Network Rail has awarded Siemens Mobility a contract worth £50m for the next stages of the signalling element to remodel a major junction on the West Coast Main Line (WCML).
The remodelling aims to improve reliability, operational resilience and flexibility at Carstairs Junction, where rail lines to Glasgow Central from London Euston and Edinburgh to Glasgow Central merge.
The scope of Siemens Mobility’s work includes the design, installation, testing and commissioning of the signalling works. It will be installing its Trackguard WTS signalling system, which will enable line speed to be increased through the junction and a temporary speed restriction on the WCML to be removed.
The firm said this will be the first time this ‘well-proven solution’ has been used in Scotland.
Its managing director, rail infrastructure, Rob Morris, said: ‘Coupled with our work with the train operators, we can also make sure that, when rolling stock is introduced in future, it is able to take advantage of the higher line speeds.
‘Our early involvement in the project has enabled us to work really closely with Network Rail and our delivery partners to develop a scheme that will provide the greatest benefit to the Scottish public.’
The remodelling will also introduce a station-bypass line so journey times can be further improved and, in some circumstances, enable fast trains to pass slower ones.
Space to hold longer freight trains (up to 775 metres) will also be provided in what is said to be the biggest freight loop in Scotland, giving freight operators greater flexibility to run more services. The project aims to enable more flexibility through the area and reduce the impact on services in the event of disruption, or when maintenance is required.
Siemens Mobility’s Trackguard WTS system is manufactured and developed in the UK and uses an IP-based network to connect objects to the interlockings and control centres, which the firm said provides improvements in operational performance and management to deliver safe, reliable and future-proofed journeys.
Work is now underway on the detailed scheme design, with final commissioning due to take place with a three-stage blockade between 23 April and 2 June 2023.
The entire Carstairs Modernisation project is due to be completed in 2023.
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