Birmingham New Street re-signalling project

NETWORK RAIL was due to begin an 18-month re-signalling project at Birmingham New Street in January. The work involves replacing all the signalling equipment at the busy station, most of which is around 54 years old. The first phase will start with Platform 12 and then move on to the remaining platforms one by one. The West Midlands rail network has undergone a huge upgrade programme since 2005, and the New Street scheme will complete the job. By 2022 £600m will have been spent installing 6.5 miles of cable and 114 signals.

The timetable will not be affected, but passengers are advised to check carefully as the regular trains might use different platforms during the work. Dave Penney, Central route director for Network Rail, said: “This once-in-a-generation overhaul of Birmingham New Street’s signalling equipment, at one of Britain’s most important stations, has been carefully planned to minimise disruption. Once complete, the West Midlands will have large areas using the newest and best signalling anywhere in Britain, which will help provide a safe, reliable and high performing railway for decades to come.”