What is non-intrusive crossover system?
NICS is a portable crossover system providing access and temporary siding capability for challenging worksites.
HOW IT WORKS
The ramp plates and switch plates lift the train over the railhead. The gut rails transfer the OTP/OTM to the crossing plate which guides the OTP/OTM over the six foot to the adjacent track
PROTECTS THE INFRASTRUCTURE
Possession can only be handed back when all plates are fully open, secured by mechanical interlocking and signalling integration.
No Cutting Into Rails
Installed over the existing track, NICS leaves the permanent way untouched and restores the line exactly as found.
Features & Benefits OF NICS
NICS Virtual Siding can reduce project duration and cost, getting multiple RRV's, trailers, and loads onto the mainline faster than traditional methods.
Improves safety performance
Reduces project costs and duration
Provides access and egress to challenging worksites
Maximises productivity within limited possessions
Reduces travel and on-tracking requirements
Minimises disruption, including noise at sensitive access points
Simple installation, decommissioning, and innovative deployment
The crossover sequence
Six stages take OTP/OTM from the mainline, across to the adjacent line.
STEP 01
ramps lift the vehicle
Hydraulically operated hinged ramps raise the OTP/OTM by 48mm above the railhead, fully supporting its weight.
STEP 02
switch plates turn out
Switch plates guide the OTP/OTM onto the gut rails.
STEP 03
gut rails align
Gut rails maintain precise alignment between the switch and crossing plates.
STEP 04
crossing plates transfer
Crossing plates carry the OTP/OTM over the existing six-foot rails.
STEP 05
switch plates re-align
A second set of switch plates guides the OTP/OTM onto the adjacent running line.
STEP 06
ramps lower the vehicle
Ramps lower the OTP/OTM back onto the running rails beyond the worksite.
NICS HAS TWO MAIN USES
VIRTUAL SIDINGS
NICS functions as a virtual siding, allowing RRV plant, equipment and materials to be staged and loaded before the possession. Once granted, the system deploys hydraulically in just 15 minutes, allowing RRV’s to access the mainline and reach the worksite.
Full Crossover
Traditional temporary crossovers are costly and time-consuming to install and remove. NICS enables rapid, non-intrusive track transfers, increasing productive time, improving safety and reducing maintenance costs and disruption.
Technical data
Train lift
48mm, so wheel flanges clear the permanent railhead
Crossover length
58 metres
Installation time
Circa 12 hours
Total system weight
13.5 tonnes, transported in palletised sections
Intellectual property
Patented worldwide
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions about installing, operating and removing the NICS crossover.
How long does it take to install?
The 58m crossover can be installed in circa 12 hours. The system weighs 13.5 tonnes and arrives in palletised sections that can be handled with standard site plant.
What are the main parts of the system?
NICS comprises ramps, switch plates, crossing plates and gut rails. Ramps lift the OTP/OTM 48mm clear of the railhead, switch plates turn it out, crossing plates carry it over the six-foot rails, and gut rails connect the assembly into a twist-free alignment.
Can NICS be left in place when trains are running?
YES. NICS can be left in place with the crossing plates locked into their open position while the line is open to traffic at linespeed.
Can it be used on curved track?
NO. Installation of the NICS can only take place on straight track.
What is NICS typically used for?
NICS has two main uses; A Virtual Siding to store OTP/OTM before the possession and a full crossover to transfer OTP/OTM from one line to the adjacent line.