How technology is transforming railway maintenance in 2023

In 2022 Network Rail chartered an aeroplane. They used it to film Britain's 20,000 miles of track and 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts.

Among other problems, the onboard technology identified 400,000 ash trees that pose a threat to train services. Armed with that information, Network Rail can now plan timely maintenance of the lines. Leading to less delays and a more efficient service for travellers.

Not everyone has the resources to charter a plane, but the use of unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV or Drone) is becoming more common.

At UTSS we embrace this technology. It allows us to capture mass data in a safe, quick and cost effective manner. Drones allow safe inspection of bridges, towers, chimneys, roofs and masts, which were once difficult and dangerous to access.

Hungerford Bridge, crossing the Thames into Charing Cross station for example. The 19th century structure requires physical inspection every five years. Traditionally this has involved erecting scaffolding over the river. A project so big and risky that divers need to be positioned in the Thames below in case of an incident. Sometimes for three weekends in a row.

An alternative? Drones with laser scanning capability. Bridges and tunnels can be surveyed 10 times faster. And the "ground-penetrating radar" are able to detect defects in structures and the railway.

UAV Survey and Inspection - UTSS | Utility Transmission Survey Solutions | Survey, Design and Project Management

LiDAR technology is a cutting-edge surveying technique we use at UTSS. Used to map out areas of great density that are difficult to access. For example: rivers, railway lines and heavily vegetated areas such as forests. Effectively, it's able to 'see through' vegetation.

3D images of the tracks are produced using LiDAR. Issues are detected earlier and maintenance carried out in a timely manner. Ultimately resulting in less delays for passengers.

Case Study - LiDAR - UTSS | Utility Transmission Survey Solutions | Survey, Design and Project Management

Benefits to railway workers include increased safety. Inspecting the 3D images of the lines in an office is safer than walking the lines, often at night.

Workers formerly employed in manual inspections can then be redeployed to maintaining and renewing the lines.

More efficient maintenance can result in the railways functioning more productively and efficiently.

Which in turn results in fewer delays and faster journeys for rail travellers.

At UTSS we utilise the latest technologies. From traditional surveying methods to 3D laser scanning and UAV's. We offer bespoke surveys and mass data capture that some traditional methods do not allow.

Want to know more? Send us a message.

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