Network Rail has secured funding to progress the next phase of an innovative signalling technology that could transform train monitoring on rural railways, improving level crossing safety while reducing infrastructure costs.
Following a successful UK-first trial, the next stage will see detailed plans developed for the permanent deployment of the U-Cross signalling system across the entire 96-mile Heart of Wales line between Swansea and Shrewsbury.
Developed by Universal Signalling Ltd in partnership with Network Rail and Transport for Wales, the technology is expected to improve safety, enhance operational performance and reduce waiting times at user-worked level crossings.
A digital alternative to traditional signalling
Unlike conventional train detection systems, which rely on track circuits or axle counters, U-Cross uses track-mounted beacons that communicate directly with equipment installed on trains. This provides signallers with real-time, safety-assured train location data accurate to within 20 metres.
The approach offers a lower-cost alternative for rural railways, where installing conventional signalling infrastructure can be prohibitively expensive.
The Heart of Wales line includes 126 user-worked level crossings, many serving farms and rural communities, where limited lineside power supplies make traditional signalling systems difficult to install.
By providing more precise train location information, the technology is designed to improve crossing safety while reducing unnecessary waiting times for users.
Successful trial paves the way
The project builds on an 11-mile pilot between Llandeilo and Llandovery, completed in 2025, where engineers demonstrated that trains could reliably detect and communicate with the beacon system while operating at line speed.
The trial also showed the system remained reliable during severe weather, including storms and flooding experienced across Wales during 2025 and 2026.
The next phase will involve installing permanent equipment along the route and within the controlling signal box, with installation scheduled to begin in December. An operational launch date will be confirmed later.
Joshua Robinson, Route Engineer (Signalling) at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “The benefits of this technology are potentially transformational. We can deliver highly accurate train location information at a much lower cost than traditional signalling solutions, while also providing valuable safety and efficiency improvements for those who use rural level crossings every day.
“We’ve demonstrated that the technology can reliably determine a train’s location at line speed, even during some of the most challenging weather conditions we’ve experienced in recent years. That’s a significant achievement and gives us confidence as we move towards operational deployment.
“Our track record in Wales and Borders demonstrates how effectively our colleagues can identify promising innovations and turn them into practical, operational solutions.
“Working in partnership with Universal Signalling, and with the support of Transport for Wales, we are looking forward to deploying a world-first solution that is well suited to the unique challenges of this route.”
Foundation for wider adoption
Universal Signalling said the Heart of Wales deployment is intended to provide a blueprint for future use elsewhere on the rail network.
Stephen Head, Chief Executive of Universal Signalling Ltd, said: “This agreement represents a major milestone for U-Cross and clear endorsements, both of its benefits for rural railways and our company’s unique ‘Days not Decades’ approach to projects.
“Rolling U-Cross out across every user-worked crossing on the Heart of Wales line will deliver tangible improvements for local communities, reducing waiting times while maintaining the highest safety standards.
“Whilst this project is route-specific, we’ve been very careful to specify vital elements of the work, such as signal-box human factors assessments and fleet testing, to ensure that all other routes and regions stand to benefit directly from Wales and Borders’ foundational support and investment.”
Adam Terry, Head of Performance at Transport for Wales, added: “The expansion of U-Cross across the Heart of Wales line is a fantastic milestone. By combining cutting-edge digital technology with smart investment, we’re improving level crossing safety and reliability for rural communities and rail passengers.
“We’re proud to support a world-first technology that makes rural rail travel safer, smarter and more efficient.”
Funded through Network Rail’s national Research and Development programme, the project demonstrates how digital innovation could provide a more affordable way to modernise signalling on lightly used rural routes. If successfully deployed, U-Cross could offer a scalable solution for improving safety and operational efficiency without the cost of traditional signalling upgrades, potentially opening the door to wider adoption across Britain’s railway.
