Monitoring Water Culverts and Catch-Pits with Vision Link – Supporting Network Rail Infrastructure
As climate change drives increasingly severe weather across the UK, flood resilience has become a critical priority for Network Rail. Rising water levels, flash floods, and blocked culverts threaten to damage track infrastructure, disrupt services, and increase operational costs. In response, Network Rail has partnered with Vision Link to deploy innovative solar-powered camera and telemetry systems to monitor water culverts, catch-pits, and trash screens in real time.
Intelligent, Solar-Powered Monitoring for the Rail Network
Vision Link is a leading UK provider of bespoke solar camera and telemetry systems. Designed for remote operation and low maintenance, these systems combine high-definition solar-assisted cameras with precision water level sensors, delivering a fully integrated solution ideal for rail infrastructure.
Once installed, the system:
Takes water level readings every 15 minutes
Automatically increases image polling frequency during high water events
Sends real-time alerts via web portal and mobile app
Operates entirely off-grid using solar power and GSM/LoRa connectivity
This technology enables Network Rail to remotely monitor water assets across their network without sending field teams unless necessary—dramatically reducing downtime, fuel costs, and carbon emissions.
Enhancing Safety and Reducing Downtime
Traditionally, blocked culverts or trash screens required physical inspections, sometimes taking hours. With Vision Link’s real-time monitoring, engineers can assess and act on developing risks much faster. In fact, track downtime has been reduced from hours to just 20 minutes in some cases, thanks to immediate visibility via the camera network.
By only dispatching teams when a blockage or risk is confirmed, Network Rail is able to:
Optimise maintenance schedules
Respond more quickly to flooding threats
Minimise disruption to train services
Protect critical rail assets from water damage
GDPR Compliance and Public Engagement
Vision Link’s platform is fully GDPR compliant, with automated face and vehicle plate obscuration to protect privacy. In addition, images and alerts can be shared with the public via a free community app, supporting local flood groups and councils with access to vital real-time information.
This level of transparency and community engagement enhances both public safety and trust in infrastructure resilience.
A Trusted Technology Partner for a Changing Climate
Vision Link began working with Network Rail following a successful deployment at a flooded culvert in Parbold, West Lancashire. Since then, their services have expanded across multiple Network Rail regions, helping to protect infrastructure from extreme weather events—including major flood responses following Storm Franklin and the River Severn surge.
As the UK rail industry faces wetter winters, rising rivers, and greater risk of infrastructure washouts, Vision Link’s integrated solar-powered camera systems are proving essential for cost-effective, real-time water monitoring.
Discover how Vision Link is helping Network Rail stay ahead of flood risks with innovative, low-maintenance solar technology.
