OREANDA-NEWS. Alstom has successfully supplied, tested and commissioned its SmartLock 400 interlocking signalling system for the Melbourne suburban network, as part of the Burke Rd Level Crossing removal project which consists of removing 50 of Victorias most dangerous and congested level crossings over the next eight years.  

The level crossing on Burke Road caused significant disruption to the commuters of Melbourne with the boom gates down for up to 40 minutes between 7:00am-9:00am – a third of the morning peak. Removal of the level crossings and installation of SmartLock 400 deliver significant safety improvements for drivers and pedestrians and improves travel around Melbourne. This is the third SmartLock Alstom has delivered in Victoria – the first was in 2012 as part of Regional Rail Link  (RRL) project for V/Line, the second for MTM in 2015 also as part of RRL project. 

Smartlock 400 is the latest evolution in Alstom’s Smartlock family and benefits from 30 years of worldwide return on experience. It is suited for all railway topologies with a centralised or distributed architecture and is applicable for both new and existing installations. The technology offers very high reliability and operational functionality that maximises safety and punctuality. 

Alstom’s Melbourne based project team of 35 highly specialised staff ensured the technology was adapted to the specific needs of the Burke Rd project, while providing the potential to expand the system to control larger areas of the network – all of which can be managed from a centralised location.

About Smartlock 400 GP
The latest generation in computer-based interlocking systems for station and line control, Smartlock 400 GP reduces operating costs through the full automation of route settings and direct links to station services such as passenger information systems. The fully integrated train detection system, direct interface with point machines and signals (no need for traditional signalling relays) and remote diagnostics help to reduce maintenance costs. Installation can be simplified thanks to the system’s modular architecture and extensive factory testing of the final configuration.