Coeval has successfully collaborated with Trackwork to deliver a critical safety solution at Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, reinforcing the importance of intelligent infrastructure in protecting both people and vital rail assets.
Trackwork engaged Coeval to design and deliver a robust over-height vehicle detection solution for a level crossing located beneath live overhead line equipment. With electrified infrastructure in close proximity to the roadway, the site presented a clear safety challenge. Vehicles exceeding the 5 metre height restriction posed a serious risk of striking live overhead lines, creating the potential for severe incidents affecting road users, rail operations and infrastructure integrity.
To address this risk, Coeval designed, built and installed two over-height vehicle detection systems, providing bi-directional protection for traffic approaching the crossing from either direction. The solution was engineered to deliver early and unambiguous warnings to drivers, ensuring they have sufficient stopping distance before entering the electrified zone.
Each system operates using an infrared detection method, with an emitter and detector positioned on opposite sides of the carriageway to create a beam set precisely at the defined height threshold. When an over-height vehicle passes through and breaks this beam, the system immediately identifies the risk and triggers a warning sequence. A secure radio link transmits the signal directly to the associated roadside signage, which activates instantly to instruct the driver to stop.
The use of wireless communication removes the need for hard-wired connections across the carriageway, reducing both installation complexity and future maintenance requirements. This approach delivers a highly reliable safety control with minimal ongoing intervention, while maintaining rapid response times and clear driver instruction.
From an operational standpoint, the system significantly reduces the likelihood of vehicle-to-OLE contact, protecting critical electrified rail assets and enhancing overall site safety. The infrared detection technology ensures accurate monitoring of vehicle height, while the highly visible, radio-linked signage provides drivers with clear and timely warnings when action is required.
Installation was carried out by Coeval’s experienced team within a live rail environment, working in close coordination with Trackwork to minimise disruption to ongoing site activities. System positioning and signage placement were carefully engineered to maximise visibility, detection accuracy and driver response time, ensuring the solution performs effectively under real-world conditions.
The completed installation at Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre now provides a long-term, low-maintenance safety solution that fully meets the project’s design requirements. It stands as a strong example of how collaborative working and intelligent detection technology can deliver practical, reliable protection for complex rail and road interfaces.
