Network Rail has announced a £4 billion train control systems framework, which will revolutionise signalling across Britain.
The 10-year signalling plan will change the face of the British railway network, with modern equipment resulting in greater reliability through a combination of traditional signalling and digital control.
The framework runs from 2024 to 2034. Three-quarters of the £4 billion investment will be directed towards digital signalling, while the remaining £1 billion will be invested into conventional signalling.
Six companies have been awarded contracts for the provision of continental and digital signalling services under the Train Control Systems Framework, which replaces the previous major signalling frameworks.
The contracts have been awarded over two lots:
Lot 1: Conventional signalling
- Alstom
- AtkinsRéalis
- Hitachi
- Siemens
Lot 2 – Digital signalling (using European Train Control System technology)
- Alstom
- AtkinsRéalis and CAF
- Siemens
- Thales and VolkerRail
The framework has been designed to bring new ways of working between Network Rail and its signalling delivery partners, and will also change the way in which partners are selected and awarded. The new Network Rail Association Group will match partners to signalling projects based on a range of factors, which will help to reduce peaks and troughs of workloads for partners.
Clive Berrington, Network Rail’s Group Commercial and Procurement director, said: “Our new train control systems framework brings a positive change in approach to how we work with suppliers for the provision of signalling services. We will all be working much more collaboratively with each other and our relationships will feel like partnerships.
“Through the framework, we have grown the size of the UK signalling market with the introduction of two new suppliers. These bring increased diversity and capability, leading to better market performance.”
“We have set ourselves up well to deliver improved performance for passengers and freight customers, and improved value for taxpayers.”
Some of the initial projects to be delivered under the framework include:
- Midlands Rail Hub
- Digital signalling for the TransPennine Route Upgrade
- Digital signalling for the TriLink Programme
Image credit: Network Rail
