Start of a new era as Cornish digital signalling goes live
era got underway in Cornwall on March 11 when a new digital signalling system was brought into use following a 13-day engineering possession to remove redundant traditional signalling equipment and commission the new signalling. The project has seen the signalboxes at Lostwithiel, Par and Truro closed, with the operating areas previously controlled by these transferred to a new digital workstation at Exeter. The signalboxes at Liskeard, Roskear, St Erth, Penzance, St Blazey and Goonbarrow will remain in use. Network Rail said the upgrade work, which has been carried out with Siemens, will improve the reliability and safety of the railway, and that the new digital technology will allow real-time information to be provided to passengers.
During the engineering works, a team of more than 100 engineers worked on a 50-mile site to remove redundant equipment, lay new track, sleepers and ballast, and install new equipment that will ease congestion at Truro.
Network Rail capital delivery director Stuart Calvert said: “Today marks the start of a new era with a switch to digital signalling in Cornwall, bringing more reliable journeys and better information for passengers.
“Our teams have worked around the clock in all weathers over the past two weeks to successfully reach this key milestone in our 18-month programme.
“Not only will the new technology improve safety and reliability in the region, but it will also unlock future development of the railway in the area, including the new Mid-cornwall Metro scheme.” The next phase of the project was carried out on March 16-21 in the Plymouth area, with work being done to instal and test 21 new digital signals, as well as renewing track at Hemerdon. The new signals at this location will remain controlled from Plymouth.