scope:

This guidance applies to all track circuits on electrified and non-electrified lines and advises for the provision of insulated

IRJs for S&C and the associated track circuit bonding to be undertaken in the style generally expected for electrified

railways. The benefits which accrue are:

• a reduction in the risk associated with rail end breaks by the reduction in the number of insulated rail joints;

• S&C 'strengthening' from the improved positioning of insulated rail joints within and adjacent to S&C units;

• a reduction in track circuit bonding 'complexity' by removing the requirement for a continuous, series-bonded signalling rail;

• consistency of design approach whether electrified or not;

• a proven significant reduction in EMC-related influences such as track circuit residual voltage in most circumstances and the removal of the need to provide additional track circuit relays at first-design.

A non compliance is required to deploy these arrangements: an approved Tracker exists [12983] which covers multiple sites on the Western Route.

This Notice Board advises signalling project engineers and designers to discuss with Regional Engineer/Route Engineer (or equivalent) Signalling and Regional Engineer/Route Engineer (or equivalent) Track, to decide when the approach described in this document is appropriate.

Purpose

This Notice Board provides guidance in the preferred approach to the bonding of jointed d.c. track circuits in switches and

crossings [S&C]: the principal benefit is to whole-life asset performance by the reduction in the potential for rail breaks

from a decrease in the quantities of insulated rail joints [IRJs]. The effect of electrical interaction between adjacent track

circuits is also reduced, obviating the need for feed-end relays in most circumstances. This is a second Notice Board on

the theme of track circuit bonding. It is a Safe by Design initiative and has been endorsed by the relevant functional

heads. This Notice Board forms its own briefing note. A worked example is attached as a separate pdf file.