Background
SPL Powerlines UK and Network Rail Scotland have deployed Tended’s Virtual Worksite Marker Boards (WSMBs), removing the need for physical worksite marker boards during possessions.This deployment marks an industry first in the region, not only as the first use of Virtual WSMB but also the successful delivery of the first Virtual WSMB worksite in a T3A possession, meaning no physical boards of any kind were used. The system has delivered numerous safety and efficiency benefits since this initial deployment, including significant time savings and improved visibility across worksites, and continues to be rolled out in Scotland.
Solution
Tended worked with SPL Powerlines and Network Rail Scotland to deploy Virtual WSMBs, using geofenced digital limits rather than physical boards. These were created in the Tended Dashboard and mapped 100m away from the actual worksite limits before the possession began.
Geofencing devices fitted in the cab of on-track plant (OTP) would alert the Machine Operator if they approached the worksite limits.
The deployment took place during engineering works as part of the Fife and Borders Electrification project following two weeks of preparation. This included shadow shifts along with resources and materials so that everyone felt confident in using the system and supported on the ground.
This team at SPL Powerlines is the first to enter deployment across their works since the uplift to the national deviation for Virtual WSMB (25-011-DEV), granted in December 2025.
Results
Improved worksite safety
Removed risk to track workers placing and recovering boards
Improved control of site safety for the ES with full visibility of OTP movements
Substantial time savings
Using Virtual WSMBs along with T3A significantly shortened the time required to set up and take down the worksite
30 minutes were saved by not needing to place and recover WSMBs
A further 30 minutes were saved by removing the need to place and recover PLBs
Virtual WSMB used alongside T3A significantly reduced the time between signal protection and machines being on track to just a few minutes, a process that typically takes between 30-40 minutes
This freed up valuable time within the possession window and reduced pressure on teams working to tight schedules
Greater operational efficiency
The ES was able to monitor worksite limits and OTP movements in real time using the Tended Dashboard with alerts if OTP crossed the geofence boundary
Two Engineering Supervisor Assistants (ESAs) could be redeployed to other critical duties
10 phone calls were eliminated, allowing the ES to focus on other activities
A 32-mile reduction in the number of miles driven to place and recover boards
Outcomes from the first week of Virtual WSMB use
5-hour time saving from not needing to place and recover boards
Additional 2.5 hour saving by allowing machines to on-track quicker
10 ESA redeployments
50 phone calls eliminated
160 miles not driven, saving costs as well as contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions
“Introducing Virtual WSMB into a T3 environment demonstrates that virtual boundaries can safely replace traditional physical protection systems... The additional time we gain also increases productivity onsite. This translates into significant time recovery, cost savings, and strengthening compliance within worksite limits. Given the improvements in safety, efficiency, and possession reliability, returning to physical boards would feel like a step backwards.”
Allan Black, Delivery Director Transport, SPL Powerlines UK