scope:

These requirements apply when inspecting the line in order to:

a) decide when track maintenance of refurbishment work carried out under traffic is completed

b) decide when track maintenance of refurbishment work carried out when the line is blocked is completed and the line is fit for traffic

c) raise or remove a speed restriction

d) permanently raise the line speed.

NOTE When the line speed is to be permanently changed the requirements of NR/L2/SIG/30021 shall also be applied.

The requirements of this document apply to Network Rail personnel who are required to inspect the permanent way for the purpose of raising / removing speed restrictions and following track maintenance of refurbishment work as described in NR/L2/TRK/001/A01.

It does not apply to TSRs/ESRs or giving up blockages of the line in the following circumstances:

• A TSR/ESR or line blockage imposed:

• solely to protect staff

• in connection with restricted sighting at a level crossing

• in connection with overhead line or signalling equipment

• A precautionary TSR / ESR or line blockage where no remedial work is necessary (for example):

• following a bridge strike

• following a flood warning

• when the Critical Rail Temperature (CRT) is exceeded.

Purpose

This document details the requirements for persons who will be inspecting the permanent way for the purpose of raising / removing speed restrictions and inspecting the line after track maintenance and refurbishment work and gives the process to be applied when these activities are undertaken.

NOTE For track renewal work the requirements of NR/L3/TRK/017 shall be applied.