08.01.14
Three Bridges signalling centre opened
The new signalling centre in Three Bridges has been officially opened, with Crawley MP Henry Smith as well as representatives from Network Rail and Southern.
The centre is one of 12 which are replacing the current system of over 800 signal boxes across the network. More advanced technology will help to reduce delays, improve performance, increase capacity and provide better information.
Smith said: “I’m proud that Crawley is the new home of rail control for much of south east England. Modernising the railway by making the signalling more efficient and reliable, in addition to integrating Network Rail’s control centre to work more closely with Southern to resolve delays more quickly, will really help to improve the passenger experience. This investment in Three Bridges represents a significant enhancement for the travelling public and a real boost to the local economy.”
Tim Robinson, Network Rail’s route managing director for Sussex, said: “This new rail operating centre, and the nearby new Thameslink depot currently under construction, means that Three Bridges will be one of the most important places on the railway map in the south east.
“When fully operational, it will help to boost performance, increase capacity and provide a better level of service to passengers during periods of disruption.
“As well as helping to create a better railway, it will also help boost the local economy as several hundred jobs will be relocated to the town, giving a vital boost for local shops and amenities.”
Chris Burchell, managing director of Southern, said: “Working together in this new state of the art operations centre I am confident we can make some real strides in delivering the more reliable, efficient service we have all been working towards.”
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