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Royal Albert Bridge Examination

“By using a Temporary Automatic Track Warning System, we were able to ensure uninterrupted access to the bridge for XEIAD’s examination team, all while maintaining maximum safety on site.”

David Hodkinson, Head of Track Warning Services

Services Delivered

RSS Infrastructure’s Track Warning Services (TWS) division partnered with XEIAD to provide a Temporary Automatic Track Warning System (ATWS) to examine the eastern span of the Royal Albert Bridge. The project ensured continuous access to the structure during daylight hours, overcoming the challenge of limited line blockages caused by signaller workload.

Key Actions

  • Provided a Temporary Automatic Track Warning System (ATWS) for continuous access.
  • Minimised the impact on train operations in the Western region.
  • Overcame the challenge of limited line blockages due to signaller workload.
Royal Albert Bridge Examination
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Location

Royal Albert Bridge

Project Value

£TBC

Division

Technical Services

Project Duration

TBC

Project Delivery

XEIAD, a leading engineering consultancy specialising in structural examinations, was tasked with conducting a detailed inspection of the Royal Albert Bridge’s eastern span. This iconic structure, which carries rail traffic between Devon and Cornwall, required a meticulous assessment to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

However, the project faced a significant challenge: the required daylight access to the bridge could not be secured due to a lack of available line blockages to ensure safe working conditions on or near the line. With the workload of the signallers already stretched, there was limited availability of the blockages necessary to stop rail traffic for the examination.

Recognising the urgency of the situation and the potential delays that could arise, XEIAD, a repeat customer, once again turned to RSS Infrastructure (RSSI) for a solution. Having successfully delivered ATWS solutions on the Royal Albert Bridge during two previous projects, RSSI’s proven track record in utilising advanced safety technology made them the ideal partner for this task. RSSI’s Track Warning Services (TWS) division responded by proposing and deploying a Temporary Automatic Track Warning System (ATWS). This system is specifically designed to provide the necessary warning time, ensuring workers can safely reach a position of safety while accessing the site.

By removing the dependency on line blockages, the ATWS ensured that the examination team could access and egress safely and efficiently during daylight hours throughout the project.

XEIAD’s examination team could operate with continuous access to the bridge without disrupting the passage of trains in the South West region, a critical rail corridor for passenger and freight services. This solution ensured that the project could proceed without delays, avoiding the potential costs and safety concerns associated with prolonged downtime or insufficient access to the bridge.

By providing this tailored solution, RSSI added significant value to the project, allowing XEIAD to complete the examination on time and with minimal impact on train operations. This successful collaboration highlights the importance of flexible, innovative safety systems in complex rail infrastructure projects.

About Us

RSS Infrastructure (RSSI), based in Birmingham, Cwmbran, Doncaster and Tonbridge, provides infrastructure services for the rail, civil, and utilities sectors. We serve clients like Network Rail, WMCA, HS2 and Tier 1 & 2 contractors. Our services include Arboriculture, Civils and Construction, Geofencing, Industrial Rope Access (IRATA), Magnetic Track Safety, Rail Operations including Possession Management and P/Way, Rail Welding, Signalling, and Track Warning Services.

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