Contextos sintácticos

Speed restrictions are placed on the running lines for the safe passage of rail traffic during track and bridge repairs or, where due to the condition or geometry of the track, rail traffic is unable to travel at normal speeds.

Details for the different types of speed signs and procedures for imposing and removing speed restrictions can be found in the Network Rules and Procedures and in Engineering Manual TMC 211 – Track Geometry & Stability.

C17-1 Permanent speeds

C17-1.1 Permanent speed signs

Permanent speed signs are placed on main lines and are necessary at various locations to advise train drivers of the maximum speed on the track ahead.

Speed signs are placed on the left side of the track in the direction of travel.

Permanent Speed signs are provided where:

1. The speed through curves is reduced because of the geometry design.

2. The speed to be travelled on the turnout road of a turnout needs to be advertised to drivers.

There are two different types of permanent speed boards:

1. Black text on a white background for XPT, Xplorer and Endeavour trains.

2. Black text on a yellow background for all other rail traffic.

A single yellow background speed sign applies to all rail traffic.

Turnout speed signs have black text on a yellow background with a letter X before the numbers and identify the maximum speed for the turnout.

115 100

^X15

C17-1.2 Advisory speed signs

Advisory speed signs are provided where there is not enough signal sighting distance, to allow trains to stop if required at the second signal ahead and have red text on silver background, red on yellow, or yellow on blue, depending on the type of train.

110

80

40

C17-1.3 Freight train speed signs

Freight train speed signs indicate a maximum speed for all freight trains travelling inside the area bounded by Ourimbah, Westmead, Casula and Unanderra and have yellow text on a blue background.

C17-1.4 Other signs

Rolling stock prohibition signs indicate the point that medium or wide gauge rolling stock must not pass and have white text on red background.

Electric train stop signs indicate the point that electric trains must not pass unless authorised to travel with pantographs lowered and have a black symbol on a yellow background or white text on a red background.

ELECTRIC TRAIN STOP

Points clearance signs are provided at some locations to tell drivers that the train is clear of the relevant points and have white text on black background.

Whistle signs are provided where drivers must sound the whistle before the front of the train passes the whistle sign and have black text on white background.

WOLO signs indicate to a driver that a special speed restriction is in place due to hot weather. They have black letters on a yellow background and are placed at the beginning of the restricted zone within the metropolitan area.

C17-2 Temporary speed restrictions

C17-2.1 Applying temporary speeds

When the condition of the track or structure is considered to be not suitable for normal speeds and repair work is required, a temporary speed restriction can be imposed until repair work is completed. The speed can be “wired on” and temporary Warning, Caution and Clearance boards are erected.

If the speed restriction can be advertised in RIC Speed one week in advance, the use of telegrams to wire on the speed is not necessary.

In an emergency situation (broken rail, misalignment, track geometry defect etc), you may need to apply a speed restriction at once. This speed restriction is “wired on” and the Network Control Officers must advise the trains of the reduced speed before entering the

If you consider the line is unsafe for trains, emergency protection using the appropriate Network Rules should be implemented or protect the site with handsignallers until Warning, Caution and Clearance boards can be erected.

C17-2.2 Location of boards

Train drivers MUST be able to see Warning, Caution and Clearance signs. They will take action based on the location of the signs. Therefore signs MUST be put:

• On the LEFT hand side of the track. the signs are placed on the right hand side for trains travelling in the and Clearance signs to be erected 50m beyond the affected area.

C17-2.3 Speed plates

Speed plates are fitted to the bottom of the Warning sign and the top of the Caution sign to indicate to train drivers what speed restriction applies. In some locations multiple speed restrictions will apply progressively in a track section and additional speed plates are added to the bottom of Caution signs to advise drivers of the speed applying to the next section.

C17-2.4 Intermediate warning signs (distance to caution)

Where there is not enough track length to give 2500m warning distance, Intermediate Warning signs are used. The signs are standard warning signs with a ‘Distance to Caution sign attached at the bottom, and are placed on the secondary track before it enters the main line on which the speed applies. They

Overhead Wiring Structure

Max. 2800

Min. 1800 Max. 3000

Rail Level

can only be used where trains cannot exceed 40kph approaching the sign.

C17-2.5 Warning lights

Warning lights MUST be fixed to the top of temporary speed signs in the area bounded by:

• Helensburgh, Macarthur, Emu Plains and Cowan.

• Newcastle, Fassifern and Telarah.

• Thirroul and Unanderra.

A Blue flashing light is attached to the Warning sign, an amber flashing light is attached to the Caution sign and a white flashing light is fixed to the Clearance sign.