Case Study
Network Rail Level Crossings
UK's First Trackless Telescopic
Gates for Network Rail
UK's first trackless cantilevered telescopic gates for railway level crossing at West Dyke Road, Redcar.
The UK's first trackless cantilevered telescopic gate for a railway level crossing, setting a new standard for rail access automation.
The Project
Network Rail required a Power Operated Sliding Barrier for the West Dyke Road railway level crossing in Redcar, a User Worked Crossing with unique operational and safety constraints. No existing product was capable of meeting the specification, requiring a fully bespoke solution designed from concept through to commissioning.
The contract demanded end-to-end delivery across design, engineering, manufacture, installation, and testing within a demanding programme. RISQS certification was required, and the solution had to meet stringent rail safety standards while operating reliably in a challenging outdoor environment.
The Solution
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).
RISQS certification
Safety first design principles
First of a kind product in UK rail history
Multi agency co-ordination
PLC controlled variable speed gates
The Result
Electro Automation designed, manufactured, and installed a set of bespoke automated telescopic cantilevered gates representing a first in UK rail technology history. The trackless design eliminates ground-level infrastructure, reducing maintenance requirements and improving reliability in all weather conditions. PLC control with position and rotation sensors allows variable speed operation depending on gate position, ensuring safe and consistent performance at every cycle.
Fast-stop edge sensors provide an additional layer of safety for both rail workers and members of the public using the crossing. The system was delivered on time to programme, passed all commissioning and safety tests, and received full RISQS certification. It has since served as a reference installation for this class of solution within the UK rail network.
The UK's first PLC-controlled trackless cantilevered telescopic gate.
The West Dyke Road installation stands as the UK's first trackless cantilevered telescopic gate for a railway level crossing, setting a new benchmark for rail access automation.
