Switches

Description

Current S&C designs product accepted for use on Network Rail infrastructure have a maximum turnout speed limited to 90 mph. Other infrastructure managers (including the UK-based HS1 Ltd) have S&C in day-to-day operation with higher turnout speeds and it is recognised that it will be beneficial to UK rail industry for Network Rail also to have S&C equipment with this higher turnout speed capability. The need for this capability has been highlighted by High Speed 2 (HS2). The planned HS2 infrastructure includes a number of connections to Network Rail routes and, to maximise benefits (journey times and capacity), it will be advantageous for HS2 services to run from/to network rail infrastructure at the existing network through route line speed. This will not be possible if turnout speeds are limited to 90 mph. The Network Rail Technical Authority have been asked by the HS2 Integration Team within System Operator to scope the work required to introduce Switches and Crossings (S&C) design. As part of the Phase 1 activities of this project, Network Rail is seeking to confirm a development strategy for higher speed turnouts. This strategy will consider the most suitable available option that meets Network Rail’s technical and commercial requirements. The two proposed high-level strategies are as follows 1) Expand Network Rail’s existing ‘premium’ S&C system (NR60 Mark 2) to incorporate the higher turnout speeds. This will typically include application of larger turnout geometries to this existing proven component design. A proven swing nose crossing design and associated actuation, locking and detection (ALD) equipment would be procured from the market. 2) Use a supplier’s existing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) high speed turnout design. The chosen supplier would be responsible for implementing all aspects of the design, including but not limited to: geometry, component design, fastening systems, ALD (both switch and swing nose crossing), swing nose crossing.