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How to design trackside sites, covering power, enclosures, and connectivity, that keep signaling and AEI equipment reliable out in the field long term.
Comparing CBTC, ETCS, and PTC train control architectures on cost, capacity, and infrastructure needs to help you choose the right fit for your network.
What GoA 0 through GoA 4 actually require in practice, from allocating driver responsibility to the infrastructure each level truly demands.
How rail yards combine train detection and AEI-based railcar identification to build one reliable, correlated view of every car moving through the yard.
How railways confirm that a complete train has fully cleared a section, from axle counting and end-of-train devices to AEI-based consist verification.
Why track circuits fail in the field, how to diagnose the exact root cause quickly, and what a preventive maintenance program should actually include.
How fixed block and moving block design set the ceiling on line capacity, headway, and exactly where capacity actually gets lost on real railway lines.
A practical guide to migrating from manual yard checks to automated railcar identification, covering preparation, phased cutover, and results.
Learn how ports and intermodal terminals gain real-time rail visibility by capturing AEI events and connecting railcar data to terminal systems.
Discover how short line and regional railroads can adopt yard automation on a limited budget, with right-sized tools, phased rollouts, and funding.
Categories
How rail yards combine train detection and AEI-based railcar identification to build one reliable, correlated view of every car moving through the yard.
How railways confirm that a complete train has fully cleared a section, from axle counting and end-of-train devices to AEI-based consist verification.
Learn how operational data and analytics help rail yards detect near-misses, identify safety risks, improve KPIs, and strengthen freight rail safety performance.
Learn how rail teams transition from fixed-interval inspections to risk-based railway maintenance and asset prioritization.
Explore how weather data and historical failures help rail operators predict signaling problems and improve maintenance planning.
Learn how condition-based maintenance improves railway signaling reliability and reduces unplanned infrastructure failures.
Learn how rail yard performance management improves freight visibility, dwell time control, throughput, and operational decision-making.
Learn how fail-safe relays prevent train accidents by ensuring signaling systems default to safe states during failures.
Understand how fail-safe relays work in railway signaling and why they are essential for ensuring safety in critical train control systems.
Explore how to plan and prioritize level crossing upgrades to improve safety and operational reliability in railway systems.
Level Crossing
Explore how to plan and prioritize level crossing upgrades to improve safety and operational reliability in railway systems.
Level crossing safety equipment combines detection systems, visual signals, and barriers to improve safety at railroad intersections.
How engineering, detection systems, and regulations work together to improve safety at level crossings and prevent accidents on shared rail-road paths.
How smart sensors and integrated systems are transforming railroad crossing safety, efficiency, and accident prevention.
Level crossings are essential but high-risk points in rail networks. Learn how advanced detection, automated barriers, warning systems improve safety and efficiency.
Learn about the critical role that fail-safe relays play in protecting rail interlocking systems from power failures and other risks. Find out how these technologies can help optimize your railway operations.
Level crossings are an essential component of the railway infrastructure, serving as a connection between roads and railway tracks. The purpose of a level crossing is to allow road users to cross the tracks safely , with minimal disruption to the rail traffic. The choice of material used for a level crossing surface is crucial for ensuring the safety of road users and rail passengers. The two most used materials for level crossings are rubber plaques and asphalt. Importance of Choosing the Right Material for Level Crossing Surfaces Choosing the right material for level crossing surfaces is of utmost importance due to its significant impact on the safety of road users and rail passengers. The surface material plays a crucial role in providing traction and minimizing the risk of accidents. Additionally, it should withstand heavy loads and endure various weather conditions to ensure long-term durability. Environmental considerations also come into play, as the material should be sustainable and minimize negative impacts on the environment. Making a well-informed decision regarding the choice of material is essential to create level crossings that are safe, reliable, and environmentally conscious. Rubber Plaques: Durability, Safety, and Environmental Benefits Rubber plaques are made from recycled tires and are a popular choice for level crossings because of their durability and safety features. Rubber plaques provide a high level of traction for vehicles and pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents. They are also less likely to crack or become damaged compared to asphalt, which can cause tripping hazards and damage to vehicles. In addition to their safety benefits, rubber plaques are also more environmentally friendly than asphalt. They are made from recycled tires, which reduces the number of tires that would otherwise end up in landfills. Furthermore, they do not emit harmful chemicals or fumes, making them a safer option for the environment.
