level crossings

[bytherail]

Hello hello - am new to this forum.

my question is:
Is there any way I can find out a timetable of when the barriers will be up/down? (short of looking at the timetable and guessing when the train will arrive)

many thanks
David
(Barnes white hart lane level crossing)

 

[MikeWh]

The timetable will give you a good idea, but the barriers will only be raised/lowered when necessary, so if there is disruption the times will change.

 

[bytherail]

Hi - thanks - tho what/who/how makes the barrier go up/down then - is it triggered by something the train passes?

cheers
DT

 

[142094]

Depends on the type of barrier - sure someone will be along in a bit to explain the differences.

 

[ainsworth74]

It varies depending on the type of barrier but the following is how I understand it, if I'm wrong someone else will be along shortly I'm sure Full barrier level crossings (those with barriers that block the entire road) will be controlled by the signaller either remotely (via CCTV) or by eyesight if the signal box overlooks the crossing. Automatic half barrier crossing (barriers that only block one lane of traffic) are controlled by the approach of a train towards the crossing with no outside interference and will lower themselves. I'm not sure about more traditional gate crossings with people to close the gates themselves, I assume the signaller gives them an indication of when they need to close the barrier.

 

[Tomnick]

In summary, depending upon the type of crossing in question, the barriers will either (in the case of 'full' barriers) be controlled by a Signalman - remotely with CCTV supervision or locally from an adjacent signalbox - or (in the case of 'half' barriers) be automatic - monitored remotely by the supervising signalbox or locally by the Driver of the approaching train.

I suspect, without checking and without much local knowledge, that the crossing in question is full barrier CCTV? In that case, the operation of the crossing is very much in the hands of the supervising Signalman who must at least confirm that the crossing is clear (by CCTV) before the protecting signals can clear - the barriers themselves may be able to be set to lower automatically though.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Beaten to it!

I'm not sure about more traditional gate crossings with people to close the gates themselves, I assume the signaller gives them an indication of when they need to close the barrier.

Often the crossing will be operated by the Signalman, either by hand or by wheel (or, in a few cases, with power assistance!). In other cases, where the crossing isn't adjacent to a signalbox, a Crossing Keeper will close the gates and clear either his own signals or a slot on someone else's signals - there's various means of informing him when to do this.

 

[bytherail]

Hi - yes you're right that it is a full barrier CCTV.

so in that case... the barrier is signaled to come down either by an approaching driver or automated local signal box (right??)..
...and then only raised once the CCTV operator gives the confirmation? (right??)

(thanks so far!)

 

[jopsuk]

looking at the location, the crossing in question is CCTV controlled, full barrier. These do have to be lowered a reasonable time in advance of a train approaching, as they are protected by a signal that cannot be cleared until the crossing is clear and the barriers down, as witnessed by the controlling signaller. A timetable might help you plan around it a bit, but won't take into account even minor disruption, which may cause the barriers to be down for longer.

 

[ainsworth74]

so in that case... the barrier is signaled to come down either by an approaching driver or automated local signal box (right??)..

Sort of. The barriers could be lowered automatically by the approach of the train (the driver would have no part to play in this) or manually by the signaller. The signaller then in either case uses CCTV or eyesight to check that that crossing is clear of obstruction and clear for the train to proceed.

...and then only raised once the CCTV operator gives the confirmation? (right??)

They would be raised once the trains passes again either automatically or by the signaller raising them.

 

[bytherail]

superb - thanks very much for all the time & info - I didn't realise there was so much human involvement in it all - I'd just presumed it was all automated.

many thanks again
David

 

[The Barlow Boy]

White Hart is a CCTV crossing. It was controlled by Barnes which as well as a signalman also had a crossing keeper for three of the CCTV crossings. Upon closure of Barnes control was passed to a little subsidiary panel in Wimbledon panel box. I don't know if the crossing keepers still work from Barnes 'box - if it's still standing or if they went to Wimbledon.