Tracking developments in rail systems

Edinburgh Waverley upgrade nears completion

Stephen Ballard — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:37:00 +0100

The major signalling and telecommunications project at Edinburgh’s Waverley station is on track for conclusion later this year.

The project, of which the signalling, control and telecommunications has been handled by Westinghouse Rail Systems Ltd (WRSL), part of the Invensys Rail Group, included permanent way modifications for four new platforms as well as the development and installation of a new VDU Control Centre.

The first and most significant major milestone was completed on 27th December 2006, when the new VDU control centre and signalling for the new layouts at both Waverley and Haymarket were brought into use. This allowed the Permanent Way contractor to gain access to introduce the new switches and crossings at the West Throat of Edinburgh Waverley. The new layouts were signalled and brought into use by Westinghouse over several stages throughout 2007.

In conjunction with the layout changes at Edinburgh Waverly 21 of the 24 remote Route Relay Interlockings (RRI) on the East Coast Main Line and the Fife Lines have been transferred to the new VDU Control Centre. The interlocking areas were successfully transferred without a single disruption to traffic.

“Stage 10, is the final Stage of Edinburgh Waverley and will see the remaining 3 RRI on the Edinburgh to Glasgow Line transferred to the VDU Control Centre. The final commissioning date has been programmed to tie-in with the new Airdrie-Bathgate line, which is to be commissioned in October, 2008.

“We knew from the start that Edinburgh Waverley would be one of the most challenging projects we have ever undertaken,” said WRSL Regional Director Alistair McWhirter.

“It has also turned out to be an enormously interesting one and I’m absolutely delighted with the way the whole team has operated, bringing together a wide range of disciplines and producing an excellent result.

"It has been a marvellous achievement so far and Transport Scotland - for whom this is one of their flagship projects - has been delighted by the way it has been delivered by all parties involved."

Invensys Rail Group strengthen Indian operations

Stephen Ballard — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:42:00 +0100

Invensys Rail Group (IRG) opened a new office this week in Bangalore to exclusively service their Indian railway business. James Drummond, President and CEO of IRG participated in a traditional ‘lighting of the lamp ceremony’ with Mr Praveen Kumar, General Manager and Mr Akhil Agrawal, Divisional Railway Manager, Bangalore Division, South Western Railways and Raviprakash Karcherla Managing Director of Indian operation for the company.

IRG specialise in Signalling and Train Control System worldwide and have opened the Bangalore office, located in the central business district of Bangalore city, to focus on the business opportunities within the Mainline and Mass transit markets in India. “Opening a dedicated office in Bangalore is fundamental to achieving our business goals in India. We already have an ongoing dialogue with Indian Railways and I hope that this office opening underlines the commitment to both Indian Railways as a customer but also state authorities responsible for mass transit as an important market”.

Chief guest Mr Praveen Kumar, General Manager, South Western Railways noted “There is no doubt that Indian Railway will be benefited of a dedicated office here in Bangalore I am also particularly pleased to learn that much of the actual engineering will be conducted in India”.

The office will accommodate 25 people and the office will be equipped with modern IT equipment providing excellent connectivity with customers and other business units of IRG.

£100m contract for Dimetronic Signals

Stephen Ballard — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:36:00 +0100

A consortium of Dimetronic Signals, part of the Invensys Rail Group, and Thales has been awarded the contract for the Madrid-Valencia high speed line signalling and communications works by ADIF (the Spanish railway administrator). The scope of the contract includes the signalling system with electronic interlockings, track circuits, ERTMS Level 1 & 2 train protection system and the traffic control centre. It also includes the fixed telecommunications, auxiliary detectors, power supply, building construction and maintenance support for three years.

Dimetronic will lead the consortium and will be directly responsible for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the ERTMS Level 1& 2 train protection system and the traffic control centre as well as a share of the maintenance activities.

Dimetronic’s share of the contract is €126 million (£100 million at current exchange rates) for the core signalling as well as a share (approximately £15 million) of the maintenance work when this new high speed line becomes operational.

Westinghouse awarded Airdrie to Bathgate contract

Stephen Ballard — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:39:00 +0100

Network Rail has awarded Westinghouse Rail Systems Limited (WRSL), part of the Invensys Rail Group, the contract to design, install and commission the signalling and telecommunications infrastructure for Scotland’s Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link.

The line, which is being re-opened to passengers after over 50 years of closure, will bring considerable benefits for communities along the route by improving transport links for West Lothian and North Lanarkshire with Glasgow and Edinburgh. Once completed, the line will be double-tracked and electrified from Edinburgh to Glasgow, providing a fourth passenger route between the two cities.

