Rail researchers to tackle 'pressing' safety and overhead power issues

Researchers will tackle safety issues and power supply reliability for modern railways in a new collaboration.

Network Rail will harness expertise from the University of Huddersfield’s Institute of Railway Research as it addresses the “most pressing” issues with the rail network.

The university – which has state-of-the-art testing facilities and was recently selected to lead the £28m Centre of Excellence in Rolling Stock – will house research on overhead line interaction dynamics, aiming to reduce failures in vehicle power.

The institute’s team will also research data analytics for predictive maintenance of switches and crossings to improve safety, and analyse close-call incident reports to help understand the risks that rail workers and passengers are exposed to.

Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.