A significant digital overhaul of the signalling system has been completed at Crewe, one of Britain’s busiest railway junctions. The £190 million investment by Network Rail will improve reliability and efficiency for both passenger and freight trains.
The project involved the installation of 65 new LED signals, 6 new signal structures, 24km of signalling power cable, and 30km of fibre optic cabling. Seven new buildings were built to house control systems, and 5km of railway drainage was renewed. Additionally, 74 sets of points were upgraded, including heating systems to prevent freezing in cold weather.
The upgrade required a phased closure of the railway in Crewe over the Christmas period, which involved one of the largest rail replacement bus operations the town has ever seen. Network Rail worked closely with Avanti West Coast to keep passengers moving during the closure.
A significant digital overhaul of the signalling system has been completed at Crewe, one of Britain’s busiest railway junctions. The £190 million investment by Network Rail will improve reliability and efficiency for both passenger and freight trains.
The project involved the installation of 65 new LED signals, 6 new signal structures, 24km of signalling power cable, and 30km of fibre optic cabling. