Hitachi wins Gloucester area signalling upgrade contract

A DESIGN contract to replace the signalling in the Gloucester area with new digital signalling equipment has been awarded to Hitachi Rail and Linbrooke. The current signalling controlled by the Gloucester panel dates from the 1960s. Over the next 12 months the two companies will tailor the Wayside Standard Platform (WSP HS+) system to create a bespoke package for the area. The digital signalling facilitates the management of a greater amount of trackside equipment and integrates safety, diagnostics and signalling functions in one single control station. The technology also creates a safer environment for staff, as it allows fault checking to be carried out remotely as opposed to physical trackside checks. The Gloucester contract has been awarded as part of Hitachi Rail’s Wales and Western Region Major Signalling Renewals Framework, itself awarded in 2020 and covers 2700 miles of track.