Alstom completes major digital signalling and level crossing upgrades to improve Portsmouth Direct line reliability

Credit: Network Rail

Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, is celebrating the successful delivery of new signalling, first-of-type level crossings and other upgrades between Farncombe in Surrey and Petersfield in Hampshire on the Portsmouth Direct line.

The £49 million project has modernised a section of UK railway built more than 150 years ago, providing greater reliability for passengers and freight operators, improving asset performance for Network Rail, and enhancing safety for track workers.

The work is part of the Major Signalling Framework Agreement for the Southern Region, which Alstom secured in 2020. In partnership with Network Rail and its supply chain, Alstom has renewed assets and introduced digital-ready technologies, including eleven upgraded level crossings, transferring control from three local signal boxes to Network Rail’s Basingstoke Rail Operating Centre using Alstom’s modular remote signalling control, and digital interlockings to increase reliability, performance and capacity. Track circuits were replaced with axle counters, delivering a 50 per cent power saving across the project area and improving safety for maintenance staff.

Credit: Network Rail

During a nine-day closure between Guildford and Havant in November 2025, Alstom engineers tested 90 LED signals, laid over 30 km of cable and brought 17 SmartIO object controllers and equipment housings into use. Alstom’s SmartIO system connects trackside equipment such as signals and points directly to a central control system, making signalling safer, more efficient and easier to maintain. The equipment housing requires no heating, air conditioning or domestic power, helping to reduce carbon emissions and costs.

Work on seven level crossings saw new obstacle-detection technology introduced, with the final crossing made operational in early December. Two crossings received CCTV for improved visibility, and two foot crossings were fitted with miniature warning stop lights.

Emmanuel Henry, Digital and Integrated Systems Managing Director UK and Ireland at Alstom, said: “Alstom has been proud to partner on one of the most significant investments ever made on the Portsmouth Direct line, replacing life-expired equipment with cutting-edge technology that will transform reliability and performance for years to come. By introducing digital-ready signalling and advanced level crossing systems, we have modernised a route that dates back more than 150 years and created a foundation for the digital railway of the future.”

He added: “I am incredibly proud of the team’s achievement in delivering this complex programme safely and efficiently. The work was completed during a nine-day closure with zero injuries. This success reflects the strength of our partnership with Network Rail and our supply chain, along with our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and passenger experience.”

The Alstom programme completed Network Rail’s wider £129 million Portsmouth Direct Upgrade, which has improved the line between London Waterloo and Portsmouth Harbour, one of the UK’s busiest commuter routes. Tom Desmond, Operations Director at Network Rail, said: “Since early 2022, we have been delivering a major programme of upgrades along the Portsmouth Direct line. This investment brings the route into the modern era with new signalling and safer level crossings that will make journeys more reliable and reduce the need for future closures. We thank passengers for their patience while this long-term work was completed.”

Alstom’s Onvia mainline signalling portfolio, with more than 300 ETCS projects, 25,000 onboard units and 23,000 km of equipped lines worldwide, delivers certified, future-ready solutions tailored to each customer, setting the standard for the rail networks of tomorrow.