Invensys Rail - Level Crossing Predictors, Controllers and Barrier Systems

Invensys Rail is a world leader in advanced signalling and integrated control systems for mainline and mass transit railways.

Level crossing products and systems for rail operators

Invensys Rail's proven WESTeX suite of products and systems for level crossings is suitable for a wide range of applications, delivering commercial and operational benefits to rail operators, whilst maintaining the highest standards of safety.

The WESTeX range has been developed to address every aspect of level crossing delivery, from design through to commissioning. This whole system approach has proved to be particularly successful in the UK, where in close collaboration with Network Rail and Translink (Northern Ireland Railways), real efficiencies and cost savings have been achieved across a number of sites.

Compared to conventional technology, the WESTeX suite of products not only delivers outstanding performance, but also significant efficiency gains in terms of reduced capital and on-going operational expenditure, as well as minimised whole life costs.

The majority of WESTeX schemes utilise proven application templates, reducing the expense and time required in the design and implementation phases. With much simplified equipment, testing, installation and delivery methods, WESTeX projects are typically delivered in non-disruptive possessions.

Site deliveries are carefully planned to ensure that all the equipment required is delivered to site on pallets, allowing a specialist, multi-skilled team to install, test and commission the level crossing in the minimum time.

Level crossing track circuits, signal regulations and station controls

WESTeX is capable of dealing with a range of track circuits, signal regulations and station controls, managing complex schemes which either would not be possible or would be extremely expensive with other equipment.

The core WESTeX range includes the GCP3000 level crossing predictor, the GCP4000 level crossing controller and the S60 barrier machine - each of which delivers high quality, cost-effective level crossing control performance.

Level crossing predictor

The GCP3000 level crossing predictor system provides bi-directional train detection, but at significantly reduced cost compared to conventional technology. By calculating the speed of the train, the GCP3000 is able to provide constant crossing warning times, minimising disruption to highway users and significantly reducing the risk of crossing abuse.

Level crossing controller

The GCP4000 level crossing controller provides complete crossing control for up to six lines and four barriers. Capable of managing complex layouts, such as areas containing stations or multiple lines, the system provides advanced train detection and crossing control. It also removes the need for relays. A standard automatic half barrier scheme, for example, would have c.30 relays with a GCP3000 system; with a GCP4000 and S60 barrier machine, no relays are required. The system may also be interfaced with signalling equipment, barrier / light equipment and obstacle detection systems.

The PSO4000 card, which is available for use with the GCP4000 chassis, or as a stand-alone unit, allows GCP4000 to be used in any electrified area.

Level crossing barrier machine

Driven directly from the GCP4000 without the need for interface relays, the S60 barrier machine may be used with existing crossing control equipment.

Lightweight and available in a range of configurations, this machine uses less power and requires a smaller equipment housing and footprint than conventional systems (the post on which the S60 is fixed is also designed to mount on road traffic lights).

Level crossing predictor systems at miniature stop light sites

Following the successful completion of trial sites and approvals, ten WESTeX GCP3000 level crossing predictor systems are now successfully operating at miniature stop light (MSL) sites across the UK. These sites have all been commissioned in single 12hr possessions.

Advanced crossing control and reduced warning times

Results from these sites are already demonstrating the ability of the WESTeX equipment to provide advanced crossing control and significantly reduced warning times. The sites installed so far have included complications such as TI21 track circuits, TCAIDs, signal regulation and station controls; the GCP3000 certificate has now been extended to cover these.

Two of the sites in particular have very complex layouts, including stations, which are dealt with solely by the GCP3000 predictor. This would either not have been possible, or would have been much more expensive, with other equipment.

Since commissioning there have been no reported problems on any of the GCP3000 installations, totalling over 200,000 hours in use to date.