Hitachi Rail is launching a new solution in Australia to test the functionality of switching between the existing interlocking railway signalling system and a new digital signalling system being installed in Brisbane as part of southeast Queensland’s Cross River Rail project.

The Cross River Rail project uses the European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2), and Hitachi Rail‘s testing solution called ‘Over and Back’ will drastically reduce the time and costs associated with testing.

‘Over and Back’ removes the need for labour-intensive, manual switching between the different signalling systems, saving significant resources and maximising vital testing time.

It normally takes up to ten people to switch between signal systems when they are being tested, and take up to four hours to implement. This is because existing controls must be disconnected on the track manually before connecting the new system.

Hitachi’s new solution was developed locally in Brisbane and enables the changeover between systems to be made instantly via a central control unit in Queensland Rail’s Rail Management Centre.

The European Train Control System Level 2 technology is designed to monitor a train’s movement on the track and the relevant speed limit. The system enables trains to operate safely while running closer together. It is being delivered as part of the Cross River Rail project by the Sequence Signalling and Systems alliance, which includes Hitachi Rail, Queensland Rail, and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority.

In Queensland, the system will offer the opportunity to benefit from significant energy efficiencies that come from trains consistently operating at an optimum speed, resulting in reduced costs and electricity use.

By significantly saving on resources and time through using the ‘Over and Back’ solution, Hitachi Rail will be able to maximise the time needed for testing so as to demonstrate the safety and reliability of the system.

As well as its deployment in Queensland, the ‘Over and Back’ solution can be rolled out to other railway systems around the world, resulting in similar benefits for any Hitachi Rail project that involves a transition between interlocking systems.

Roslyn Stuart, Senior Director Australia, said: “Our new ‘Over and Back’ solution could potentially transform the testing process for new signalling systems being installed on brownfield sites around the world. It is fitting that we will use the new solution for the first time on Queensland’s Cross River Rail project which will ultimately deliver more seamless, sustainable mobility for Queensland Rail and passengers alike.”