Lighting up for safer crossings
Significant decrease in reports of ‘near misses’ on Limerick-Ballybrophy line
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The level crossing lights showing orange showing (lower light) with a clear line to cross safely with care.Image 2 of 2
The red light (top) illuminated to warn against crossing at the railway level crossing as the train approaches on the line. There is also an audible warning signal from the lights when the red shows.A new warning system at rural based railway level crossings, which has been up and in operation in this area for the past few months, is already proving to be much safer for users, according to Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail).
The traffic light system, known as a “the advanced warning detection system”, is operational at a number of level crossings on the Limerick to Ballybrophy line, which runs through the area via Lisnagry, Birdhill and Shallee to Nenagh, at unmanned level crossings on local roads.
Latest update from Irish Rail is that “at locations where this system has been installed, reports of ‘near misses’ between trains and users have significantly decreased”.
They add that “the system gives users confidence and peace of mind, particularly for vulnerable road users and children” and reduces waiting time with an easy-to-understand system in operation to warn of all approaching trains.
“It reduces waiting time at user operated level crossings as the system informs users exactly when it is safe to cross, with an average wait time of just 21.5 seconds,” explains Iarnród Éireann.
“The lights provide an easy-to-understand visual signal reducing confusion and improve compliance” with the special lights, which “are highly visible in various weather conditions and at night”.
The system uses red and orange lights as well as an audible signal and incorporates sensors to detect the real time train movements and provide timely warning to users of the level crossing of an approaching train on the particular track.
It is technically known as a Decision Support System (DSS). The orange light means that it is normally safe to cross, but a notice displayed at each crossing advises to cross with care.
When a train is approaching the crossing the lights change to red and the change is accompanied by an audible siren sounding to warn intending users that it is not safe to cross because of an approaching train.
Once the train has passed, the siren stops and the orange light illuminates again and remains in the standby mode until the next approaching train.
Speaking about the installation, Iarnród Éireann's Director of Health and Safety, Kay Doyle said: “Operating a safe railway is our number one priority. Where we have interface between the railway and road users, there is always risk. This advanced warning detection system helps to reduce this risk and makes crossing the railway safer for everyone.”
It is planned to have the system in operation at up to 74 of these railway level crossings across the country by the end of this year.