Network Rail awards Port Talbot West Phase 1 resignalling contract

Network Rail has awarded Siemens Rail Automation the Port Talbot West Phase 1 resignalling contract which will see the last section of the Great Western Mainline converted for electrification.

Siemens Rail Automation has won the GRIP 5 to 8 stages of the Port Talbot West Phase 1 re-signalling project. The programme is the final section of the Great Western Mainline electrification conversion in preparation for the new Intercity Express Programme trains.

Port Talbot West Phase 1 resignalling last section of Great Western Mainline electrification

Spanning 153 signalling equivalent units, Siemens’ work will cover the decommissioning of all life-expired relay interlockings, with these systems being replaced by a Siemens Trackguard Westlock computer-based interlocking system. Signalling control will be transferred from the existing NX Panel at Port Talbot to a new Siemens Controlguide Westcad control desk at the Wales Rail Operating Centre (WROC) in Cardiff. Axle counters controlled through trackside functional modules (TFMs) will replace the conventional track circuits for train detection, with new and additional power supplies being bought into service for commissioning.

Commenting on the programme, Siemens Delivery Director, Andy Stringer said: “Naturally we are delighted to have been awarded this work, which comes on the back of the successful completion of our GRIP 3 and 4 contracts. Our team is now mobilised and working closely with Network Rail colleagues on the safe delivery of the programme as we build towards final commissioning in October 2017.”