Network Rail Trials U-Cross Tech for Safer Rural Level Crossings

Network Rail has successfully trialed real-time train location technology, dubbed ‘U-Cross’, on an 11-mile segment of the Heart of Wales line, significantly enhancing operational safety at rural user-worked level crossings. The Universal Signalling-developed system promises faster decision-making for signallers by providing live train position data, a crucial improvement over current multi-source information methods.

The ‘U-Cross’ system, a product of Universal Signalling, was rigorously tested over a two-week period on a challenging 11-mile stretch of the Heart of Wales line, specifically between Llandeilo and Llandovery, encompassing 20 user-worked crossings. This initiative directly addresses the critical safety needs at these remote crossings, where quick and accurate information is paramount for signallers responding to crossing requests.

Operational Enhancements

User-worked crossings, prevalent on many rural rail networks, necessitate direct communication from individuals intending to cross to the signaller. The existing protocol relies on signallers collating information from disparate sources, which can introduce critical delays. The U-Cross system revolutionizes this by equipping Transport for Wales trains with readers and communication equipment, linked to U-Beacon Universal Locator Beacons installed trackside. These beacons automatically transmit train positions in real-time as trains approach or clear crossings, providing signallers with an immediate and unambiguous view of the network.

The data collected during the trial was extensive, with over 400,000 data points logged for analysis. Notably, the installation process was remarkably efficient, requiring only two and a half overnight line blocks and crucially, no prior line-side design work. This streamlined deployment highlights the system’s potential for significant efficiency and cost savings in future signalling upgrades and renewals, while simultaneously bolstering safety for crossing users.

Industry Impact and Future Deployment

Universal Signalling CEO Stephen Head emphasised the strategic importance of U-Cross, stating, “U-Cross is the first stepping stone towards our vision for next-generation digital signalling that’s affordable for rural lines.” He further highlighted the speed of deployment as a key differentiator, which directly reduces costs. “We’ve automated and productionised as much of the process as possible, stripping out much of the cost base,” Head added, underscoring the system’s adaptable and cost-effective approach.

The success of this initial trial paves the way for the next phase, which will involve extending the U-Cross technology across the entire 96-mile Heart of Wales line, encompassing its 126 crossings. This will be followed by considerations for wider deployment on other rural routes, a move that could fundamentally alter the safety and efficiency landscape for such networks. The collaborative effort, involving Universal Signalling, Network Rail Wales & Borders, and Transport for Wales, with crucial co-funding from the Innovation Acceleration Forum, exemplifies a robust model for industry-wide innovation.

Anthony Aldred, operations manager for Network Rail Wales and Borders, commented on the significance of the technology, stating, “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.” He elaborated that U-Cross provides signallers in rural areas, who often juggle multiple information streams, with a “clear, instant view of train locations and visual confirmation of whether a crossing is safe to use,” while retaining established safety procedures in case of system faults.

The U-Cross system’s potential was first showcased at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence in Onllwyn, South Wales, last year, where it was identified as a promising innovation for rural rail operations. Its successful trial on the Heart of Wales line now solidifies its position as a critical development in the ongoing drive for a safer and more efficient railway infrastructure.