We all know the importance of a level crossing when a railway track crosses a road or street. In this type of situation, there is hardware behind it with all the security issues that we have already addressed in other articles on this blog, such as FAIL-SAFE features (any problem in the system, put it in a non-accident situation) and even very low-level failures (SIL3, SIL4). What few people know are the floors of these level crossings. When a road crosses a rail, asphalt or concrete can be placed, which is done at 99 out of 100 crossings. However, over time, this floor does not support the vibration that exists inside a railroad with a freight train passing by all the time, or even in cities, with urban trains. In a few months, asphalt becomes brittle and destroys itself, just like concrete. A few years ago, it was developed as a perfect solution, already adopted in developed countries, which are vulcanized rubber floors. They are formed by modules of vulcanized rubber that fit together forming a floor that is often more resistant than asphalt and concrete and does not suffer from the vibration characteristic of a highway. This type of floor often supports off-road vehicles in mining companies with loads of up to 300 tons, believe it or not. And its duration is set for 10 to 30 years of life, which is extremely high considering its asphalt and concrete competitors. In underdeveloped countries this type of solution is not used and most of the time asphalt or stones are simply placed to make the crossing works. With vibration this material is quickly dispersed. A railroad track profile is half a foot or 15 centimeters on average and if there is nothing at the intersection an ordinary car cannot pass a railroad track without damaging its wheels. So, the advantages of this type of flooring are enormous, mainly in terms of loads, durability, vibration resistance, weather conditions such as rain, floods. And yet this type of rubber flooring normally uses a surface with different triangular patterns that greatly increase the resistance to adhesion of both tires and pedestrians, being compared to the same type of adhesion of asphalt and are more efficient in water drainage. This type of material has been more widespread in recent years and the trend is that all level crossings will have this type of solution in the coming decades, which is even sustainable in the sense that old tires are ground and reused in the manufacture of these floors which in their composition normally use up to 80% recycled rubber ranging from 80 to 50% recycled rubber, the rest is natural rubber and some components that increase the material's hardness and resistance. Normally, the rubber floor in modules for level crossings is quickly assembled with a team of few operators and a forklift is enough for the whole system to be operational in a few hours. This type of flooring is adaptable to the ground and is placed on the rail sleepers, spreading the load of the truck that is crossing the track, avoiding damage to the rails or movement of the rails during the passage of a heavy-duty vehicle, for example. This type of solution is highly recommended, easily installable and gigantic durability, especially when heavy vehicles are used. It is also used for crossing pedestrians and bicycles due to its high adherence. In the landscape it is usually suitable because its characteristic color is like the color of asphalt and has a very important environmental aspect in the recycling of rubber used in tires, mainly tires for off-road vehicles, which represents a huge environmental problem for many mining companies. This would be one of the main applications of this type of solution. Maintenance is also very simple: any of these modules that present a problem can be easily replaced. The rubber floor is a solution that's here to stay and is set to replace all asphalt and concrete solutions worldwide on thousands of level crossings. The environment appreciates. Read more: Vital Signaling: technology that propels the production and the railway transportation of ore Brazil on the tracks: Railway Landmark and sustainability get advancements in the domestic market
