Network Rail Awards £30m Traffic Management Contracts
First traffic management contracts are awarded, with Network Rail set to replace less efficient and more expensive signal boxes
Network Rail has awarded contracts worth more than £30 million for the first phase of a nationwide traffic management system which aims to increase the capacity and reliability of the UK’s railways while reducing the cost of operating the network.
Traffic management technology is set to replace 800 mechanical signal boxes across the UK over the next 15 to 30 years and hand control to 12 rail operating centres (ROCs).
It is claimed the new highly-automated system will more accurately monitor rail activity, increasing capacity and reducing the time needed to restore normal service in the event of a delay, and could save £250 million a year once the project is completed.
Network Rail traffic system
“As the number of people and businesses relying on rail continues to grow, it is vital we have the technology to make the best use of Britain’s rail infrastructure,” says Robin Gisby, Network Rail’s managing director of network operations. “The traffic management which will be deployed on the network uses tried and tested technology used on railways around the world to help deliver a leaner, more efficient and reliable network.”
Network Rail says it has monitored the deployment of similar systems around the world and tested a prototype developed by Thales UK, Signalling Solutions (a joint-venture between Alstom and Balfour Beatty Rail) and Hitachi over a three month period starting from July last year.
Following an “exhaustive process”, Thales has been awarded contracts worth £28.4 million to deploy the system at the Cardiff ROC and the planned ROC in Romford, while Signalling Solutions has been awarded a separate £3.4 million deal traffic management development, delivery and support. Future contracts will be decided in separate bidding processes.
Six of the ROCs, Cardiff, Derby, Didcot, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gillingham, already exist, while another six, located in Basingstoke, Manchester, Romford, Rugby, Three Bridges, York will be completed by the end of next year.
Network Rail has also moved to protect the heritage of the more romantic but less efficient signal boxes on the network by promising it will work to ensure the best examples are suitably preserved.
Think you know your transport tech? Find out with our quiz!
