09.02.16
New signalling system at London Bridge
Siemens has successfully introduced its new Zone Controller system for the first time in the UK at London Bridge station. It is now controlling the signalling there.
Over the Christmas period, three new lines running through the high-level section and the new Borough Market viaduct were brought into use for the Thameslink programme – although the new platforms on the lines will remain out of use until the next major stage of the programme in August.
Paul Copeland, managing director at Siemens Rail Automation UK, said: “Although it may be slightly unusual to introduce a new system for the first time on such a high-profile project, the performance requirements of the London Bridge area were such that traditional technology would have been too slow in operation, adversely affecting the timetable.
“Although developed to meet the particular requirements of the Thameslink Programme, Zone Controllers are already being specified on other projects, with the technology now forming part of our core solution”.
That work took place between 24 December and 4 January.
Siemens also installed new signalling systems for Network Rail as part of the North Lincolnshire and Anniesland programmes.
At North Lincs a 600-strong Siemens team re-signalled 60 miles of railway during a 17-day blockade between 24 December and 11 January.
The North Lincs development represents the last stage in the migration of signalling control to Network Rail’s new Rail Operating Centre (ROC) in York and the completion of the programme to upgrade the rail infrastructure throughout North Lincolnshire.
York ROC also uses Siemens’ centralised Trackguard Westlock interlocking and Controlguide Westcad control, manually controlled barrier with object detection level crossings. There have been 13 signal boxes closures to reduce annual operating costs and improve safety and reliability.
Between 24 and 27 December, 70 Siemens’ installers and testers made alterations to two solid state interlockings in the Anniesland station area in north-west Glasgow, and installed new signalling infrastructure.
Glasgow Queen Street High Level station, which also has a £112m rebuild planned, will close for 20 weeks in April 2016 to provide a new connecting line at Anniesland Station.