Germany’s Finnentrop interlocking to be digitalised by Siemens Mobility

Credit: Siemens Mobility

Siemens Mobility has announced that it will fully digitalise the Finnentrop interlocking in the state of North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, within one year for DB Netz AG.

A total of 404 interlocking units will be replaced, including signals, switch points and derailers. In addition, 15 level crossings will be equipped with digital interfaces, and four of them will also receive new safety systems.

“The new digital interlocking will reduce disruptions in operations and provide the basis for rail automation and improved rail mobility. Passengers, freight and the environment will benefit from this upgrade,” said Gerhard Greiter, CEO of Region Northeast Europe at Siemens Mobility. “We’re ready to apply our extensive knowhow to make an important contribution to the digitalisation of Germany’s rail network.”

The Finnentrop interlocking controls around 60km of rail line. Once the interlocking system is installed, the section’s entire control and safety technology will be digitally operated from a control center. As general contractor for the project, Siemens Mobility is covering the entire value chain, from planning to completion. By relying on a complete solution from a single source, the project can be quickly implemented by the end of 2021.

In September 2020, Deutsche Bahn (DB), the German Railway Industry Association (VDB) and the Federal Railway Authority (EBA) agreed to accelerate the implementation of Germany’s digital interlocking projects by 2021. This accelerated programme is being financed with funds from the federal government’s coronavirus economic stimulus package. The Finnentrop interlocking is part of this programme.

Siemens Mobility is one of the world’s leading companies in the field of rail infrastructure digitalisation. In Germany, for example, the company has already done important pioneering work with its digital interlockings in Annaberg-Buchholz and Warnemünde. Siemens Mobility will also digitalise Norway’s complete rail network, comprised of around 4,200km of track and 375 railway stations, by 2034.