Project ELSIE: a new approach to level crossing protection

There are currently many thousands of 'passive' level crossings throughout Australia - that is, those having no automatic means of warning of the approach of a train. Many of these crossings have unsatisfactory safety records in terms of past accidents and nearmisses, but the required upgrading work is either delayed or severely limited by economic considerations. The GNS Associates ELS-6007 system to be described in this lecture is being developed in response to these needs. The system represents a significant departure from conventional level crossing protection systems, both in terms of the technologies used and the much lower fully-installed costs projected. Reference will be made to the integrated multi-lantern signal heads, the stand-alone train detection and power supply features, the multiple-embedded control architecture, the self-monitoring and reporting capabilities, and the software being developed for the central monitoring station. Some particular problems in achieving the requisite levels of safety and reliability will be discussed. Apart from considerations of public safety, the importance of achieving the targeted outcome will be emphasised as part of the business model of modern railway operations. Although the ELS-6007 system has been designed particularly for crossings with low-medium traffic volumes, it is also suitable for enhancement to suit virtually all levels of utilisation of the road and rail corridors