The Project

The development of solar powered gate opening systems for Network Rail for User Worked Crossings (UWC) to provide year round operation in remote locations without the requirement of a mains power connection. This development reduces the number of times the designated user is required to cross the railway from 5 times to once dramatically improving gate discipline and reducing level crossing risk. 

Partnership

Gatecare LTD Was approached by Network Rail to provide a tailor made solar powered system to work within the specific requirements of the project. Following rigorous site testing based upon an average 70 cycles per day meeting EMC standards and reliability and availability requirements. Gates are locked in both the closed and open position and provide a safe system of operation to meet the requirements of Network Rail and stakeholders, all of which were successfully achieved.

Development

This was achieved by installing electrically powered gate openers (actuators) to each of the gates and providing a control system to enable the user to open both gates at the touch of a control button on the nearside gate, cross the track and close the gates with a touch of a control button on the farside gate. Due to the remote location of these commonly agricultural situations, there is no mains power readily available and the decision was to investigate solar power.