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Friday 31 Jan 2025

Improvements for passengers with “milestone achievement” of modern South Kirkby signals

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: North & East

Journey experience for passengers has been improved with new, modern signalling equipment at South Kirkby.

The old manual set-up was obsolete – it had been installed more than 50 years ago and was increasingly difficult to maintain.

It has been replaced with smart system which operates signals and points more efficiently, improving journey punctuality for passengers.

Safety for Network Rail teams is also boosted, as the new system keeps a closer watch on which trains are occupying specific areas of track.

The project introduced a computer-based interlocking system, Alstom’s Smartlock400, which is based at the York Rail Operating Centre. Interlocking keeps trains safe by preventing conflicting movements through junctions and crossings.

Lineside equipment has been renewed and new power supplies, feeder cables and casings installed.

There are 26 new signals, which have been positioned to allow improved flow of trains.

Network Rail’s teams will be kept safer while working on track, thanks to new warning systems along the 17-mile route, and devices provided to allow staff to “lock out” sections of track for safety-critical work.

The changes are forecast to save 880 hours’ staff maintenance costs per year, and the new set-up is compatible with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), a digital train control system being rolled out across the country over the coming decades.

Paul Carabine, Network Rail senior project engineer, said: “The South Kirkby resignalling project brings noticeable benefits for passengers and our colleagues.

“The changes improve reliability and performance for services, while also boosting safety for our teams working on the track.

“This work was also combined with several other projects in the area to avoid increased passenger and freight disruption in the future, and being ‘digital-ready’ will be a major benefit in the future.”

Joanne Boocock, Alstom project director, said: “The successful completion of the South Kirkby resignalling project is a testament to the strong collaboration between Network Rail, Alstom and our supply chain.

“We’re proud to have delivered innovative, future-ready solutions – such as our computer-based interlocking system and object controller – enhancing railway reliability and performance for passengers and freight services.

“This project exemplifies how digital advancements can futureproof the UK’s railway and we are delighted to have contributed to this milestone achievement.”

Click here to read more about how signalling works.