Alstom wins £79m re-signalling project in UK

The system will be ready for the European Train Control System

Alstom has been awarded a contract by Network Rail for the full re-signalling of the Great Western Main Line between Reading and Paddington in the west of London. The contract is worth more than £79 million.

Network Rail and Alstom have worked closely to develop an interlocking system based on Alstom’s Smartlock range – which interfaces directly with trackside equipment, with no need for intermediate relays, which means that reaction time can be reduced, as well minimising trackside footprint and maintenance costs.

The system will be ready for the European Train Control System (ETCS) - a signalling, control and train protection system – and will allow trains with ETCS capability to operate on that section of the line.

The works, which include both the renewal of the existing interlocking and some track remodelling, are due to reach completion by the end of 2017.

Alstom is responsible for providing signalling renewals and enhancements as primary supplier in three out of eight geographical regions in the UK: Central East, Great Western Inner and Great Western Outer.

Alstom also is the secondary supplier in four other geographical regions: Scotland, Central West, Wales and Western and Kent and Anglia.