Alstom-Balfour Beatty joint venture wins contracts worth 43m to renew signalling across the UK

Alstom Transport and Balfour Beatty joint venture Signalling Solutions Ltd (SSL) has been awarded a number of contracts to renew signalling at a variety of locations in the UK for Network Rail.

The contracts are for:

• The early stages of the renewal of the signalling system controlling major areas of the Great Western Main Line for Network Rail. SSL will deliver the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the renewed signalling and associated power works in preparation for electrification and the overlay of ERTMS. The main works are planned to take place between 2013 and 2015 and the contracts are worth 27m;
• The complete renewal of the signalling system controlling around 29 kilometres of railway between Arundel and Horsham for Network Rail using Alstoms innovative Smartlock 400 interlocking system. Final commissioning is expected in October 2013 for a contract worth 15m; and
• The early design work for Network Rail for the large-scale renewal of the signalling system controlling lines in the Scunthorpe to Cleethorpes area of North Lincolnshire, in preparation for the main works which are scheduled to take place between 2014 and 2016. The contract is worth 931,000.

These projects add to the growing list of sites where the interlocking, designed and manufactured by Alstom, has been installed. The most recent of these were the four commissioned last year in the Thames Valley Signalling Centre, which, together, control the Great Western Main Line from Paddington to Heathrow. These contract awards follow the recent selection by Network Rail of SSL for the ERTMS and Signalling frame contracts as well as the Pilot contract for the new traffic Control centres.

Alstoms Smartlock 400 system is a computer-based interlocking system designed specifically as a successor to solid state Interlocking for all signalling applications. Key advantages of the system are its increased computing power, a reduction in the physical size of the central interlocking equipment, and compatibility with current and future communications technology and panel and screen interfaces. Generic product acceptance for Smartlock 400 interlocking was received from Network Rail in April 2011.

About Alstom Transport

A promoter of sustainable mobility, Alstom Transport develops and markets the most complete range of systems, equipment and services in the railway sector. Alstom Transport manages entire transport systems, taking in rolling stock, signalling and infrastructure, and offers turnkey solutions. Alstom Transport recorded sales of 5.2 billion euros in the fiscal year 2011-2012. Alstom Transport is present in over 60 countries and employs 24,700 people.

About Signalling Solutions Ltd

Signalling Solutions Ltd (SSL) is a 50-50 joint venture company formed by Alstom Transport and Balfour Beatty Rail. Launched in October 2007, SSL is the UK and Irelands sole channel for signalling products and systems previously supplied by the parent companies, including Alstoms Smartlock  interlocking, Atlas train controls for ERTMS projects and Urbalis train control systems  for mass transit projects as well as Iconis traffic management technology.  In January 2012 SSL was chosen as a preferred bidder in Network Rails major signalling framework agreement. SSL is responsible for providing signalling renewals and enhancements as primary supplier in three of eight geographical regions; Central East, Great Western Inner and Great Western Outer and is the secondary supplier in four geographical regions; Scotland, Central West, Wales and Western and Kent and Anglia. In March 2012 SLL received a framework agreement from Network Rail to design and develop a European Train Control System (ETCS level 2) using Alstoms proven Atlas technology.

Press Contacts

Jonathan Smith
Tel +44(0)20 7438 9355/07801 775650/01788 545602
Jonathan.smith@chq.alstom.com

Linda Huguet
Tel. + 33 1 57 06 10 42
Linda.huguet@transport.alstom.com

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• Smartlock Interlocking