James Harland Well, Network Rail have finally got rid of the temporary traffic lights which were controlled by a guy in a van all day. It's much easier having level crossing wigwags which a signaller controls. No vehicles are jumping the lights now.
+David W. We have a few of these around the country still in operation. They are mostly found on private / preserved railways rather than mainline. This is one of two in the country that has road lights with the gates.
Its to try and prevent extra pollution. This level crossing is often closed for long periods of time so advising drivers to turn off their engines whilst they wait is a way of helping the environment.
So nearby residents didn't have to listen to the engines running unnecessary. I used to live next to a crossing 50 odd years ago traffic pollution wasn't a thing then. A lot of signs still exist from years ago and are still put up today it's a quirky British tradition.
Well, all since that previous signalman got knocked over by a car, Network Rail have implemented loads of safety precautions such as new wigwags and hi-vis clothing for signalman. I think the old gates are going this July as the crossing is being modernized and automated
This Level Crossing is amazing! It is not like other level crossings because its manually closed not automatic! Btw great video ill give it a thumbs up.
Yes, obviously for safety it does not cross the road, and stops a few metres either side. Usually there is anti-trespass guides to prevent people from walking on the tracks and potentially come into contact with the rail
"Wigwag" is the technical term describing these flashing warning lights with red / white borders in the UK. Wigwag refers to alternating flashing lights. I'm aware the term describes a different warning instrument in the US, something to do with a swinging circle.
These lights were only temporarily added to the manual gated crossing, as a means of stopping traffic so the signalman could close the gates safety. This was after an incident were an elderly driver hit a signalman trying to close the gates here.
Yeah. Especially the fact that the crossing has the newest Unipart Rail LED wigwags with the oldest level crossing type in the UK makes this quite special.
The notice is badly written, in that it should read "When Stationary", and not whilst stationary, which implies you are doing something else, at the same time?
That's interesting, I never actually noticed that. I guess you're right but most drivers would just read the message as turn the engine off if you're waiting so it probably isn't that big a problem lol
Nice! Do the wigwags automatically activate, or are they activated by the signaler? Also, I found out that there are a few crossings here in the US that use skirts on the gates, but so far, I've only found two gates with them that are used as pedestrian signals on a crossing on the CTA in Chicago, IL.
Thanks. You can see the signaller turning the lights off by the small black switch on the grey box. I never thought any US crossings had any skirts. They must be pretty old if they do. Almost every single boom has no skirt, just an arm. There's very little foot crossings here which have raising and lowering barriers or any form of flashing lights or audible alarm. I'd say over 75% of crossings just have Stop, Look, Listen signs with a path width of rubber crossing plant.
UK Level Crossings Well here's the crossing in question: www.google.com/maps/@41.8536341,-87.7345988,3a,17y,44.06h,88.58t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sfFo6gbKW8IBCLFCWaJo1Gw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DfFo6gbKW8IBCLFCWaJo1Gw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D37.513435%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en Most of the equipment there is rather new (US&S 12x24 inch lights with RSI LEDs, a General Signals e-bell, US&S Model 95 gate mechs, and some kind of small, backgroundless 8 inch signal facing the station, all installed in the early 2000s, likely replacing some really old Griswold equipment) there are actually some rare lantern-style gate lights there, including one on one of the gates in question! www.google.com/maps/@41.8538255,-87.7346074,3a,15y,129.64h,93.5t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sv8uHj4pododHb14lWqsSbg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en I wouldn't be surprised if the skirts were re-used from the old signals though.
A signalman closing the gates here unfortunately got knocked down by a driver who did not stop. I believe the driver of the car passed away before his court hearing.
The old swing gates will be removed and at least 2 barriers will be installed here, along with new road lights (wigwags), alarms and CCTV control. There is not yet a date to upgrade the crossing. It will take a long time for the crossing to be sorted and fully automated. Eventually, something will happen, and I'll most likely film the upgrade procedure over several days.