A railway train easily carries thousands of tons of metal, only one car can carry 120 tons and it is very common with positions of 100, 200, 300 freight cars. This type of composition takes, with emergency braking, almost 2 kilometers to brake at an average speed of 50 kilometers per hour. So, it is critical that in your movement, nothing can be ahead. Any object in front of such a composition will be destroyed, nothing survives. So, that's why trains run freely through all countries, and the idea is that these railways have bridges or passages underneath so that the train never has to stop before its destination. However, there are critical situations where there is a road crossing with a railroad and it was not possible to make this crossing through a bridge or a tunnel. In this case, there is what we call a level crossing or level crossing. In the past, these systems worked with a railway guard who watched the train approach. At the right moment, the whistle sounded and manually lowered the vehicle gate using a crank, pressed a button and light signals began to flash for the cars that were supposed to stop and wait for the train to pass. This went on for decades and decades. However, about 50 years ago, the automatic systems of gates or level crossings were introduced, which are basically the ones that are used today. These are fail-safe systems, where any electrical problem or cable breakage or excessive rain, any problem at all, the barrier for vehicles is in the lowered position avoiding accident. Whenever there is a problem, he gets into a safe position. They are fail safe systems. There are three types of automatic level crossing technology: First level crossing option: The first, the most traditional, is with track circuit, where the rails are used as a kind of electrical circuit and the voltage in these sections is measured and when any heavy rolling stock enters that section, an identification is made and this section of track next to the level crossing, the process of warning cars that a train is approaching begins and the entire process of closing the barrier begins, luminous signals and bells . Then, when the train passes through this circuit and enters the next track circuit, after the level crossing, the barrier is opened again. The other technology uses what we call axis sensors. An axle sensor (fail safe) identifies the axle of the locomotive on approach to the level crossing. Second level crossing option: It is strategically placed at a safe distance, based on the maximum speed the train travels on that stretch. And when the train passes through that point, the process of alarming the level crossing bells and the light signals begins, both for the car and for the conductor. Normally, 20 seconds of signals and alarms are expected and within 10 seconds for the composition to arrive at the level crossing, the barrier begins to lowe . These times vary from country to country. The axles are counted on that axle sensor and when the train starts to pass through an axle sensor right after the level crossing, that same axle sensor sends the information for a micro - controlled system that checks if all axes that passed the initial identification passed after the level crossing. It is the certainty that the entire composition has already passed to start the ascent of the barrier and the passage of cars and pedestrians is released. Third level crossing option: There is a third type of more sophisticated level crossing that predicts the speed of the train and adjusts the opening and closing time of barriers and audible signals based on the speed at which the train is approaching, but there are fewer and much lower-level barriers. more costly. The level crossing has a regulation in each country with light and sound signals and signs like the famous “stop, look , listen” . There is also the Saint Andrew cross (usually with the words “railway crossing”. It has a whole symbology so that this system is as safe as possible. Anyway, it is an old technology, but very robust and that avoids many accidents around the world. A train at 50, 60 km per hour hitting a vehicle is not a pleasant sight. There are millions of level crossings in the world, and it is estimated that only 30% of them are automatic. Many are still manual. Mainly level crossing in remote locations, away from cities, close to indigenous villages, which greatly increases the danger of accidents. Governments are putting more and more regulations in place to automate and monitor these level crossings. in monitoring it is not possible to automatically command to open or command to close a level crossing. However, you can see the status and verify if all are operating normally. That's what exists behind a simple level crossing, a great technology, even an old one, but it represents enormous security. Read more: Vital Signaling: technology that propels the production and the railway transportation of ore Brazil on the tracks: Railway Landmark and sustainability get advancements in the domestic market
Switch Machine
See how automation priorities differ between hump yards and flat switching yards, and which strategy fits your yard's layout, volume, and staffing.
Meet Intertech Rail at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin. Visit Hall 27, Booth 150, to discover new Rail-ID, yard management, and switch machine technologies.
Discover how condition-based maintenance improves railway signaling reliability through predictive maintenance, asset monitoring, and data-driven decisions.
