Network Rail

Network Rail Level Crossings

Network Rail needed a solution for the West Dyke Road railway level crossing in Redcar, using a Power Operated Sliding Barrier (POSB) on User Worked Crossings (UWCs). EDS were contracted to develop a set of bespoke automated telescopic cantilevered gates, which were to be delivered on a tight schedule.

• RISQS certification
• Safety first design principles
• First of a kind product
• Multi agency co-ordination
• Complex project management requirements
• Demanding environment

Photo of sliding railway level crossing installed by EDS

A video of the new telescopic sliding gates operating in Redcar.

Photo of specialist crane lifting new level crossing gate into position at Redcar Central station

02:00AM: Specialist crane lifting new level crossing gate into position.

The automatic gates are a first in UK rail technology history. They incorporate position and rotation sensors and a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to vary their speed dependant on the position of the gate. They also have fast stop edge sensors to ensure safe operation in a demanding environment.

Photo of sliding railway level crossing being tested at the EDS factory

Factory based testing at EDS.

The contract required an end to end service, from the concept and design stage through to delivery and testing. The team at EDS pulled out all the stops to complete the complex project on time and within the specifications of the customer. This particular type of project demands highly skilled suppliers who are RISQS certified. For installation and compliance testing, co-ordination with multiple agencies that can work together to a high degree of accuracy and professionalism is a prerequisite.

Photo of EDS operatives inspecting level crossing gates during installation.

EDS Operatives inspecting the gates during installation.

On the sucessful installation, EDS Managing Director Mark Darlaston said: “We are proud to have delivered a first in UK rail history and are happy to have partnered with Network Rail on such a feat. There has already been interest in the product from European neighbours and we anticipate that this first will set the benchmark for future installations.”

Photo of automatic sliding level crossing gates in operation

Automatic level crossing gates in operation – Power Operated Sliding Barrier (POSB) on User Worked Crossings (UWCs).