The £300 million project, funded by Transport Scotland, will also see an upgrade to the existing lines between Bathgate and Edinburgh by October 2008 and between Airdrie and Drumgelloch.

Commenting on the project, Ron McAulay, Network Rail Director, Scotland, said: “The Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link is one of the biggest transport projects currently being undertaken in Scotland and will be a major boost in meeting the transport needs of local people, providing an essential link between Scotland's two main cities.

“The project is set in the context of ongoing, major investment in our transport infrastructure and is a demonstration of Network Rail's ambitions to grow Scotland's railway, in partnership with the Scottish Government.

“We have worked very successfully with Westinghouse on a range of projects, most recently at Edinburgh Waverley, and we are looking forward to working closely with the team on this very significant programme.”

The key elements of WRSL’s work on the project include:

modifications to the two existing Integrated Electronic Control Centres (the route will be controlled from Edinburgh Signalling Centre, fringing with Yoker Signalling Centre)
signalling and alterations to support both the operation of the new double line and the new and altered stations
the installation of three new Solid State Interlockings (SSIs), to be controlled from one of the new IECC workstations at Edinburgh
the installation of full telecommunications systems for the stations

WRSL’s Regional Director in Scotland, Alistair McWhirter said: “Naturally, we’re delighted to have been awarded this contract and to be working closely with Network Rail to deliver a first class signalling and telecomms scheme.

“Westinghouse has a great pedigree in Scotland, with a hard-earned reputation for the quality and performance of our systems and for the excellence of our project delivery. We are now working towards the first key commissioning stage in October 2008 - for the railway between Newbridge and Bathgate.”

Thameslink trio for Westinghouse

Stephen Ballard — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:18:00 +0100

Westinghouse Rail Systems Limited, is to undertake major resignalling works on the Thameslink project, following the award of multiple contracts by Network Rail.

Westinghouse has entered into three separate contracts for project execution in the initial stages of the core area; this work marking the beginning of a series of signalling projects for the Thameslink development. Concurrently, the company is executing the GRIP4 works of the programme, covering scheme development for all stage works of the core area. Overall, the value of future signalling works for Thameslink is estimated to be in excess of £75 million.

In its entirety, this £3.55 billion programme will see new track, stations, extended platforms and improved signalling across the complete Thameslink route - the first phase of which encompasses the core area of the network, bounded by St Pancras and Blackfriars Stations.

Commenting on the announcement, Westinghouse Rail’s Managing Director, Alistair McPhee, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded these contracts, which are an extension to our existing Framework Agreement with Network Rail, secured in 2005. To be working on such a significant project, at the heart of one of London’s major infrastructure schemes, is a great reflection on the quality and commitment of our people, our products and systems. We look forward to working in partnership with Network Rail to deliver a first class signalling solution.”

Phase I runs from 2008 to 2011, with final commissioning scheduled for completion in advance of the 2012 Olympics in London.

Finland trial level crossing predictor

Stephen Ballard — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:49:00 +0100

Westinghouse Rail Systems, part of Invensys Rail Group, has commissioned a WESTeX GCP3000 Level Crossing Predictor (LCP) system into operational use for the Finnish Rail Administration Ratahallintokeskus.

Following a period of shadow mode operation, the system was commissioned on 19 March 2008 for a full twelve month pilot trial at Skogby station halt, an existing level crossing site on the Hanko to Karjaa line, in the south west of Finland. On successful completion of the trial, it is expected that the system will receive full Finnish product approval in January, 2009, adding to the Network Rail approval which has already been received.

Finland has over 3,000 open level crossings similar to the trial site in Skogby, the majority of which are unprotected – relying solely on the judgement of motorists and pedestrians to stop.

The WESTeX GCP3000 provides a low cost, elegant and efficient solution for open level crossings such as these; the installation at Skogby provides motorists with both flashing LED units and an audible warning to stop at the level crossing in the event of a train approaching.

The GCP3000 uses train detection functionality to operate level crossings in a fail-safe manner, reducing the amount of on-track equipment required to a minimum, whilst maintaining absolute integrity of train detection. All that is required is a single unit at the level crossing, and termination shunts between the rails at the strike-in point. Through the use of audio frequencies, the LCP is fully compatible with most standard forms of train detection, and provides a complete level crossing solution in one package. In particular, the system is compatible with dc, low frequency and audio frequency track circuits.