Discover which trackside equipment data supports early warning maintenance and railway signaling reliability programs.
Learn how switch machines and needle detectors help prevent failures and improve railway safety and reliability.
Intertech Rail’s IRM23 offers a reliable, compatible replacement for the M23 Switch Machine, maintaining safety while improving efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability.
Explore the safety techniques used in modern railway switch machines, focusing on IRM23 features such as redundancy, remote monitoring, and precise position.
Selecting the right switch machine is critical for rail operations. Learn how application type, load, environment, and maintenance define the best model choice.
Explore the evolution of switch machines in railways, from manual operation to modern automated systems that improve safety, reliability, and performance.
Discover the critical role that interlocking systems play in rail signaling. Find out how these systems help to prevent accidents and ensure reliable train movements on the railway network.
Signaling
How to design trackside sites, covering power, enclosures, and connectivity, that keep signaling and AEI equipment reliable out in the field long term.
How rail yards combine train detection and AEI-based railcar identification to build one reliable, correlated view of every car moving through the yard.
Why track circuits fail in the field, how to diagnose the exact root cause quickly, and what a preventive maintenance program should actually include.
How fixed block and moving block design set the ceiling on line capacity, headway, and exactly where capacity actually gets lost on real railway lines.
Learn how operational data and analytics help rail yards detect near-misses, identify safety risks, improve KPIs, and strengthen freight rail safety performance.
Learn how failure history and weather data help railway operators predict signaling failures, improve maintenance planning, and reduce operational disruptions.
Discover how condition-based maintenance improves railway signaling reliability through predictive maintenance, asset monitoring, and data-driven decisions.
Learn how rail teams transition from fixed-interval inspections to risk-based railway maintenance and asset prioritization.
Explore how weather data and historical failures help rail operators predict signaling problems and improve maintenance planning.
Learn how condition-based maintenance improves railway signaling reliability and reduces unplanned infrastructure failures.
RFID
Learn how ports and intermodal terminals gain real-time rail visibility by capturing AEI events and connecting railcar data to terminal systems.
Learn where to place AEI readers in a rail yard for maximum visibility, from entrances to hump crests, and how to size and validate read-point coverage.
Compare AEI/RFID, GPS, and machine vision for railcar identification. See accuracy, cost, and coverage trade-offs to choose the right fit for your yard.
Learn how to assess rail yard automation readiness, prioritize modernization initiatives, and build a practical roadmap using AEI, RFID, and operational data.
Learn how shared rail yards use standardized data, Rail-ID®, and governance models to improve visibility, coordination, and operational performance across railroads.
Learn how rail yard teams can work with automation systems, AEI technology, and operational data to improve safety, productivity, and workforce performance.
Discover how automation, Rail-ID®, and operational data help rail yards reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and support ESG goals.
Learn how to integrate Rail-ID® and AEI yard data with ERP, TMS, and billing systems to improve data quality, automation, reporting, and operational visibility.
Learn how AI-powered decision support uses Rail-ID®, AEI, and operational data to improve rail yard dispatch, train make-up, capacity planning, and decision-making.
Discover how a rail yard digital twin uses AEI, Rail-ID®, RFID, and operational data to improve visibility, planning, throughput, and freight rail efficiency.
Intertech News
Understand the real cost and ROI of rail yard automation, from hardware and software to dwell-time savings, and how to build a credible business case.
Meet Intertech Rail at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin. Visit Hall 27, Booth 150, to discover new Rail-ID, yard management, and switch machine technologies.
Learn how CyberVadis recognized Intertech Rail with the High Security Seal for strong cybersecurity practices, data protection, and information security standards.
Understand how RFID freight rail identification works, from AEI tags and trackside readers to real-time data processing in rail yards.
Learn how Rail-ID® Yard Management uses AEI and RFID technology to automate freight car identification, tracking, and yard control.
Discover why InnoTrans 2024 is a must-attend event for rail professionals, showcasing cutting-edge technology, global networking, and essential industry insights.