Jonathan The Railfan The wigwags (lights) are new here. There was no audible alarm or bell here previously. When this crossing gets fully upgraded to an MCB-CCTV crossing, there will be alarms.
Yeah, definitely. This crossing is known for long closures and vehicles waiting for ages. It doesn't help that this crossing is right next to a long one way narrow bridge. Ideally, traffic lights should be added and connected to the crossing so traffic flow is halted over the one way bridge and then the crossing lowers.
Signaller in this video got in trouble because of this video, some higher up management at Network Rail watch your videos by the looks of it, he wasn't wearing Orange trousers. Office of Rail and Road are suing Network Rail over the Signaller that was injured after a car struck the barriers, apparently it's Network Rail's fault divers can't obey the road traffic laws..
Fair enough. I thought the orange shirt was fine. How are the Office of Road + Rail suing Network Rail? The car driver probably saw the signalman clearly but instead tried to get through. It's rather silly.
UK Level Crossings it's stupid but that's the railway, nope full PPE is now required at all manual crossings across Kent. Signallers at East Farleigh may be called to the stand during the legal process, yeah it's completely bonkers. Someone breaks road traffic laws and it's Network Rails fault lol
NathTrains I know! Network Rail decided to commission the wigwags early. The full mod will take place in just over a weeks time. For the time being, we've got this one of a kind =P
Its planning to be an MCB-CCTV crossing, like Aylesford Village. It is very unlikely to be OD. My predictions are that the crossing will have 2 yodalarms and probably 4 short length SPX Rail Systems Barriers. The very shiny Unipart Rail LED Flashbox Wigwags have already been installed to control traffic.
NathTrains Yeah. This crossing needs an MCB. Longer closures are needed because of the manually operated swing gates. The long closures cause lots of traffic queues and then cars are stranded on either side of the one-way bridge to let a good 60 odd vehicles through one by one.
"Please turn off engine while stationary" Umm, no thanks 😂😂😂😂😂 I don't feel like wearing out my starter motor. Gas is much cheaper than a new starter motor.
I live at most 10 minutes from this crossing, I need to get down there to see this first hand, what a unique solution!
James Harland Well, Network Rail have finally got rid of the temporary traffic lights which were controlled by a guy in a van all day. It's much easier having level crossing wigwags which a signaller controls. No vehicles are jumping the lights now.
Hilton level crossing in Derbyshire has been upgraded from an MG to an AOCR+G.
Lived there in 69, used this station every day, great location,..Ireland
Ah cool. It's a nice little village in the valley. I bet it was probably not as busy back in 69 than it is now.
@@UKLevelCrossingsChannel Not as busy I am sure as it would be in 2021,...Will return in the near future for old times sake to have a look.😊
That is so cool. We don’t have any manual crossings here in Canada.
+David W. We have a few of these around the country still in operation. They are mostly found on private / preserved railways rather than mainline. This is one of two in the country that has road lights with the gates.
There are three on that line alone.
Not to mention the fact that we don't even have standard crossings that are manual. All crossings are either Automatic or just a cross buck.
We do have a handfull of user operated crossings though.
0:46 Why do drivers need to turn off the engine?
Its to try and prevent extra pollution. This level crossing is often closed for long periods of time so advising drivers to turn off their engines whilst they wait is a way of helping the environment.
To stop polluting us all with their exhaust. In any case it's illegal.
So nearby residents didn't have to listen to the engines running unnecessary. I used to live next to a crossing 50 odd years ago traffic pollution wasn't a thing then. A lot of signs still exist from years ago and are still put up today it's a quirky British tradition.
@@travelling_stephen Turning off the engine also saves gasoline.
Flashing lights, high Vis clothing!? How things have changed since I worked there. Loved working that signalbox.
