Section 25: Miscellaneous Signs and Indicators
(Page 2 of 2)
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The opening of the line to the Channel Tunnel (from 1993) brought with it the need to identify the boundary between the different infrastructure controllers. Two signs are provided on one post. The top sign shows the identity of the infrastructure controller whose territory begins at the boundary point and the lower sign, which bears a red cross, shows the name of the infrastructure controller whose territory is being exited [25.14]. The change of applicable Rule Book occurs as soon as the front of the train has passed the sign.
The codes used were:
- "BR" = British Rail
- "ET" = Eurotunnel
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[25.14] Rule Book Change Sign (e.g. from BR to Eurotunnel territory).
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From 1999, trackside bridge I.D. signs were fitted, on a trial basis, at certain underbridges (rail over road) on the London North Eastern Zone. The signs were designed to enable drivers to readily locate and identify bridges by their number should it be necessary in the event of an incident at or near the bridge. The signs display the bridge number, and also the Engineer's Line Reference (ELR) which identifies the route [25.15].
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[25.15] Bridge I.D. Sign (e.g. ELR = 'LEN3'; Bridge number = 154) (LNE Zone).
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In 2001, trials were undertaken in the Exeter area (Great Western Zone) involving the positioning of temporary "Bridge Strike" signs [25.16] at rail bridges (underbridges or overbridges) that have been struck by road vehicles. The signs are double-sided and are positioned at the bridge concerned by rapid response staff attending a bridge strike incident. The aim was to assist drivers in locating the bridge concerned.
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[25.16] Temporary "Bridge Strike" Sign (GW Zone).
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At some locations, 'end of restriction' (or 'rear clear') indicators have been installed [25.17]. This sign indicates to the driver that the rear of the train is clear of a specific position, such as a neutral section, conductor rail gap, or the end of a speed restriction. When this sign is passed, the driver may close the circuit breaker or accelerate, as appropriate. An 'end of restriction' indicator may bear letters denoting the type of train or length of train to which it applies [25.18].
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[25.17] 'End of Restriction' Indicator.
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[25.18] 'End of Restriction' Indicator applicable only to type of train specified (e.g. "TMST" = Transmanche Super Train).
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Later bridge I.D. signs on the London North Eastern Zone have the bridge's mileage stated on the sign [25.19]. Bridge I.D. signs have been installed at certain overbridges (road over rail) on the London North Eastern Zone as well as at underbridges. There is also a miniature version that omits the mileage and the word "Bridge" [25.20].
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[25.19] Bridge I.D. Sign (e.g. ELR = 'ECM5'; Bridge number = 193) (LNE Zone).
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[25.20] Miniature Bridge I.D. Sign (e.g. ELR = 'ECM5'; Bridge number = 96) (LNE Zone).
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Various alternative forms of bridge I.D. signs have appeared on the other zones [25.21 & 25.22]. On the Scotland Zone, the signs installed from 2004 were the same as the original type used on the London North Eastern Zone (see [25.15]).
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[25.21] Bridge I.D. Sign (e.g. Bridge number = 44; ELR = 'LEC1') (Midlands Zone).
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[25.22] Bridge I.D. Sign (e.g. ELR = 'OWW'; Bridge number = 102) (Great Western Zone).
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A new style of Rule Book Change sign was in use by 2003 [25.23].
The following codes are used:
- "CCRRB" = CTRL Construction Railway Rule Book
- "CTRL" = Channel Tunnel Rail Link
- "ET" = Eurotunnel
- "RT" or "RTK" = Railtrack
- "TMD" = Temple Mills Depot
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[25.23] Rule Book Change Sign (e.g. from Railtrack to CTRL territory).
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Hot Axle Box Detectors (HABDs) are installed on running lines at certain locations. These sites are not normally marked by lineside signs, however triangular signs with the letters "HABD" [25.25] have been provided on the East Anglia Zone in some places.
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[25.25] "HABD" Sign (East Anglia Zone).
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In July 2006, Rule Book Change signs of a different shape [25.26] (matching those in use in France) were provided at London St. Pancras. The following codes were used:
- "CTRL" = Channel Tunnel Rail Link
- "NR" = Network Rail
These were replaced by signs of the usual shape in March 2008.
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[25.26] Rule Book Change Sign (e.g. from CTRL to Network Rail territory).
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Section 2 of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, completed in 2007, includes three long twin-tube tunnels. Cross passages connect the two parallel tunnels at intervals of around 660 metres. The position of each cross passage is indicated by a sign with a yellow diamond on a black square background [25.27]. These signs are located about 25 metres beyond the centre line of each cross passage. Certain cross passages are specially equipped to facilitate emergency train evacuation and access for emergency services. These are marked by a sign bearing the letter "E" [25.28]. If a fire occurs on board and it is not possible for the train to continue until it is outside the tunnel, the front of the train should be stopped at one of these signs. This will ensure that the leading passenger door is alongside the evacuation cross passage. In the event of an incident, a driver may be instructed to stop the train at an "E" sign in order to evacuate passengers from a train in the opposite tunnel. To help drivers to stop at the correct location, the three cross passages on the approach to an evacuation cross passage have signs bearing the numbers "3", "2" and "1" [25.29].
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[25.27] Cross Passage Sign (CTRL).
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[25.28] Evacuation Cross Passage Sign (CTRL).
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[25.29] Cross Passage Signs on approach to an evacuation cross passage (CTRL).
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New bridge I.D. signs installed on the West Coast Main Line in the vicinity of Watford Junction are circular in shape [25.30].
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[25.30] Bridge I.D. Sign (e.g. Bridge number = 62; ELR = 'LEC1') (LNW Territory).
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