Explore the biggest railways in the world and how they shape global transportation, freight logistics, and large-scale railway operations.
The locomotive industry has been working tirelessly to find new, innovative solutions to fuel their trains. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, it is imperative that the locomotive industry also adapts to meet these changes. In recent years, several technologies have been developed and tested in locomotive fuel, and in this article, we will discuss some of the newest and most promising ones. Hydrogen Fuel Cells: One of the most exciting developments in locomotive fuel is the use of hydrogen fuel cells. These fuel cells work by converting hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, with water as the only byproduct. Hydrogen fuel cells have been tested in several locomotives, and the results have been very promising. They are a sustainable and clean source of energy that produces zero emissions, making them an ideal choice for locomotives. Battery-Electric Locomotives: Battery-electric locomotives are another technology that is being tested in the locomotive industry. These locomotives use rechargeable batteries to power electric motors, which in turn power the train. The batteries can be charged using renewable energy sources, making this technology a sustainable option. Battery-electric locomotives have already been used in several short-haul and light-rail applications, and there is a growing interest in developing them for heavier freight trains. Natural Gas: Natural gas is another fuel that is being tested in the locomotive industry. Natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel than diesel, and it produces fewer emissions. It is also cheaper than diesel, making it an attractive option for locomotive operators. Several locomotives have already been converted to run on natural gas, and the results have been positive. Biofuels: Biofuels are another sustainable option that is being tested in the locomotive industry. Biofuels are made from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils or animal fats. These fuels produce fewer emissions than diesel, making them a cleaner alternative. Biofuels have already been tested in several locomotives, and they have shown promising results. Hybrid Locomotives: Hybrid locomotives are another technology that is being developed in the locomotive industry. These locomotives use a combination of two or more power sources, such as diesel and electric power, to run the train. The goal of hybrid locomotives is to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency. Several hybrid locomotives have already been developed and tested, and the results have been positive. The technologies discussed in this article are just a few of the many being tested. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, it is important that the locomotive industry adapts and finds ways to reduce their environmental impact. By investing in sustainable technologies, the industry can reduce emissions, save money, and provide a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.
Dive into the causes and explanations of recent train derailments, including the Ohio train accident, and how the industry is working to prevent such incidents in the future.
Train travel has been a popular mode of transportation since the 19th century, and it continues to be widely used today. However, despite advances in technology and safety measures, train accidents have occurred throughout history, resulting in tragic loss of life and devastating damage. There is News everywhere about the environment problem in OHIO and now the crash in Greece. Major train accidents in history Quintinshill Rail Disaster (1915) On May 22, 1915, the deadliest train accident in British history occurred at the Quintinshill railway station in Scotland. Two passenger trains collided, and a third train crashed into the wreckage. A total of 227 people were killed and more than 246 injured. Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne Train Disaster (1917) On December 12, 1917, a train carrying French soldiers derailed in Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, France, killing at least 540 people and injuring hundreds more. The accident was caused by a combination of excessive speed and poor maintenance. Balvano Train Disaster (1944) On March 2, 1944, a train carrying hundreds of people stalled in a tunnel near Balvano, Italy. Due to the lack of ventilation and the use of coal-fired engines, many passengers died from carbon monoxide poisoning. The exact number of casualties is unknown, but estimates range from 426 to 500. Tsurumi Train Disaster (1963) On November 9, 1963, a train carrying more than 1,000 passengers derailed in Tsurumi, Japan, killing at least 161 people and injuring more than 300 others. The accident was caused by a broken axle on one of the train's carriages. Tangshan Train Disaster (1976) On July 28, 1976, a train carrying more than 1,000 people derailed near Tangshan, China, killing at least 200 passengers and injuring many more. The accident was caused by a combination of human error and poor maintenance. Bihar Train Disaster (1981) On June 6, 1981, a train carrying more than 800 passengers derailed in the Indian state of Bihar, killing at least 800 people and injuring hundreds more. The accident was caused by a combination of overcrowding, poor maintenance, and human error. Awash Train Derailment (1985) On January 6, 1985, a train derailed in the Awash River valley in Ethiopia, killing at least 428 people and injuring hundreds more. The accident was caused by a combination of poor maintenance and excessive speed. Gare de Lyon Train Accident (1988) On October 27, 1988, a commuter train crashed into a stationary train at the Gare de Lyon railway station in Paris, France. The collision sparked a fire that killed 56 people and injured more than 100 others. Ufa Train Disaster (1989) On June 4, 1989, two passenger trains collided near Ufa, Russia, killing at least 575 people and injuring hundreds more. The accident was caused by a combination of human error and a faulty signalling system. Santiago de Compostela Derailment (2013) On July 24, 2013, a high-speed train derailed near Santiago de Compostela, Spain, killing 80 people and injuring more than 140 others. The accident was caused by excessive speed, with the train travelling at more than twice the speed limit. In next articles we will explore the major causes of accidents and what to do to help avoid them.
