Hitachi Rail awarded contract to design digital signalling solution to improve reliability and safety for Gloucester area

Hitachi Rail and Linbrooke have been awarded a contract by Network Rail to design digital signalling technology specifically for the Gloucester area.

This digital signalling solution will be a significant upgrade, replacing the current switch panel that was installed in the 1960s. The introduction of digital Signalling Command Control (SCC) system gives the operator complete picture of the network and automated updates. This will enable Network Rail to respond more effectively to any issues or incidents, reducing passenger disruption and improving management of rail traffic.

This technology also creates a safer environment for those working on the railway, as it allows fault checking to be carried out remotely as opposed to the current process reliant on physical trackside checks. 

Over the next 12 months, Hitachi, Network Rail and Linbrooke will work together to tailor its state-of-the-art Wayside Standard Platform (WSP HS+) system for the area. This digital signalling solution facilitates the management of a greater amount of trackside equipment and integrates safety, diagnostics and signalling functions in one single control station.

In order for this technology to be installed, only slight adaption will be required to achieve approval by Network Rail for the next stage of the programme. The Gloucester signalling design contract has been awarded as part of Hitachi Rail’s Wales and Western Region Major Signalling Renewals Framework, which covers 2,700 miles of track. The railway in these regions serves over 122 million passengers.

Hitachi Rail’s digital signalling is already improving service reliability on rail journeys across the globe, including Italy, France, Japan, America and the Middle East. This technology is ready to transform rail services in the UK.

Nick Hughes, Sales Director UK and Ireland at Hitachi Rail said:

“I am confident that collaboration and our global signalling expertise can help unlock more frequent and reliable journeys for UK passengers. The progress we’re making with Network Rail is a significant milestone for Hitachi Rail’s signalling business in the UK.”

Karen Williams, Sponsor (Traffic Management) at Network Rail, said:

“We look forward to working with Hitachi Rail and Linbrooke on this innovative and cost-effective solution to life-extend the signalling assets within the Gloucestershire area, which will provide a safer working environment for our trackside colleagues and improved services for our passengers.”

Martin Wright, Managing Director Linbrooke Rail said:

“Linbrooke Services Ltd are looking forward to this exciting project to install new Hitachi Signalling infrastructure in the Western Region.  We are pleased to be collaborating with Hitachi under the MASREF and believe this scheme will bring much needed benefits to the operation of trains in the Gloucester area.”

Photo credit: Hitachi Rail