Well, all since that previous signalman got knocked over by a car, Network Rail have implemented loads of safety precautions such as new wigwags and hi-vis clothing for signalman. I think the old gates are going this July as the crossing is being modernized and automated
This Level Crossing is amazing! It is not like other level crossings because its manually closed not automatic! Btw great video ill give it a thumbs up.
Thank you very much Sam. Indeed, it is very rare to see working LED wigwags on a Manual Swing Gate crossing. I plan to come back here soon.
Ok cool I cant wait to watch your next videos Jamie!
I notice that the "live" third rail, is below the level of the road, so that pedestrians do not electrocute themselves.
Yes, obviously for safety it does not cross the road, and stops a few metres either side. Usually there is anti-trespass guides to prevent people from walking on the tracks and potentially come into contact with the rail
What is a wigwag in the UK? Nothing like we have in the USA?
"Wigwag" is the technical term describing these flashing warning lights with red / white borders in the UK. Wigwag refers to alternating flashing lights. I'm aware the term describes a different warning instrument in the US, something to do with a swinging circle.
Used to be an MG, then converted to an AOCR+G, now an MCB.
I do think 2 of the wigwags will be moved those are the one on the barrel and one on the fencepole
Why is there no alarm?
These lights were only temporarily added to the manual gated crossing, as a means of stopping traffic so the signalman could close the gates safety. This was after an incident were an elderly driver hit a signalman trying to close the gates here.
Going over that crossing with too much speed could end pretty badly🛫
Yes, I'd imagine you'd take off like a jet aircraft 😂
Wow, I never expected that crossing to look anything like this! Shame that this is temporary though. Nice find!
Yeah. Especially the fact that the crossing has the newest Unipart Rail LED wigwags with the oldest level crossing type in the UK makes this quite special.
Will the wigwags have to be reinstalled when the crossing is upgraded
The wigwags will be moved but I don't know if the same ones will be used.
Now barriers here not gates
How many trains pass
2 every hour.
The notice is badly written, in that it should read "When Stationary", and not whilst stationary, which implies you are doing something else, at the same time?
That's interesting, I never actually noticed that. I guess you're right but most drivers would just read the message as turn the engine off if you're waiting so it probably isn't that big a problem lol
Nice! Do the wigwags automatically activate, or are they activated by the signaler? Also, I found out that there are a few crossings here in the US that use skirts on the gates, but so far, I've only found two gates with them that are used as pedestrian signals on a crossing on the CTA in Chicago, IL.
Thanks. You can see the signaller turning the lights off by the small black switch on the grey box.
I never thought any US crossings had any skirts. They must be pretty old if they do. Almost every single boom has no skirt, just an arm.
There's very little foot crossings here which have raising and lowering barriers or any form of flashing lights or audible alarm. I'd say over 75% of crossings just have Stop, Look, Listen signs with a path width of rubber crossing plant.
UK Level Crossings Well here's the crossing in question:
www.google.com/maps/@41.8536341,-87.7345988,3a,17y,44.06h,88.58t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sfFo6gbKW8IBCLFCWaJo1Gw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DfFo6gbKW8IBCLFCWaJo1Gw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D37.513435%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en
Most of the equipment there is rather new (US&S 12x24 inch lights with RSI LEDs, a General Signals e-bell, US&S Model 95 gate mechs, and some kind of small, backgroundless 8 inch signal facing the station, all installed in the early 2000s, likely replacing some really old Griswold equipment) there are actually some rare lantern-style gate lights there, including one on one of the gates in question!
www.google.com/maps/@41.8538255,-87.7346074,3a,15y,129.64h,93.5t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sv8uHj4pododHb14lWqsSbg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en
I wouldn't be surprised if the skirts were re-used from the old signals though.
Like Manor Way?
has the upgrade been fully complete yet Jamie? 😉
Not that I'm aware of. I haven't visited the crossing in a while. I'll be returning in the next couple of months.
