Technology to detect potential vegetation and infrastructure hazards automatically in real time is being trialled on the East Coast Main Line.
Network Rail, LNER, CrossTech and Hitachi Rail are collaborating in the 12-month trial, which combines cab-based video imaging with advanced AI technology to process the images and highlight areas of concern.
The system is used to observe the natural environment and track, including vegetation and embankments. It is intended to detect potential hazards such as overhanging or invasive tree species, leaves on the track, or embankment subsidence.
A forward-facing CCTV camera (FFCCTV) has been installed inside the driver’s cabin of an LNER Azuma train for the trial, which started in May. The use of an Azuma ensures total coverage of the ECML route.
The participants say that automating the detection of potential hazards, combined with pinpointing where maintenance is necessary, enables a proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance. Equally, the trial will provide insights and guidance to optimise when and where maintenance is needed on the East Coast Main Line.
Hitachi Rail is helping to convene the pilot project, using its digital supplier CrossTech, a British SME. The FFCCTV monitoring solution was developed by combining CrossTech technology with Hitachi Rail’s digital expertise to assist with integration, operations and customer interface.
Johanna Priestley, Route Engineer at Network Rail, explains: “Using forward facing footage allows us to ‘see’ from the driver’s perspective. We can use this technology to understand where vegetation is encroaching on the operational railway and at risk of making contact with either trains or fixed infrastructure such as overhead electrified wires. We can also identify where vegetation growth has compromised the driver’s view such as on the approach to signals or level crossings.”
Network Rail is sponsoring the pilot project. LNER, Hitachi Rail and CrossTech are delivering the trial.
CrossTech FFCCTV technology has previously been trialled by Network Rail in its ‘Hubble’ project in the Eastern and Southern regions.
The Southern trial, which began in 2021, used cameras mounted or handheld on trains, with footage uploaded to an online platform. The results showed that it had helped reduce damage caused by trees blocking the line or scraping trains, or vegetation entanglement in pantographs. There was also a significant fall in the number of times overgrown vegetation obscured signals.
In addition, the system was used to scope out safe walking routes for staff on the track.
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