Network Rail awards modular signalling contract to Invensys Rail

Invensys Rail announced today that it has been awarded a multi-million pound contract by Network Rail to complete the Modular Signalling programme on the Shrewsbury to Crewe Pilot Line.

The contract covers the GRIP 5 to 8 Stage Works and follows the successful completion of the development phase of the programme. This included a number of demonstrations of the complete working Modular Signalling solution to Network Rail staff at the company’s Chippenham headquarters, as well as the successful completion of site trials at Prees.

Commenting on the contract award, Richard Inglis, Senior Project Manager at Invensys Rail said: “Having now proven the Modular Signalling concept, we are looking forward to working closely with our Network Rail colleagues to successfully deliver the system into operational service and to demonstrating the cost and efficiency benefits that the modular approach can deliver.

“Seeing the result of three years’ development work coming close to reality is tremendously exciting, particularly with a project that is so close to the heart of both organisations”.

The scope of Invensys Rail’s contract incorporates all detailed design work as well as testing, installation and commissioning, with the GRIP 5 to 8 stages moving the project from development to full service and safety approval. The project will see the delivery of 30 miles of bi-directional signalling, seven level crossings (five of which will be new MCB-ODs) and two complex fringes using lightweight signals, object controllers, plug coupled cables, axle counters and the Westrace Mk 2 interlocking.

The new modular signalling system will be signed into service on 7th January 2012, with the control of the line being in Cardiff and the communications network being provided via Network Rail’s FTN.