The train traffic control system will be improved at Novopolotsk station

May 10, Minsk /Corr. BELTA/. Belarusian Railways is completing preparatory work for the commissioning of microprocessor-based interlocking at Novopolotsk station, the BZhD press service informed a BELTA correspondent. "The launch of the microprocessor-based interlocking is scheduled for the second quarter of this year," the press service said. "Currently, the necessary construction, installation, and other works are in the final stage at the station." Signaling and communication devices at Novopolotsk station, as well as on the Novopolotsk-Ksty section, will be completely updated and modernized as a result of the implementation of interlocking, hump automatic interlocking, and automatic block signaling devices using microprocessor technologies. In 2011, the Belarusian railway also plans to commission the first start-up complex of microprocessor-based interlocking and automatic block signaling on the Vitebsk-Polotsk section. The implementation of interlocking devices using microprocessor technologies is one of the priority areas of BZhD's work aimed at ensuring train traffic safety and improving the efficiency of managing the transportation process. To date, microprocessor-based interlocking has been implemented at two stations – Polotsk and Stepyanka. Electric interlocking, which controls switches and signals, is designed to manage train traffic and shunting operations at a station. It is a multi-level automated system that performs a number of functions. These include technical diagnostics and monitoring, event archiving, and integration of dispatcher control and automatic block signaling, among others. -0-