Project information
- Acronym: WAT
- Warning of Approaching Trains
- Sector: Safety Platform
- Project start date: from 01/01/2025 to 31/12/2027
- Duration: 3 years
- Project manager: Isabelle Fonverne
- Status: ongoing project
- Project code: P000890
Project description
UIC estimates that there are half a million level crossings in the world, with 96,000 in the EU representing 20% of the total number of level crossings in the world. Almost half of them are passive (no light, no barrier). In some places, in recent years, the proportion of accidents at passive level crossings has increased significantly (NSA Spain, 2024).
The objective of the project is to analyse existing geolocation projects, railway-oriented tracker providers (market study), and propose a competing approach based on GPS location with probabilistic risk assessment.
The WAT system will correlate train positioning data and user crossing positioning data from devices, e.g. smartphones, car navigators. There are other available technologies to be considered, as geofences.
The purpose is to warn users (pedestrians, cyclists, or drivers) of approaching trains when they are near an unmanned level crossing.
Scope
It is a low-cost solution that considerably increases safety, even if it is not completely fail-safe. The system would not be included in the rail system, making it much quicker to implement. This is an innovative solution compared to physical safety measures, e.g. barriers and active protection systems (lighting and acoustic signals).
Phase 1 – State of the art and market study
market study of existing technological solutions and their potential implementation in the project solution
Phase 2 – Liability study and pre-assessment requirements
According to the liability study, determine the preliminary assessment conditions for the development of a future application and commercial solution
Phase 3 – Proof of concept and deployment plan
Development and design of the proof of concept, including the necessary on-track testing plan.
Advantages to the railway sector
- Innovative solution for passive Level Crossings.
- Especially designed for low-density areas.
- Realistic approach, step-by-step design solution.
- Use of current technology (geofences, train positioning) for safety improvement.