Unlike traditional level crossing systems, the WESTeX GCP3000 is capable of predicting the time at which a train will pass over the crossing, taking into account its approaching speed, and therefore is able to provide consistent warning times, reducing the period for which the crossing needs to be closed and, therefore, motorists’ waiting times.

In order to fully comply with Finnish rules and technical specifications as well as the requirements of the safety case assessment, the Skogby trial installation required a number of modifications to the standard UK location case arrangement.

Of prime importance in the design was the need to allow for Finland’s harsh climate and extreme weather conditions - which can be as high as +30C in the summer, falling to -25C in the winter, accompanied by heavy snowfall. To help combat this, the GCP3000 has been mounted on a raised platform to avoid the build up of snow around the location case. The system was also designed for different day/ night conditions, such that the LED units are dimmed and the audible sound intensity is reduced during night operation.

Commenting on the application, Westinghouse’s Project Manager, Vince Dade, said: “Having fully proven its capability in shadow mode, we’re delighted that the WESTeX GCP3000 is now controlling the crossing at Skogby. Whilst the trial application proved to be quite challenging, we have developed a robust solution that we believe will help Ratahallintokeskus in applications across the country and look forward to continuing to work closely with the Finnish Rail Administration as the ‘in service’ trial progresses.”

To monitor the installation and to carry out event logging, Westinghouse engineers are able to dial into the system remotely, through a GSM modem and antenna which have been incorporated into the Installed unit.

Invensys announces outcome of Metronet discussions

Stephen Ballard — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:36:00 +0100

Cash settlement of £95m from Bombardier following rescoping of work on the London Underground
Around £180 million of continuing work on Victoria and Sub Surface Lines and significant opportunity to win rescoped contract
Rail Group double digit revenue growth outlook unchanged and margin outlook improved materially through to 2010

Summary
As part of the arrangements being put in place following Metronet entering into administration last year, London Underground Limited (LUL) has decided to rescope the new signalling work for the Sub Surface Lines (SSL). This has resulted in a cash payment due today from Bombardier to Invensys of £95 million and a reduction in the Westinghouse Rail Systems Limited (WRSL) order book of £550 million in respect of work that would have been carried out mainly in the period 2010 to 2014. This development has provided Invensys with a significant opportunity to win the rescoped contract when it is retendered in accordance with public procurement rules. Invensys has the certified engineering capacity and the capabilities to meet LUL’s vision for the London Underground. Invensys’ other signalling work on the SSL and the Victoria Line, representing around £180 million of revenue, is unaffected by this change.

Ulf Henriksson, Chief Executive of Invensys, commented:

“We view this development as a great opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to LUL and share a vision with LUL of developing an efficient solution that meets the needs of LUL and the people of London. Our work so far on the SSL and Victoria Lines is on or ahead of schedule which demonstrates WRSL’s reputation for delivery.

“In addition to our ongoing involvement with LUL, I expect the Rail Group to make continued progress throughout its business with double digit revenue growth and materially improved margins over the next two years.

“For the Group as a whole, we have made further progress in the final quarter of our financial year and we remain confident that we have a sound platform for growth next year.”

Background and contractual changes
Following Metronet entering into PPP administration on 18 July 2007, Westinghouse Rail Systems Limited (WRSL), part of the Invensys Rail Group (IRG), has now reached a series of agreements in respect of all its contracts with Bombardier, a member of the Metronet consortium, for signalling on the London Underground.

WRSL’s existing contract with Bombardier for work to install new signalling on the Victoria Line will remain with Bombardier and is expected to be transferred intact as part of the statutory transfer of Metronet in Administration to ‘new’ Metronet. Work remains on schedule for delivery of the planned performance upgrades in 2012. WRSL’s signalling upgrade technology (Distance To Go – Radio) was successfully trialled during engineering hours on 7 February 2008 and is due to be trialled during passenger hours in summer 2008.

WRSL understands that, in order to reduce future maintenance and driver training, LUL has decided to rescope the new signalling work for SSL. As a result WRSL’s existing contract with Bombardier for SSL signalling has been rescoped and LUL has asked WRSL only to continue to work on changes to SSL’s existing signalling system to allow new trains to operate on those lines. WRSL’s existing contract with Bombardier will be novated to Metronet and amended to reflect the agreed rescoping, resulting in a cash settlement due today of £95 million from Bombardier. The revised contract will then be recommended for transfer to “new” Metronet. The new contract for the upgraded SSL signalling will be retendered in accordance with public procurement rules and WRSL fully intends to participate in the future retendering which LUL has strongly encouraged it to do.

