Level Crossings Flashcards
(39 cards)
Name the types of automatic level crossings.
• Automatic half barrier crossing (AHBC)
• Automatic barrier crossing locally monitored (ABCL)
• Automatic open crossing locally monitored (ABOL)
• Crossing with red and green warning lights (R/G)
Name the types of controlled level crossings.
• Manually controlled crossing with barriers (MCB)
• Manually controlled crossing with gates (MCG)
• Remotely controlled (RC)
• Barrier crossing with CCTV (CCTV)
• Barrier crossing with obstacle detection (OD)
Which types of crossings does the signaller monitor at their location?
Manually controlled crossings with barriers (MCB) and manually controlled crossings with gates (MG).
Which types of crossings does the signaller monitor in the vicinity of the crossing but not directly at its location?
Remotely controlled (RC).
Which types of crossings does the signaller monitor remotely?
Barrier crossings with CCTV (CCTV) and barrier crossings with obstacle detection (OD).
How does an automatic half barrier crossing work?
Once the train passes over the activation treadle, the half barriers will begin to lower, the red lights will start flashing and a siren will sound to warn road users of the approaching train. Once the train passes over the deactivation treadle, the barriers will raise, the red lights will stop flashing and the siren will stop, unless another train is approaching the crossing from the opposite direction.
What does this sign mean?
This is a warning board positioned on the approach to ABCL, AOCL and opening crossings. An AWS magnet will be placed 183m before the warning board, and the warning board will be placed service brake distance before a speed restriction board.
What does this sign mean?
This is a speed restriction board displaying the permissible speed from when the front of the train reaches the sign until the train reaches the level crossing. Exceeding this speed will reduce the warning time given to users of the level crossing.
What are the features of an automatic half barrier crossing?
Type: Automatic.
Barriers: Half.
Monitored by: Signaller (remotely).
Lineside signage possible: Wrong direction.
Phone: Yes.
Road traffic signals: Yes.
What are the features of an automatic barrier crossing locally monitored?
Type: Automatic.
Barriers: Half.
Monitored by: Driver (red flashing or steady/white flashing light).
Lineside signage possible: Warning board, speed restriction board, combined speed and whistle board.
Phone: Yes.
Road traffic signals: Yes.
What are the features of an automatic open crossing locally monitored?
Type: Automatic.
Barriers: None.
Monitored by: Driver (red flashing or steady/white flashing light).
Lineside signage possible: Warning board, speed restriction board, combined speed and whistle board.
Phone: Some.
Road traffic signals: Yes.
How does an automatic barrier crossing locally monitored (not stopping) work?
An AWS magnet will be placed 183m before a warning board, which will be placed service brake distance before a speed board. A treadle will be positioned between the warning board and the speed board, which will activate the level crossing equipment when passed over by a train. A light will be positioned at the crossing which will indicate whether the barriers are raised (red) or lowered (white).
The crossing is locally monitored by the driver, who should:
• Comply with the speed.
• Monitor the crossing to ensure it is clear.
• Observe that the light is white.
How does a crossing with red and green lights work?
The gates at a R/G crossing are operated by road users, who use a sign displaying a red or green light to indicate whether it is safe to operate the gates and pass over the crossing. The light will change to red when an approaching train passes over the associated treadle or track circuit. A whistle board will also be placed on the approach to an R/G crossing to warn road users of an approaching train.
What should you do if the gates on a crossing with red and green lights have been left open by a member of the public?
Report it to the signaller but do not get out and shut the gate, even if the signaller requests you to.
How does an automatic open crossing locally monitored work?
An AWS magnet will be placed 183m before a warning board, which will be placed service brake distance before a speed board. A treadle will be positioned between the warning board and the speed board, which A light will be positioned at the crossing which will indicate whether the barriers are raised (red) or lowered (white).
The crossing is locally monitored by the driver, who should:
• Comply with the speed.
• Monitor the crossing to ensure it is clear.
• Observe that the light is white
What are the features of a crossing with red and green lights?
Type: Foot.
Barriers: Full barriers or gates.
Monitored by: Driver.
Lineside signage possible: Whistle board.
Phone: Yes.
Road traffic signals: Yes.
How does an automatic barrier crossing locally monitored (stopping) work?
An AWS magnet will be placed 183m before a warning board, which will be placed service brake distance from a stop board at the end of a station platform. No speed board is necessary as your train will stop at the platform. The stop board will instruct the driver to operate the plunger on the platform. Operating the plunger will activate the level crossing and works on a timer. A light will be positioned at the crossing which will illuminate white when the crossing is activated.
What are the risks of automatic barrier crossings locally monitored (stopping)?
Rather than track circuits or treadles, they operate using a plunger that activates a timer. If the train stops on the level crossing due to a fault (e.g. train wire 4), the timer will run out and the barriers will be lifted, therefore road users could crash into the train. There is also a risk if the train overruns the station as the plunger wouldn’t have been operated at all.
Which types of controlled crossing would you only find in absolute block signalled areas?
• Manually controlled crossings with barriers (MCB)
• Manually controlled crossings with gates (MG)
• Remotely controlled (RC).
Which types of controlled crossing would you only find in track circuit block signalled areas?
• Barrier crossings with CCTV (CCTV).
• Barrier crossings with obstacle detection (OD).
What should you do if there is a fault with an automatic half barrier crossing?
The signaller has a fault indicator in their signal box and will stop the train at a signal in rear of the crossing if possible. If the train has already passed a signal where it could’ve been stopped, the signaller will send a broadcast or a ‘Contact Signaller’ message on the GSMR. Once in contact with the signaller:
- They will ask you to approach the crossing at caution and inform them if the barriers are raised or lowered.
- If the crossing is clear and the barriers are lowered, you can pass over the crossing as quickly as possible whilst sounding the horn.
- If the barriers are raised, a local attendant will be appointed who will make the crossing safe by winding the barriers down or taping the crossing off and display a green hand signal. This only authorises you to pass over the crossing, not to pass a signal at danger.
What is the risk if a fault occurs with an automatic half barrier crossing and a local attendant has to be appointed?
The local attendant will make the crossing safe and display a green hand signal. This hand signal only permits the driver to pass over the level crossing, however if a signal is located in rear of the crossing, the driver may mistake the hand signal as authorisation to pass it at danger, resulting in a SPAD.
What will happen if there is a fault with an ABCL or an AOCL?
If the white light is not flashing or a red light is flashing:
1. Approach the crossing at caution, stopping before it, and report the fault to the signaller.
2. If you think it’s safe to do so, continually sound the horn until the front of the train is on the crossing and pass over it as quickly as possible.
3. If an emergency plunger has been provided, you can operate this (it will force the light to illuminate).
In poor visibility, treat the crossing as faulty.
What should you do if a fault occurs on a controlled level crossing?
Do not pass over the crossing- report the fault to the signaller immediately. The signal protecting the crossing may have to be passed at danger and only pass over the crossing if a green hand signal is displayed.
