Project Update

Work has begun on a new rail signalling system that will be delivered as part of Cross River Rail and that will revolutionise the way in which trains operate on the South East Queensland rail network.

The new signalling technology will allow trains to operate closer together and run more efficiently with greater safety.

Work has begun to upgrade signals on the Shorncliffe line, which will be the first line to benefit from the new signalling system, before it is rolled out across the wider network from 2022 onwards.

The start of work on the Shorncliffe line is significant milestone and Cross River Rail is working closely with Queensland Rail and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to integrate this new technology into the rest of the rail network.

When the new system is operational, a train’s location will be tracked continuously and a new in-cab system will relay information to the driver, replacing a reliance on traditional track side signals.

Both train cabins and tracks will be fitted with new signalling equipment which will report the position, direction and speed of trains, enabling the system to calculate a safe maximum running speed for each train.

New signalling system – Fast facts:

• A new in-cab system which provides continuous information to the driver
• This means the driver can navigate the route ahead more safely and the network can be managed more efficiently
• Beacons are fitted at regular intervals between the tracks and information is communicated to the train driver showing the train’s location
• Continuous information is relayed between the Rail Management Centre and the driver’s on-board computer, using a cellular antenna fitted to the train
• This includes the train’s exact location, information about the route ahead such as gradients and any speed restrictions
• Knowing the exact position of each train along the network means the trains can be scheduled to travel closer to each other to a higher standard of safety
• It also makes it possible to automatically update train schedules, which makes it possible to provide more accurate ‘real time’ information for passengers.