Design approval for complex signalling systems keeps Thameslink on track

A critical stage has been reached on London’s Thameslink project – one of the busiest stretches of railway in Europe – with final design approval granted for the sophisticated signalling and control systems.

Thameslink train

This crucial ‘milestone’ will now allow detailed design and installation of trackside facilities to proceed on the busy core section through central London, which will ultimately allow up to 24 extended length commuter trains per hour to serve passengers during peak times.

The contract to design the signalling systems was secured by international engineering consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff in late 2008. It has involved accommodating the requirements of multiple stakeholders, a challenging frequency of train movements between multiple stations within an extremely confined length of route. Final design approval was received from Thameslink at the beginning of January this year.

Thameslink is a £5.5 billion investment programme which will transform north to south rail travel in London and provide increased capacity, more destinations and better stations – greatly reducing overcrowding. There are already a series of major works underway at various locations to improve the stations and route.

In a separate contract, Parsons Brinckerhoff is also developing the preferred option for signalling and track design on Thameslink from Waterloo East, through Blackfriars Junction, Cannon Street, London Bridge and on to New Cross on route to the Kent and Sussex coasts. The contract, which started in mid-2009 and is due for completion in March this year, also includes developing designs for a new flyover bridge at Bermondsey.

The first phase of Thameslink, introducing 12 carriage trains across the current Bedford to Brighton route is due for completion by spring 2012.