UK Level Crossings OK ☺
Level Crossings Railway Channel merry Christmas and Happy New year
UK Level Crossings Have you revisited it recently? If you have can I have the link to the video. Thanks 👍
What was the incident at this Crossing? :)
A signalman closing the gates here unfortunately got knocked down by a driver who did not stop. I believe the driver of the car passed away before his court hearing.
What are they actually upgrading? Are they automating the crossing?
The old swing gates will be removed and at least 2 barriers will be installed here, along with new road lights (wigwags), alarms and CCTV control. There is not yet a date to upgrade the crossing. It will take a long time for the crossing to be sorted and fully automated. Eventually, something will happen, and I'll most likely film the upgrade procedure over several days.
At the beginning, I thought that car was breaking the rule about stopping in the yellow box.
No, that was a photo not a video. There was other vehicles that did break this rule whilst I was waiting for the crossing to close.
why dont they just upgrade this?! We have not had manned crossings in the USA in 50 yrs
Good video.
Thanks 👍
I love it
👍
that's some odd crossing and no bells.
Jonathan The Railfan The wigwags (lights) are new here. There was no audible alarm or bell here previously. When this crossing gets fully upgraded to an MCB-CCTV crossing, there will be alarms.
wish I could get the gates hehe
microbusss You'll have trouble fitting them inside your car :P
Drivers need to turn their engines off to help reduce co2 and also reduce pollution in the area
Yeah they do. Not many drivers turn their engines off at crossings.
Turn off engine is right, might be there all day waiting on the the three car train to pass.
Yeah, definitely. This crossing is known for long closures and vehicles waiting for ages. It doesn't help that this crossing is right next to a long one way narrow bridge. Ideally, traffic lights should be added and connected to the crossing so traffic flow is halted over the one way bridge and then the crossing lowers.
Geoffrey Lee I was gonna comment "Why do you have to switch off your engine at level crossings?"
this is what we need here in the usa
Yeah, some big swing gates to block of the whole road. These gates at this crossing won't be around much longer as they're being replaced by barriers.
Signaller in this video got in trouble because of this video, some higher up management at Network Rail watch your videos by the looks of it, he wasn't wearing Orange trousers.
Office of Rail and Road are suing Network Rail over the Signaller that was injured after a car struck the barriers, apparently it's Network Rail's fault divers can't obey the road traffic laws..
Really? How did you find this out? Or are you _trolling_?
UK Level Crossings I'm serious, ask a the signaller on duty at East Farleigh, Wateringbury or Cuxton next time you're about.
Fair enough. I thought the orange shirt was fine. How are the Office of Road + Rail suing Network Rail? The car driver probably saw the signalman clearly but instead tried to get through. It's rather silly.
UK Level Crossings it's stupid but that's the railway, nope full PPE is now required at all manual crossings across Kent.
Signallers at East Farleigh may be called to the stand during the legal process, yeah it's completely bonkers. Someone breaks road traffic laws and it's Network Rails fault lol
What the!
NathTrains I know! Network Rail decided to commission the wigwags early. The full mod will take place in just over a weeks time. For the time being, we've got this one of a kind =P
UK Level Crossings What will the new LC look like? What type?
Its planning to be an MCB-CCTV crossing, like Aylesford Village. It is very unlikely to be OD. My predictions are that the crossing will have 2 yodalarms and probably 4 short length SPX Rail Systems Barriers. The very shiny Unipart Rail LED Flashbox Wigwags have already been installed to control traffic.
UK Level Crossings Ok but that will be better for a busy road
NathTrains Yeah. This crossing needs an MCB. Longer closures are needed because of the manually operated swing gates. The long closures cause lots of traffic queues and then cars are stranded on either side of the one-way bridge to let a good 60 odd vehicles through one by one.
I think i went there
It's quite a unique level crossing.
"Please turn off engine while stationary" Umm, no thanks 😂😂😂😂😂 I don't feel like wearing out my starter motor. Gas is much cheaper than a new starter motor.