SIEMENS Mobility has been awarded the contract to deliver Governance for Railway Investment Projects (Grip) stages 4-8 of the Devon and Cornwall re-signalling programme by Network Rail.
A modular, network-based solution will replace the existing infrastructure, with a completion date planned for late 2023. The plan is to lower costs for the operator, improve maintenance and offer a more reliable passenger service.
“We identified our Trackguard Westrace-based solution, building on its successful implementation on the North Wales Coast project, as the most appropriate for this scheme,” says managing director, rail infrastructure for Siemens Mobility, Mr Rob Morris.
“By deploying our low-cost, network-based system, we will be using templated designs and standardised components. With most of the testing carried out in a safe and controlled environment, digital schemes like this enable us to upgrade the railway more safely, quickly and sustainably.”
As well as installing the signalling equipment, Siemens Mobility will also install its Controlguide Westcad control system at Exeter power signal box (PSB) for Cornwall, and at Plymouth PSB for Devon. It will also take responsibility for all telecommunications, power distribution and civil engineering works for the new equipment. One level crossing will also be converted to CCTV operation, while the second will be converted to a manually controlled barrier with obstacle detection.
The first stage of the project should be the completion of Grip stage 4 towards the end of 2021, which is the single option development. Stage 5 is the detailed design, Stage 6 is construction test and commission, Stage 7 is scheme hand back and Stage 8 is project close out.
