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Sector
Rail
Location
Wales, United Kingdom
Services
Monitoring - Geotechnical and Construction
Our partnership with Network Rail
Overview
The Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth line suffers regular disruption due to flooding of the River Dyfi near Machynlleth during extreme weather.
Water levels rise rapidly, reaching the bridge soffit and higher. There is concern that the water pressure could displace the bridge, causing track alignment issues.
The Challenge
Under extreme conditions, it is unsafe to continue to run trains.
In the past, there have been issues with trains becoming stranded in Aberystwyth, since there is no return to Shrewsbury other than through Machynlleth. This has caused huge disruption across the route as rolling stock could not be used in other areas.
The Solution
Network Rail require systems to help them continue the operation of their infrastructure during extreme weather with minimal disruption. These systems must be accessible to a range of users including asset managers, engineers, route control and signallers.
We installed systems to monitor conditions, including integration of local flood alerts from the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales. River levels are monitored closely, and trackside cameras provide images of the status.
Just some of the capabilities of our service include:
• River levels are monitored, and provide status updates a with traffic light warning system (Red-Amber-Green).
• Analysis of rates of change drives warning system, informing Network Rail when rivers are likely to overtop.
• Automated alerts transmitted by email and SMS.
• Trackside cameras used by persons with BSN competency to authorise train at 20mph movements during and after flood conditions.
Our flood monitoring systems are key to the safe and efficient operation of the railway in times of extreme weather. Their value has been proven in reduction of delays, associated compensation to train operators and by improving passengers’ experience.
The Result
The addition of Natural Resources Wales flood alerts provides an additional early warning system, as they are often transmitted before any rise in water levels can be detected.
When flood conditions are forecast, the monitoring equipment reacts by increasing frequency of measurement and data transmittal. This improves the ability to predict flood times and obtain a live status (every 5 minutes).
These systems form part of Network Rail’s Extreme Weather Plan. Their use is stipulated in protocol for route control to allow safe and effective operation during difficult conditions.
• Trains can continue to operate under temporary speed restrictions, even in flood conditions.
• Following flooding, sections of line can be re-opened at 20mph if outputs of the monitoring equipment show no displacement of the deck.
• Operation is enhanced as it is no longer necessary to wait for Civil Examination.
• Debris is detected with cameras, reducing need for inspections following floods.
Key outcomes
Reduced delays, compensation, and improved passenger experience.
Improved prediction ability during floods.
Reduction of inspection needs after floods.
A quote from the client
Contact us to find out more about our Geotechnical and Construction Monitoring services
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