Track side Alarms

[Murphyen]

Hello!

Long-time reader / lurker, first time poster.

Every time I travel back from university on the ECML between Dunbar and Berwick there's a portion of the line which seems to have some form of alarm attached to the catenary supports and the train always seems to pass slowly through this portion of the track. The alarms themselves sound like some sort of fire alarm.

Does anyone know what these alarms are for / why they're on this part of the line? I've never seen them on any other part of the railway network either. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Daniel]

I believe that is a 'pee-wee' system, basically a portable system that warns track workers of approaching trains via both visual and audible alarms.
This would also explain the slow speed, as there would most likely be a TSR - (temporary speed restriction) in the area to protect those working on the track.

Hope this is accurate and helps!

 

[O L Leigh]

If it's attached to the OLE stanchions it's not a portable device. However Daniel is effectively correct about what they are. They are an audible warning system for track workers to warn them of an approaching train.

These systems are actually quite widespread and can be found on lines where the view may be obstructed because of the curvature of the line or other features.

O L Leigh

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

They are known as TOWS: Train Operated Warning System. Think of it as an electronic lookout, in that when a train enters the section (or the section preceeding the worksite) the alarm sounds and contiues to sound until the train has left the worksite. There are switches located in cabinets to allow the system to be (de)activated.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

Yes, these alarms are attached to the stanchions and they've been there (on the inland stretch north of Grantshouses) for years. They're not always operating of course, but if you're travelling on a train then you'd be forgiven for thinking that they are sounding continuously!
You can struggle to see where any work is actually taking place as the system does seem to stretch for a few miles.
But it doesn't appear that the alarms are necessarily associated with a TSR/ESR.