11.08.20
Siemens Mobility installs new signalling system at Hither Green
Following the final contracts being confirmed for the Hither Green Area Resignalling Project, Siemens Mobility Limited are now providing technology to improve passenger services.
The new signalling system will create greater reliability and better journeys for passengers, not just through Hither Green, but also into Lewisham, Central London and into Kent.
This work forms part of Network Rail’s £250m programme to improve signalling and track reliability through the busy area of Lewisham, South East London and was the first major contracting to be delivered during the Covid-19 outbreak.
After a nine-day obstruction, the new signalling system was signed into operation on August 2nd, covering the route from Hither Green to Grove Park, Sidcup and Bromley North.
As a result of the work, control of the route has been transferred from the London Bridge Signal Box to Network Rail’s state-of-the-art Three Bridges Rail Operating Centre (TBROC).
Fiona Taylor, Network Rail route director for Kent, said: “The only reason we were able to get this crucial work completed is because of the effort, commitment and can-do attitude from everyone in our supply chain, our TOC partners Southeastern, freight companies and within Network Rail.
“The original commissioning in April was postponed due to COVID-19 and in less than eight weeks, when it would normally take six months, we planned and delivered more than £100m of work, that will mean more reliable journeys for our passengers for years to come. It really shows what we can achieve as an industry.”
Rob Morris, Managing Director Rail Infrastructure for Siemens Mobility Limited, said: “This two-year project has been a great example of effective collaboration, with our delivery team working extremely closely with Network Rail and the other project contractors to safely deliver the scheme.
“This was especially important given the new working practices and procedures that were introduced to keep the teams working on the project and our neighbours safe and well. I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved in the delivery of these works which has set the standard for other projects to follow.”