Network Rail has announced framework agreements with four suppliers for the development and design of a new, European-standard signalling system for Britain’s railways.
The successful suppliers are Invensys Rail, Infrasig (a Bombardier and Carillion JV) , Ansaldo STS and Signalling Solutions, the Alstom/Balfour Beatty Joint Venture company.
Starting in April, the collaborative agreements cover a one-year development phase which will confirm the suppliers’ design of a European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 signalling system.
These will then be demonstrated on Network Rail’s new testing facility on the Hertford loop with contracts for the delivery of the programme to be awarded in 2014.
ETCS is part of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) – a tried and tested signalling system which will replace traditional line-side railway signals with a computer display inside every train cab, reducing the costs of maintaining the railway, improving performance and enhancing safety.
The first drive to install ERTMS will take place on the Great Western main line starting in 2016 as part of the large-scale resignalling of the line, coinciding with the arrival of new trains and electrification between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport, Oxford, Newbury and Bristol.
The East Coast and Midland main lines are scheduled to follow soon after, commencing in 2018 and 2020.
