
Digital St.
Andrew's Cross
Key Question
How can the digitization of rail crossings and condition information be implemented?
Objective
The rail crossing transmits the current state and the estimated time of state change. Thus, a better perception of rail crossings can be achieved. The anticipatory information also enables increased comfort for road users. In this way, digitalization can increase road safety and contribute to an overall improvement in mobility.
Starting Point
The digitalization of rail crossings and the information available as a result help to make the infrastructure smarter and thus increase road safety. This is done, for example, by informing the car that a rail crossing is on the route and how long it will remain closed.
Approach
Two rail crossings in Hamburg were selected for the project:
- A technically secured rail crossing in Sieversstücken.
- A non-technically secured rail crossing in the harbour area (grain terminal).
Infrastructure and road users will be networked using radio technologies. The Digital St. Andrews Cross (DiAK) and a converter will be installed at both rail crossings. The information is sent in V2X standard from a Road Side Unit (RSU) and a converter transmits the information to the mobile data network.
Road users equipped with V2X receive the information directly from the RSU, while road users with mobile phone connections receive the information via the cloud.
In addition, further evaluations and simulations are carried out with the help of a hybrid simulator.
Process
Test start (communication test)
First test on site in Hamburg
Dress rehearsal
Demonstration
Results
- Digitalization of rail crossings and status information
- Clarification of legal framework conditions
- Proof-of-concept on practicality and marketability of DiAK as a blueprint for all types of rail crossings
- Implementation of intermodal communication (train-to-car, train-to-mobile device/digital terminal)
- Support of different communication standards
- Uses open source technology that can be used in future projects
- Provides a fault-tolerant / resilient system architecture
- Network and collaboration of industry and academia