Level Crossings Flashcards
(36 cards)
How are automatic crossings controlled?
By the passage of trains via treadles or track circuits
How are controlled crossings controlled?
By the signaller and are protected by signals that are held at danger until crossing activated and signaller confirms crossing is clear
How are manual crossings controlled?
Controlled by the user
Where can level crossing locations be found?
In the Sectional Appendix
What are Automatic Half Barrier Crossings (AHBCs)?
Automatically controlled by trains passing over activation and reset treadles. Red and white half barriers with lights (escape route), lights and sirens for road users.
Fully activates after 27 seconds- maintain speed.
Have yellow level crossing telephone.
May have wrong direction controls and speed board but no other signage
What do wrong direction speed boards look like, what are they and what are your actions when passing them when travelling in the wrong direction?
X with the speed after (eg: X 30)
The number is the speed that the crossing must be passed when travelling in the wrong direction.
You must maintain this speed from the board and only accelerate when your train is on the crossing.
Line speed can be done when passing in the normal direction.
What are AOCLs?
Automatic Open Crossings Locally monitored
What are ABCLs?
Automatic Barrier Crossings Locally monitored
What features do AOCLs and ABCLs have?
Barrier provided if ABCL.
Lights and sirens for road users
Warning board before crossing with AWS magnet 180m before followed by speed restriction board with X above the speed.
Flashing light for driver to determine if crossing is operating normally.
Plunger for driver to manually operate crossing if required.
May be stop board with instructions
What are your actions when approaching ABCL/AOCL?
Acknowledge AWS warning at warning board and control train to speed on speed restriction board from the board until on the crossing (can accelerate on the crossing). Ensure there is a white flashing light before crossing. Only pass if safe.
If there is a stop board, stop and follow instructions before proceeding.
What does a white flashing light on an ABCL/AOCL mean?
Crossing operating normally but not necessarily safe
What does a red flashing or steady light on an ABCL/AOCL mean?
Crossing not operating normally
In what circumstances must you stop before crossing an ABCL/AOCL?
1) White light not flashing
2) Crossing obstructed
3) You cannot see if crossing is clear
4) Signaller has told you that crossing has failed
5) You have been told road traffic signals are switched off and barriers are raised
What are your actions after stopping if:
1) White light not flashing
2) Crossing obstructed
3) You cannot see if crossing is clear
4) Signaller has told you that crossing has failed
5) You have been told road traffic signals are switched off and barriers are raised
May pass crossing if safe and horn sounded continuously until front of train is on crossing.
In what circumstances would you use the plungers on an ABCL/AOCL?
1) Crossing equipment has failed
2) Crossing equipment has failed due to operating for too long
What are your actions after operating plunger?
Cross if safe and continuously sound horn.
If the white light is not flashing in the dark, what are your actions?
1) Do not pass unless interior lights lit (even if ECS)
2) Arrangements have been made to prevent road traffic from crossing
3) Barriers lowered and lit
If necessary to operate the plunger, at what point should you do this?
When ready to restart the train. Ensure white light flashing and sound horn, restart and proceed over.
What are miniature red & green crossings?
Automatic foot crossings that are protected by gates and a sign that has a red/green light to confirm if train approaching. User may need to contact signaller for permission to cross. When trains pass a treadle, light turns red and when train passes reset treadle, light turns green. May be whistle board before.
What are manned crossings with barriers?
Crossings controlled by the signaller or crossing keeper via treadles and timetable. Full barrier protection given and protected by controlled signals.
What are manned crossings with gates?
Crossings controlled by the signaller or crossing keeper who manually open and close the gates. Controlled by use of treadles and timetable. Protected by controlled signals- signaller must confirm gates closed to road traffic before clearing signals.
What are CCTV crossings?
Crossings controlled by a signaller via CCTV camera on the crossing. They have a controlled signal before them and when trains pass a treadle/track circuit, the signaller must check the CCTV to confirm crossing is clear and can then clear the protecting signal. Road users have full barrier protection.
What must you ensure if passing a signal protecting a CCTV crossing at danger?
That the barriers and lights are working.
What are your actions if the signaller has instructed you to pass a signal at danger that protects a CCTV level crossing but cannot confirm that the barriers and lights are working?
Approach at caution, only cross if safe. If barriers and lights not working, not safe to cross.