The ongoing contracts are subject to the successful implementation of the statutory transfer scheme being proposed by the Administrator of Metronet, including approval of the High Court. LUL has agreed to recommend the proposed transfers and a copy of a joint LUL, Bombardier and WRSL press release is attached.

Tim O’Toole, Managing Director of London Underground, said:

“I look forward to the successful commissioning of WRSL’s new signalling system on the Victoria Line and to the completion of its work on the existing signalling system on SSL and hope WRSL will participate in the re-tender of the signalling system for SSL.”

Disposal
On 31 March 2008, IRG sold its North American rail logistics business Burco to a US company, Railroad Controls Limited, for $31 million. Burco was not core to IRG’s signalling and related systems operations. In the year ended 31 March 2007, Burco reported external revenue of $128 million and operating profit of $5 million. Burco will be treated as a discontinued operation in the Group’s results.

Overall financial implications
The cash payment from Bombardier to WRSL of £95 million will be treated as operating exceptional income in the Group’s income statement. However due to the rescoping of the planned new signalling work on SSL and prior to the retendering of this work, WRSL’s long term order book will be reduced by around £550 million in respect of work that would have mainly been carried out in the period from 2010 to 2014. IRG’s order book remains strong at around £700 million and IRG believes that there is a significant opportunity to win the rescoped contract for the SSL signalling system.

IRG expects that these changes to its contractual arrangements will have no effect on its expectation of achieving double digit revenue growth from continuing operations in 2008/09 and 2009/10. With the disposal of Burco and improved sales mix, IRG expects a material improvement in operating margin during this period.

Busy Madrid commuter network adopts ERTMS

Stephen Ballard — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:13:00 +0000

In November 2007 Dimetronic was awarded with a contract for the supply of ERTMS/ETCS on-board equipment for 94 trains of the Madrid commuter network. This means a total of 114 Euro-cabin equipment for the 446, 447 and 450 series trains of Renfe Operadora – the 450 double-deckers including two equipment each.

Dimetronic’s on-board equipment complies with all current European standards, as shown by the thorough testing carried out at the Ministry of Infrastructure’s “CEDEX” Railway Interoperability Laboratory.

Two Spanish High Speed Lines opened for revenue service

Stephen Ballard — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:54:00 +0000

In December 2007, two new High Speed Lines were officially opened for Revenue Service, Madrid-Valladolid and Córdoba-Málaga.

Dimetronic has been actively participating in both projects, having successfully commissioned the Signalling system in the Madrid-Valladolid HSL and the ERTMS system – Dimetronic’s FUTUR, in the Córdoba-Málaga line.

The High Speed Line Córdoba-Málaga links these two cities through 155 Km at a maximum speed of 350 Km/h. Dimetronic has developed all the design and engineering for the line, installed 150 Lineside Equipment Unit LEU, 13 Centralized LEU Controllers and 879 euro-balises along the line and successfully completed all due tests for the system’s commissioning.

At the 195 Km long Madrid-Valladolid High Speed Line, Dimetronic has been responsible for the installation and commissioning of the Signalling system, supplying WESTRACE electronic interlocking, the ASFA train protection system, the Centralized Traffic Control and the Signalling system’s maintenance for the line.

These two lines are a turning point in the Spanish railway industry. Dimetronic, with over 600 professionals exclusively dedicated to railway Signalling and train control, has intensively collaborated with the Spanish Railway Administration ADIF and the other project participants, jointly adding to the success of this extraordinary achievement of the Spanish – and European railway transport.

Dimetronic pick up Teruel – Zaragoza phase II upgrade

Stephen Ballard — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:48:00 +0000

The Ministry of Infrastructure awarded Dimetronic with the contract for the Works of Phase II of the Teruel-Zaragoza line upgrade, for a total €14,2M and 8 months of execution.

This Phase II adds to the Phase I already under execution by Dimetronic. Phase II includes two sections of line totalling 78 Km. The scope of supply includes 3 new Westrace electronic interlocking, the telecommunications system, FS3000 Jointless Track Circuits for the stations, axle counters for the main line, remote control at Fuente de San Luis CTC, in Valencia, and screened cables to avoid interference from the 25 KV ac catenary system.

The Teruel-Zaragoza line is part of the so-called Cantábrico-Mediterráneo Corridor. The line’s main objective is to connect both cities in less than two hours, at a maximum speed of 299 Km/h. A possible upgrade to ERTMS functionality is now being planned for the line.