To improve the performance of its rail operation without compromising safety, Marseille-Fos Port has begun to modernise the level crossings in its East Docks. Axians is managing the project.
Grand Port Maritime de Marseille (GPMM) needed to modernise the level crossings in its East Docks, in order to improve the performance of its rail operation and ensure optimal safety conditions. This new contract, which Axians secured in February 2023, will modernise and enhance safety on the stretch between Arenc (a district in Marseille’s 2nd arrondissement) and the Med Europe Terminal (MET) located at the edge of the East Docks.
Axians formed an ad hoc team of four (project manager, project lead, site supervisor and cable fitter) ably supported by the VINCI Energies expert brand’s support teams. In addition, a civil engineering and roads/utilities contractor will be working to regenerate the automatic light signalling systems at three level crossings.
The aim of the operation instigated by GPMM is to ensure personnel safety and reduce the risk of collision between road and rail vehicles. It also aims to improve transit times and minimise train stoppages at level crossings. By facilitating transfers of RFN (national rail network) trains into the port, the upgrade level crossings will enhance the facility’s operational performance.
Combining safety and performance
“Originally, these level crossings were the SAL 0 type (with flashing lights and bells but no barriers),” explains Stéphane Liogier, Business Unit Manager at Axians Rail Sud-Est Méditerranée (SEM) “The rail traffic safety measures we have put in place include the installation of SAL 2 FC-type crossings, which are similar to the SAL 0 system, with the addition of half barriers, flashing red LED lights, extra-loud bells and checkerboard markings on the ground. This considerably raises the safety level at these level crossings.”
“The main challenge was carrying out the work in busy road traffic conditions”
The rail signals are directly connected to the full closure of the half-barrier mechanisms, which authorises the train to pass through the level crossing. This means that if all the signal lights remain off, the train is halted and cannot pass. “This will also improve operational performance,” adds Stéphane Liogier. “The level crossings will now be triggered automatically by an alert system installed on the track, which will be activated by the train’s bogies. Trains will therefore no longer always stop at level crossings as they did before.”
Equipment shortages
Axians Rail SEM faced numerous challenges on this project. “The main one was carrying out the work in busy road traffic conditions,” says Stéphane Liogier. “We also had to work around rail equipment shortages – for example, a lack of level crossing barrier mechanisms. The lead time for this equipment is around 18 months, which was completely at odds with the project deadlines.”
The business unit had to implement an alternative solution. Stéphane Liogier explains: “We suggested a product meeting the same specification but with a change to the controls and different wired logic. By standardising this system, we were able to complete the contract on time.”
07/10/2024
