Wherry Lines | UK
Train DetectionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Wherry Lines

Operator
Network Rail
Country
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Partner
Atkins
Segment
Main & Regional Line
Application
Track Vacancy Detection
Products
RSR123, FAdC
Protocols
Proprietary protocols
Year
2020

The Wherry Lines are railway branch lines in East Anglia in the East of England, linking Norwich – Great Yarmouth – Lowestoft. The project aimed to integrate Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC into two external systems to mitigate against a train passing a red signal without authority on approach to level crossings. Both systems were required to be a SIL 1 level and have the ability to communicate with an ElectrologIXS Interlocking.

For the Wherry Line project, two systems were implemented to mitigate against a train passing a red signal without authority on approach to level crossings. The first system being a method of predicting the likelihood of a train passing a signal based on its speed, the second being a Fast Acting SPAD Trigger (FAST) in the event that a train does traverse past a signal showing a red aspect.

The customer preferred to use the Frauscher equipment that was already installed on site for another project, consisting of the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC and Wheel Sensor RSR123. This decision was made in favour of reducing lineside equipment while also reducing maintenance costs for the future.

As no data of previous speed measurement accuracy was available, Frauscher facilitated and undertook tests to determine the accuracy of the speed measurement at the speeds requested by the customer. Additionally, a formal SIL assessment was successfully undertaken by Atkins to achieve the required SIL 1 level for the system.

Lower maintenance costs

By using existing trackside equipment, no further installations were needed which reduces the required effort and costs for future maintenance.

Easy integration

The FAdC proved its flexibility and versatility as an optimal solution for this project: It offers the ability to communicate with the customer’s protocol and can be easily integrated into existing systems.

Similar Projects
This might also interest you
1/5
Train DetectionUnited States of America

Tracking Trains in Houston

Houston MetroRail (METRO for short) is comprised of three light-rail lines covering 22 miles. Two-car, low-floor trainsets are powered by overhead catenary and operated on a mix of rail types, including embedded, grooved, concrete, and ballasted track. Harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat, humidity, and storms with heavy rains causing floods are typical for Houston. Combined with the variable track structure this caused significant malfunctions of the wheel sensors of METRO’s signalling system.
Train DetectionKazakhstan

FAdC at Vhodnaya Station

ArcelorMittal is responsible for the operation of a dedicated industrial railway infrastructure located in Temirtau, Kazakhstan. At Vhodnaya station, an essential shunting yard, various goods and materials, such as polyester, zinc, aluminium, sinter, iron ore, and coke-chemical products, are loaded and unloaded. The station's robust infrastructure features 64 switching points and 68 signals, necessitating the use of a high-performing train detection system to ensure the safe and efficient management of traffic flow.
Train DetectionUnited States of America

MTA Baltimore North Avenue Yard

In this project, reliable and precise train detection was needed to automate the yard and significantly increase efficiency and safety. To meet these requirements, the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdCi and Wheel Sensors RSR180 were selected for this automation project.
Train DetectionFrance

Extension Line D Tram Bordeaux

The Bordeaux tramway was the first French tram system equipped with a Frauscher axle counting system, benefitting from the innovative management methods like Counting Head Control.
ServicesAustria

Salzburger Lokalbahn

Frauscher supported the Salzburger Lokalbahn, a regional railway in Austria, with a service assignment that included both the maintenance of Frauscher wheel sensors and axle counters as well as hands-on training for the installation personnel. The customer benefited from efficient troubleshooting and tailored training delivered directly on their own equipment.