Network Rail has secured funding to advance the next phase of a pioneering digital signalling technology that could transform train monitoring, improve rail safety and reduce waiting times at rural level crossings across Britain.
Following a successful UK-first trial, plans are now being developed to permanently install the innovative U-Cross signalling system along the entire 96-mile Heart of Wales line between Swansea and Shrewsbury.
Developed by Universal Signalling Ltd and trialled in partnership with Network Rail and Transport for Wales, the technology uses track-mounted beacons that communicate directly with equipment fitted to trains. This provides signallers with highly accurate, real-time train location data to within 20 metres, offering a potentially game-changing alternative to traditional signalling systems.
Delivering Rural Railway Innovation at Lower Cost
Traditional train detection methods, such as track circuits and axle counters, can be expensive to deploy on lightly used rural routes. Full re-signalling schemes often require investment running into hundreds of millions of pounds.
By contrast, U-Cross has been designed to deliver precise train positioning information at a fraction of the cost, opening the door to safety and performance improvements that may otherwise be difficult to justify on rural railways.
The project forms part of wider efforts to introduce innovative and cost-effective railway technologies that enhance performance, reliability and safety across the UK rail network.
Enhanced Safety at User-Worked Level Crossings
The Heart of Wales line includes 126 user-worked level crossings, many of which serve farming communities. Installing conventional signalling infrastructure across such a route can be challenging due to limited lineside power supplies and the cost of equipment.
U-Cross offers a modular, digital solution that gives signallers a more accurate picture of train movements. As a result, it has the potential to improve safety while reducing waiting times for farmers, landowners and local communities using the crossings.
The technology also promises lower infrastructure complexity, reduced installation costs and lower long-term maintenance requirements when compared with more traditional alternatives.
Successful Trial Demonstrated Reliability
The initial trial covered an 11-mile section of railway between Llandeilo and Llandovery.
During testing, engineers successfully demonstrated that trains could reliably detect and communicate with U-Cross beacons while operating at line speed. The system also proved resilient during some of the most challenging weather conditions experienced in Wales throughout 2025 and 2026, including severe storms and significant flooding.
The next phase will involve the installation of permanent equipment along the railway and within the controlling signal box. Installation work is expected to begin in December, with an operational launch date to be confirmed later.
Industry Leaders Back World-First Deployment
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.”
Stephen Head, Chief Executive at Universal Signalling Ltd, added:
“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, said:
"The expansion of U-Cross across the Heart of Wales line is a fantastic milestone. By combining cutting-edge digital tech 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 could provide a blueprint for modernising rural railways across Britain, helping to improve safety and operational performance without the need for costly conventional signalling upgrades.
Image credits: Network Rail
