Manchester Digital Rail: Network Rail, Siemens & ETCS Advancements

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Introduction

In November 2020, Network Rail awarded Siemens Mobility a contract valued at £350 million for the design, supply, and commissioning of a digital signaling and control system for the Second City Crossing in Manchester.

Project Scope and Objectives

The project encompasses the implementation of European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 and Automatic Train Protection (ATP) on the approximately 18-mile (29 km) section of track. This initiative is part of the Great North Rail Project, aiming to enhance the capacity and reliability of the railway infrastructure. The ETCS Level 2 system will be deployed on the lines between Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road, and Bolton, representing a significant upgrade to the existing signaling infrastructure.

Contract Details and System Implementation

Siemens Mobility’s contract includes the provision of its Trainguard ETCS on-board and Trackside equipment, along with the associated signaling control systems. The scope of work also covers the installation of a new Traffic Management System (TMS). The digital signaling system is designed to improve operational efficiency and safety across the network. The project is expected to be completed over several years, with the specific timeline outlined in the contract.
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Technological Components and Features

The Trainguard ETCS system to be installed is designed to facilitate continuous speed supervision and automatic train protection. The project also incorporates a TMS to optimize traffic flow and management. These advanced technological features are intended to modernize the railway’s operational capabilities, focusing on enhancing safety and performance.

Financial and Strategic Context

The £350 million investment reflects Network Rail’s commitment to modernizing the railway infrastructure in the Greater Manchester area. This project is a component of the larger Great North Rail Project, aimed at improving rail services in the region. The implementation of digital signaling systems is a strategic move to accommodate future increases in rail traffic and improve overall network efficiency.

Conclusion

Siemens Mobility was awarded a £350 million contract by Network Rail in November 2020 for the Second City Crossing. The project involves the deployment of ETCS Level 2 and ATP, covering an approximately 18-mile (29 km) section of track between Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road, and Bolton. The project is part of the Great North Rail Project and includes the implementation of Trainguard ETCS and a new Traffic Management System (TMS).

Company Summary

Network Rail: Network Rail is the owner and infrastructure manager of most of the railway network in Great Britain.

Siemens Mobility: Siemens Mobility is a company that provides solutions for rail transport, including rolling stock, infrastructure, and automation.

Technology

ETCS Level 2: European Train Control System Level 2 is a signaling system that provides continuous speed supervision and automatic train protection using radio-based communication between the train and trackside equipment.

ATP: Automatic Train Protection is a safety system designed to prevent train collisions by automatically applying the brakes if a train exceeds a speed limit or passes a signal at danger.

TMS: Traffic Management System is a system used to optimize traffic flow and manage railway operations.

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