30.08.12
Traffic management system contracts awarded
Network Rail has awarded contracts to design and develop a new nationwide traffic management system for the rail network.
Hitachi Rail Europe, Signalling Solutions and Thales UK have been awarded contracts worth approximately £20m in total. They will develop a prototype for December 2013, which will undergo vigorous testing and evaluation before being rolled out across the network from 2014.
The strategy seeks to consolidate control of the railway from over 800 signal boxes to 14 rail operating centres over the next 30 years. Once fully implemented, the programme will cut the cost of the railways by £250m each year, improve efficiency, reduce delays and provide more accurate, real time information to staff and passengers.
By 2015, Network Rail is planning to have built six new centres, in addition to eight existing locations, to consolidate control into a single operational information system.
Robin Gisby, managing director of network operations, Network Rail, said: “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.
“Working with our suppliers, our focus is on developing a system which meets the needs of Network Rail, our customers and passengers, helping deliver a leaner, more efficient and reliable railway.”
The existing centres are at Ashford, Cardiff, Derby, Edinburgh, Gillingham and Saltley. Further upgrades are required at Didcot and Glasgow. The six new buildings will be constructed at Basingstoke, Manchester, Romford, Rugby, Three Bridges and York.
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