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Monday 1 Nov 2021

Not out with the old but in with the new - Network Rail completes major signalling upgrades at Bridlington

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: North & East

Network Rail has completed major work to upgrade the signalling system and track at Bridlington to bring a more modern, reliable railway for passengers in East Yorkshire – all whilst leaving the much-loved lever frame in place.

Between Friday 22 and Sunday 31 October, the 65-lever frame at Bridlington South signal box was upgraded to a modern control panel to improve reliability and reduce unplanned disruption for passengers.

Although the iconic levers were taken out of action, changes to the programme of work meant they were able to remain in place inside the signal box.

During the nine days, the new control panel was successfully installed and older mechanical signals next to the track were replaced with modern colour light ones. Work also took place to renew around 1.2km of track.

Carrying out both pieces of work in just nine days reduces future disruption to services and means passengers can benefit from the improvements much quicker. Train services resumed this morning (Monday 1 November) as planned.

Chris Gee, Operations Director for Network Rail’s North and East route, said: “After the signal box and lever frame were listed just before this vital work started, we had to make some last-minute changes to the planned project. By relocating the new control panel within the signal box, we were able to bring a more modern, reliable railway for passengers, keep the much-loved equipment in place and make sure trains resumed on time.

“Buses have kept people moving between Driffield, Bridlington, Filey and Scarborough and I’d like to thank passengers, businesses and people in the community for their continued patience whilst this work was completed.”

The signalling system tells train drivers when it is safe to proceed and what route their train will take. It is essential for keeping trains a safe distance away from each other and for reducing delays. 

ENDS