27.04.16
Alstom and Amey seal latest GWML Crossrail re-signalling deals
Network Rail has awarded two contracts worth a combined £90m to Alstom and Amey as part of the final stage of the full re-signalling of the Great Western Main Line (GWML).
The upgrades, crucial to the future operation of Crossrail and the general modernisation of the GWML, will take place between Reading and Paddington in the west of London.
A £79m contract with Alstom covers the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of a train control system, which will allow Crossrail trains to operate on that section of the railway along with other main line services.
According to Alstom, it has been working in close collaboration with Network Rail to develop an interlocking solution based on the company’s Smartlock range that will be ready for ETCS installation, allowing trains with ETCS capability to operate between Reading and Paddington.
“The works, which include both the renewal of the existing interlocking and some track remodelling, have already started in order to maintain the tight delivery programme,” Alstom said in a statement.
Works are due to be completed by the end of 2017.
A separate £11m deal with Amey for signalling power works between Paddington and Hayes & Harlington includes the replacement of obsolete power supplies and fully-resilient new supplies for the signalling equipment.
This will allow the system to be automatically supplied from separate supplies in the case of a power failure anywhere between two points, as well as “drastically” reducing train delays while optimising reliability on the approach to and from Paddington.
Matthew Steele, Crossrail programme director at Network Rail, said: “By ensuring the new trains can run seamlessly amongst existing rail services and by building in resilience at the outset, we increase the capacity and reliability of the railway meaning that passengers benefit from quicker and easier journeys they can depend upon.
“To deliver this work in the safest and most efficient way possible, we need to make the most of the huge potential within our supply chain so we look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Alstom and Amey in the delivery of these crucial elements of the Great Western Main Line upgrade and our preparation for Elizabeth line services.”
Both contracts were awarded under existing Network Rail framework agreements “which allow suppliers to invest in the skills and resources needed to deliver large projects efficiently”.
For full coverage of the recent works taking place ahead of full Crossrail services starting in 2019, as well as an update on Paddington station works, make sure to grab the latest edition of RTM, set to hit desks on 2 May.