Alstoms Smartlock equipment at the heart of modular signalling project in the UK

A 25 million contract

Signalling Solutions Ltd, a 50-50 joint venture company formed by Alstom Transport and Balfour Beatty, has received from Network Rail (the UK main line infrastructure operator) a contract worth approximately 25 million euros to deliver a pilot project designed to trial a new approach to resignalling, based on modular techniques, for the Norwich-Ely route in the east of England.

The detailed design, installation and testing works are now in progress with final commissioning scheduled for July 2012.

The modular signalling concept is an initiative launched by Network Rail to develop low-cost, efficient and easy-to-install technology that can be used to re-signal low-density, rural routes. s to be resignalled in this way. The technology developed is based around Alstoms latest interlocking product, Smartlock 400, which Signalling Solutions Ltd is currently installing on three other projects in Southampton, East Kent and Bletchley. The modularity of the system is a result of the use of identical computer modules to manage both simple and complex signalling areas, which helps to reduce the overall cost of the project by 25%. Installation of the system is facilitated by the use of the same computer programme as that which manages the existing signalling system.

The 53-mile (85 km) Norwich-Ely route is one of the first railway lines to be resignalled in this way.

About the Smartlock solution Smartlock contributes to the safety of rail traffic. This solution enables infrastructure managers to oversee their operations effectively, in complete safety and with maximum return. Since 1997, 17 computerized interlocking control units have been supplied to Frances national rail network (RFF), including the largest such unit in Europe in the city of Strasbourg in 2006. In May 2009, one of Europes first super-integrated centres was delivered to Bologna, Italy. The centre manages infrastructure for eight lines, 29 train stations, over 600 signals, 300 beacons, 1,400 major routes and 1,700 shunting routes.

About Signalling Solutions Ltd Signalling Solutions Ltd is a 50-50 joint venture company formed by Alstom Transport and Balfour Beatty Rail. Launched in October 2007, Signalling Solutions is the UK and Irelands sole channel for signalling products and systems previously supplied by the parent companies. Signalling Solutions collective in-house expertise offers a complete range of capabilities including planning, design, product supply, installation, testing and commissioning for all types of railways.

About Alstom Transport A promoter of sustainable mobility, Alstom is the only manufacturer in the world to offer a complete range of high performance products, including rolling stock, infrastructures, information systems, services and turnkey solutions. Mindful of operators´ ever more stringent profitability objectives and of their growing need for sustainable mobility solutions, Alstom provides eco-friendly and economical products and services to its customers. In 2009-2010, Alstom Transport recorded sales of 5.8 billion. Alstom Transport is present in over 60 countries and employs some 26,000 people.

Press contact
Karen Brouiller - Tel.: + 33 1 57 06 18 42 -
Karen.brouiller@transport.alstom.com  

Website: www.alstom.com/transport