Network Rail says the three-year scheme will form part of a long-term £2bn plan to overhaul signalling.

The government and rail regulator have yet to approve Network Rail's £2bn programme which would be spread across the next five to eight years.

Other track upgrades will also be carried out while the work to improve signalling takes place.

Passenger boost

NR's major projects and investments' director Simon Kirby said: "This is great news for millions of passengers who will find their journeys significantly improved.

"Investment on this scale will reduce delays by improving the reliability of the railway. This will mean long-term benefits from a better rail network for different regions across the country."

Network Rail said the deal involved making long-term commitments to suppliers which gave them the chance to invest in developing technology.

It also said the scheme gave Network Rail long-term cost guarantees, which would help it achieve cost targets.

If its longer-term plan is given the go-ahead, there will be further investment in signalling in southern England, south Wales, the Midlands, and Scotland.

See also:

Rail signalling systems to be overhauled

icWales: Oct 9 2006

A £318 million overhaul of rail signalling systems over the next three years was announced today by Network Rail (NR).

The deal involves five separate contracts and is part of a £2 billion signalling programme that NR hopes to introduce over the next 5-8 years.

The five contracts for the next three years are for North Thames (£50 million), South Thames (£48 million), East Midlands (£73 million), West Midlands (£105 million) and Glasgow (£42 million).

NR’s major projects and investments’ director Simon Kirby said: “This is great news for millions of passengers who will find their journeys significantly improved. Investment on this scale will reduce delays by improving the reliability of the railway. This will mean long-term benefits from a better rail network for different regions across the country.

“Delivering efficiently with the right supplier is hugely important. We have made long-term commitments to suppliers, giving them the opportunity to invest in the development of technology. In return, we have received long-term cost guarantees, helping us to achieve our cost targets.”

Upgrades, such as bridge improvements and track renewals work, will take place alongside signalling work to maximise use of the access to the track and minimise disruption for passengers.

The £2 billion plan is subject to rail regulatory and Government approval. If it gets the go-ahead, NR plans the following signalling project investment:

* £500 million in south west England;

* £400 million in South Wales including Newport and Cardiff;

* £350 million in the West Midlands – the first phase will be in Leamington followed by Water Orton;

* £250 million in the East Midlands – the first phase is in North Erewash, followed by South Erewash;

* £250 million in south east England – Colchester to Clacton is the first scheme to go ahead. The next phases are in East Kent, Canterbury West and North London Line;

* £200 million in Scotland, beginning in Glasgow.

More than £160 million of work has already been awarded for schemes at Port Talbot, Portsmouth, Coventry and Basingstoke to ensure the prompt delivery of passenger benefits.

See also:

£2bn signals rail improvements

The Engineer Online: 09 October 2006

Network Rail’s plans to invest almost £2bn in six major signalling schemes took a major step forward today with the award of four multi-million pound signalling framework agreements.

Network Rail claims that the new signalling systems will deliver substantial benefits to passengers and freight users, increasing reliability and reducing delays. Cost reductions around 26% for unit costs over the next three years are anticipated.

Network Rail’s Director, Major Projects & Investments Simon Kirby said: ‘This is great news for millions of passengers who will find their journeys significantly improved. Investment on this scale will reduce delays by improving the reliability of the railway. This will mean long-term benefits from a better rail network for different regions across the country.

‘Delivering efficiently, with the right supplier is hugely important. We have made long-term commitments to suppliers, giving them the opportunity to invest in the development of technology. In return, we have received long-term cost guarantees, helping us to achieve our cost targets.’

Upgrades, such as bridge improvements and track renewals work, will take place alongside signalling work to maximise use of the access to the track and minimise disruption for passengers.

The new signalling systems, which will replace systems dating back decades, will be designed by Network Rail’s specialist in-house team.

See also:

Invensys's Westinghouse signs three contracts with Network Rail

AFX: 9th October 2006

LONDON - Invensys PLC's subsidiary Westinghouse Rail Systems said it has been awarded a national framework agreement by Network Rail, which includes the supply of Type A signalling projects in Scotland, the East Midlands and the West Midlands.

Over the first three years, Westinghouse said the combined value of Type A contracts alone is estimated to be 220 mln stg, covering approximately 2,320 Signalling Equivalent Units.

The framework agreement takes immediate effect and will run through to 2011, with the option of an extension to 2016.