72 meters of safety: velo ensures barrier-free crossings for cyclists
Facts
- Location: Preston, North West England (UK)
- Period: March 2022
- Client: Ribble Rail
- Products: velo inner panels, pro outer panels, T kerbstones
- Length/quantity: 72 m
- Conditions: G44 sleepers, BS113A rails, radius 169 m
Advantages
- Permanently eliminates the flange groove
- Only system for train speeds up to max. 120 km/h (depending on country of installation)
- Movable inserts can be easily replaced without removing the inner panel
- No need to keep the flange groove free of dirt, snow and ice
Project description
Strand Road in Preston serves as a heavily used link between the train station and Preston Docks. The existing level crossing had deteriorated significantly.
Not only did this pose a general risk to road users, but due to cracks and uneven surfaces, it was a significant safety risk for the many daily cyclists and an obstacle to a barrier-free crossing.
In March 2022, Ribble Rail decided to undertake a complete renewal of the level crossing and the adjacent roadway. The primary goal was to provide a safe, smooth, and long-lasting solution.
The choice fell on the barrier-free velo level crossing system. This system is specifically designed to ensure a safe crossing for cyclists by closing the rail groove. During the construction work, the entire track infrastructure was renewed—including G44 sleepers and BS113A rails on a 169 m radius—with the sleepers concreted in for additional stability. The installation of the system itself was extremely fast, thanks to velo’s modular design.
Despite the complexity of the project and the considerable length of the level crossing of 72 meters, the velo system was installed in just five hours.
Ribble Rail therefore benefited from two major advantages: The level crossing now meets the highest safety standards and cyclists enjoy a barrier-free crossing, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. The rapid installation also minimized the closure of the important Strand Road, reducing traffic disruption.
