Network Rail to use Internet of Things to prevent flooding

Laying track for the borders railway
Source: Network Rail

Network Rail is currently conducting trials with an Internet of Things technology to prevent flooding of railway lines. The British railway manager carries out the experiments, which are part of the TrackWater project, in collaboration with Lancaster University and the Transport Systems Catapult.

The tests with drainage detection and real-time monitoring techniques from technology company InTouch take place on a Network Rail test track in Melton Mowbray near Leicester. The aim is to test the innovative sensor technology and explore a data-driven approach to water management within the rail sector.

Maintenance

Network Rail expects to reduce drainage-related problems on the track with the use of real-time information and automation. In addition, better monitoring can provide more insight into the performance of the rail infrastructure drainage system, so that specific maintenance can be done. The evaluation of the trails is in April 2019.

The TrackWater project started in October 2017 and is financed by Innovate UK and the Ministry of Transport, reports Railway-technology.com.

Tags: , , , ,

Author: Marieke van Gompel

Marieke van Gompel is editor-in-chief of RailTech.com, RailFreight.com and SpoorPro.nl, online magazines for railway professionals.

E-mail

Related posts

Interview ERTMS director on Dutch rollout: ‘There is a time of thinking and a time of doing’

The head of ERTMS at the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) Jo de Bosschere feels that the Netherlands should start taking action on the ERTMS roll-out. “I…
French-speaking countries Luxembourg, the only EU country to run an all-ERTMS network

Since its mandatory introduction in 2009 for all new EU-funded rail projects, the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) has been gradually installed across the trans-European rail networks,…
UK’s iconic ‘magstripe’ ticket nears buffers

For train travellers in the UK, it has been an integral part of the railway experience for decades. No, not rail replacement bus services and strikes. It’s the…
Meeting CBTC interoperability challenges: a breakdown

Up to 10 railway systems worldwide annually move to Communications-based train control (CBTC), completely or partially. For instance, last year it witnessed the first commissioning in Australia’s history…

Add your comment

characters remaining.

Log in through one of the following social media partners to comment.

Network Rail to use Internet of Things to prevent flooding | RailTech.com