparing for further trials of this tech. This will help ensure the technology works across our railway safely and effectively. And we have plans to roll it out in the next four years across the rest of our railway.
Matt Dunn, a senior asset engineer at Network Rail, said: “We’re always looking for more cost-effective ways to deliver our signalling renewals so we can do more, whilst also delivering benefits to the railway in terms of improving maintenance, reduced delays and improving safety. That’s why we’ve been working with industry partners to deliver this new level crossing controller which does just that.”
