Critical Rail Temperature Monitoring on the West Coast Mainline
The West Coast Main Line (WCML), a vital UK railway connecting major cities like London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, requires constant monitoring to ensure safe and continuous service.
Context
Due to extreme temperatures, monitoring rail temperatures during warmer months is essential to prevent rail buckling. Historically, this was done manually, with staff sent out to take live readings during high-risk weather events.
Solution
DYWIDAG developed the SmartTemp system, installed around the web of the rail, allowing for remote monitoring, alerting, and trending via a web login page. This system allows Network Rail (NR) to view live rail temperatures and adjust trigger temperatures via a simple phone call or email.
Stuart Gordon of Network Rail noted, “What makes a difference to us is the ability to log in and view live rail temps, sending staff out only when absolutely necessary.” The West Coast maintenance team uses SmartTemp’s sensors daily, managing track safety and usage in high-risk areas. The system provides real-time data, reducing the need for operatives on live tracks and offering a comprehensive view of track conditions for safer operations.
The West Coast Main Line (WCML), a vital UK railway connecting major cities like London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, requires constant monitoring to ensure safe and continuous service.
Context
Due to extreme temperatures, monitoring rail temperatures during warmer months is essential to prevent rail buckling. Historically, this was done manually, with staff sent out to take live readings during high-risk weather events.
Solution
DYWIDAG developed the SmartTemp system, installed around the web of the rail, allowing for remote monitoring, alerting, and trending via a web login page. This system allows Network Rail (NR) to view live rail temperatures and adjust trigger temperatures via a simple phone call or email.
Stuart Gordon of Network Rail noted, “What makes a difference to us is the ability to log in and view live rail temps, sending staff out only when absolutely necessary.” The West Coast maintenance team uses SmartTemp’s sensors daily, managing track safety and usage in high-risk areas. The system provides real-time data, reducing the need for operatives on live tracks and offering a comprehensive view of track conditions for safer operations.