ATC
Comparing CBTC, ETCS, and PTC train control architectures on cost, capacity, and infrastructure needs to help you choose the right fit for your network.
What GoA 0 through GoA 4 actually require in practice, from allocating driver responsibility to the infrastructure each level truly demands.
Automatic Train Control (ATC) uses trackside balises and onboard readers to manage train speed, enforce signals, and enhance safety. Positioned between the rail and the train, ATC is essential to modern rail automation and high-capacity operations.
Railway automation systems showing ATP, ATC, and ATO train control technologies
Explore the main types of railway switch machines and their ideal applications, from freight and mainline routes to yards and industrial sidings.
Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems improve railway safety by preventing overspeed, collisions, and signal violations through real-time train control.
Discover how Automatic Train Protection systems enhance rail safety. Explore functions, benefits, and technology behind rail operations.
Explore the evolution of ATC systems and RFID in rail safety, improving train control, asset tracking, and operational reliability in modern railway networks.
Improve your understanding of the challenges and risks of relying solely on GPS in rail automation systems. Discover how to enhance safety and efficiency.
AEI
How to design trackside sites, covering power, enclosures, and connectivity, that keep signaling and AEI equipment reliable out in the field long term.
How rail yards combine train detection and AEI-based railcar identification to build one reliable, correlated view of every car moving through the yard.
How railways confirm that a complete train has fully cleared a section, from axle counting and end-of-train devices to AEI-based consist verification.
A practical guide to migrating from manual yard checks to automated railcar identification, covering preparation, phased cutover, and results.
Learn how ports and intermodal terminals gain real-time rail visibility by capturing AEI events and connecting railcar data to terminal systems.
Discover how short line and regional railroads can adopt yard automation on a limited budget, with right-sized tools, phased rollouts, and funding.
See how automation priorities differ between hump yards and flat switching yards, and which strategy fits your yard's layout, volume, and staffing.
Explore how AAR, AEI, and EDI standards govern railcar identification and enable interoperability between railroads, yards, and customers.
Understand the real cost and ROI of rail yard automation, from hardware and software to dwell-time savings, and how to build a credible business case.
Learn where to place AEI readers in a rail yard for maximum visibility, from entrances to hump crests, and how to size and validate read-point coverage.
All Articles
How to design trackside sites, covering power, enclosures, and connectivity, that keep signaling and AEI equipment reliable out in the field long term.
Comparing CBTC, ETCS, and PTC train control architectures on cost, capacity, and infrastructure needs to help you choose the right fit for your network.
What GoA 0 through GoA 4 actually require in practice, from allocating driver responsibility to the infrastructure each level truly demands.
How rail yards combine train detection and AEI-based railcar identification to build one reliable, correlated view of every car moving through the yard.
