Saltaire Station Platform Extension Project
The team at True North Rail using their Truesight™ platform worked in conjunction with North South Rail & Network Rail in order to assist with Signal Sighting requirements to avoid costly data changes to a new Signalling Control System.
TrueSight™ PROJECT
Overview
Saltaire station is on the Airedale line between Bradord and Leeds and Skipton. It is a busy commuter station both for passengers travelling to Leeds & Bradford and for staff in companies based in Salt’s Mill, as well as serving tourists visiting UNESCO World Heritage Site at Saltaire.
The team at True North Rail were called upon to assist with Signal Sighting requirements in order to avoid the need for a costly data change to a new Signalling Control System.
Curved Section of Railway
Saltaire station is located on a very curved section of railway, and was facing a significant cost impact due to the perceived need to relocate a Signal several hundred meters onto a straighter section of track; a location not preferred by Railway Undertaking representatives. This relocation would also have required a data change for the new Control Centre Signaller Workstation, leading to substantial project costs.
Our Role
True North Rail deployed its advanced gaming engine platform, TrueSight™, to provide an innovative and cost-effective solution. Our team utilised client BIM data and various GIS datasets to create a photorealistic Signal Sighting model using Unreal Engine. This model allowed for rapid review and adjustment of multiple Signalling options in real-time.
Key Actions
1. Rapid Implementation: Our Signal Sighting model delivered within 10 days from the client's purchase order, allowing for swift review and decision-making by the Signal Sighting Committee.
2. Signal Placement: Our TrueSight™ modelling tools enabled the Signal Sighting committee to quickly visualise and test options and demonstrate that a cantilevered Main Signal positioned to the right, combined with a high-up, reduced offset Banner Repeater would provide a compliant solution. This allowed for the Signal to be repositioned at the end of the new 43m platform extension on the curved section of track and avoid a costly data change to the Signalling Control System.
Leveraging TrueSight™
3. Dispatcher Visibility: Our TrueSight™ platform provided a realistic dispatchers eye view for the Sighting of OFF Indicators on both platforms, ensuring the optimal Signal/Passenger Train interface arrangements.
True North Rail unblocked the signal sighting problem, avoiding any significant cost and programme impacts, whilst also ensuring compliance with Signal Sighting standards. The entire review process was conducted during a 2-hour Teams meeting with the Signal Sighting Committee and other project Stakeholders, showcasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the TrueSight™ tool.
Project Success
The Saltaire Station platform extension project demonstrates True North Rail's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The successful application of the TrueSight™ platform not only provided a compliant solution but also significantly reduced project costs and timeframes. True North Rail continues to set new standards in the Rail Engineering sector, delivering best-in-class solutions for complex Signalling challenges.
TESTIMONIALS
