Head Bolt Lane to Rainford Project | United Kingdom
data-transmissionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Head Bolt Lane to Rainford Project | United Kingdom

Operator
Network Rail
Country
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Partner
Trackwork
Segment
Main & Regional Line
Products
Data Transmission and Diagnostics
Year
07/2023
Scope of project
Data Transmission
Download

As part of the project to expand Merseyrail services, the operator needed to address the challenge of transmitting indication information over a specific section, spanning from Headbolt Lane to Rainford. In this instance, Frauscher’s technology was utilised to fulfill the data transmission requirements of this project, avoiding expensive and time consuming cabling that would have otherwise been required.

This particular project aimed to extend Merseyrail services from Kirkby Station to a new station at Headbolt Lane. A major requirement consisted of the need to transmit TPWS indications, track circuit interrupter, and arrival and departure interrupter information from Headbolt Lane to Rainford, spanning 7 km. Initial plans involved installing new troughing and cables, a process that would require extensive access planning and would pose significant scheduling challenges due to the tight project timeline. Consequently, the Frauscher data transmission solution was selected as a more efficient alternative to address these requirements.

The Frauscher data transmission solution eliminated the need for new cable installations by leveraging the existing FTNx telecoms network. It enabled safe transmission of various status indications, meeting SIL 4 standards with its QUAD input configuration, which ensured redundancy and reliability without external monitoring. Additionally, the Frauscher Diagnostic System (FDS) provided real-time and historical data access, enhancing system oversight.

Cost-effectiveness

The Frauscher data transmission solution was selected for its competitive cost. One of the key advantages is its ability to minimise overall project costs by removing the necessity to install new cables and additional infrastructure. This feature significantly reduces both initial and long-term costs, making it an economically attractive solution.

Reduced On-Site Activity

The system is designed to enable a significant portion of the work to be completed off-site, which greatly decreases the extent of on-site operations. This approach not only simplifies project management but also helps minimise disruptions to ongoing activities during the construction phase.

Accelerated timeline

The implementation of this solution considerably shortened the overall project duration by eliminating the need for the time-consuming installation of 7 km of new troughing and cabling. This process would have required extensive planning for access and additional time for execution.

A key advantage was the ability to conduct most work off-site, minimising on-site activities and reducing disruptions during construction. This feature simplified project management and accelerated the timeline by avoiding the complex process of laying new cables. Cost-effectiveness was another benefit, as the system reduced overall expenses by using existing infrastructure. Furthermore, fewer civil engineering tasks meant lower risk of delays, particularly during final commissioning. The proven reliability of Frauscher's technology, backed by successful past implementations, reinforced the client's confidence in choosing this solution for the project.

Similar Projects
This might also interest you
1/5
train-detectionChina

Tram Huangpu Line 1 | China

Tram Huangpu Line 1 (HP1) line is located in urban areas with high traffic density and passenger volume as well as many level crossings. The adverse weather conditions can cause flooding of the track bed and add to the challenges for reliable system availability and operations.
Learn More
train-detectionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

London to Corby | UK

The project was part of Network Rail’s Midland Main line electrification programme and involved re-signalling between Bedford and Kettering. The goal is the reduction of industry costs and environmental benefits through lighter rolling stock, reduced fuel costs and lower carbon emissions.
Learn More
train-detectionFrance

Homologation for the Île-de-France tramway network | France

The network of Île-de-France tramways in the region of Paris has been a showcase model of public transport since the line T1 opened in 1992. Over a million passengers use these trams daily and today, the system consists of 11 lines covering over 100 kilometres of track. Over the next years it is planned to expand this network even further. For track vacancy detection, the Frauscher axle counting system is considered as being the ideal solution for this comprehensive network.
Learn More
train-detectionIndia

Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (Rewari – Makarpura) | India

The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) represents one of the most strategically significant freight transportation projects in India. By facilitating the seamless transport of goods between major economic hubs, the intention is that the WDFC will significantly boost economic growth and development in the local region and beyond, further underlying the importance of this project.
Learn More
train-detectionIndia

Vijayawada – Gannavaram Rail Line | India

The Vijayawada – Gannavaram rail line belongs to South Central Railway and is situated in Andhra Pradesh. Initially, the line featured a conventional signalling system and there was a requirement by the operator to update this into an automatic signalling system with the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC®.
Learn More