High Speed Switches and Crossings Development

Descriptions

Current S&C designs product accepted for use on Network Rail infrastructure have a maximum turnout speed limited to 90 mph. Other infrastructure managers (including the UK-based HS1 Ltd) have S&C in day-to-day operation with higher turnout speeds and it is recognised that it will be beneficial to UK rail industry for Network Rail also to have S&C equipment with this higher turnout speed capability. The need for this capability has been highlighted by High Speed 2 (HS2). The planned HS2 infrastructure includes a number of connections to Network Rail routes and, to maximise benefits (journey times and capacity), it will be advantageous for HS2 services to run from/to network rail infrastructure at the existing network through route line speed. This will not be possible if turnout speeds are limited to 90 mph. The Network Rail Technical Authority have been asked by the HS2 Integration Team within System Operator to scope the work required to introduce Switches and Crossings (S&C) design.