Hitachi Rail is piloting its new ‘Over and Back’ testing solution in the delivery of a new ETCS digital signalling system for South-East Queensland’s Cross River Rail project.
The ‘Over and Back’ solution will enable seamless switching between existing interlocking and new ETCS digital signalling systems to reduce testing time on Queensland Rail’s network.
Traditionally, switching systems for testing involves as many as 10 people working for up to four hours to manually disconnected the existing systems on the track and connect the new system.
However, Hitachi Rail’s new solution will enable testing teams to instantly switch between systems using a central control unit in Queensland Rail’s Rail Management Centre.
In saving significant resources and time, this approach will help maximise testing time for demonstrating the safety and reliability of the new signalling system.
Following this pilot, Hitachi Rail anticipates that the solution could be deployed to facilitate its digital signalling projects globally.
“Our new ‘Over and Back’ solution could potentially transform the testing process for new signalling systems being installed on brownfield sites around the world. It is fitting that we will use the new solution for the first time on Queensland’s Cross River Rail project which will ultimately deliver more seamless, sustainable mobility for Queensland Rail and passengers alike.”
As part of South-East Queensland’s Cross River Rail project, ETCS Level 2 technology will be used to efficiently and reliably monitor train movements and speeds on the track.
This instalment is being delivered by the Sequence Signalling and Systems alliance, which includes Hitachi Rail, Queensland Rail and Cross River Rail Delivery Authority.
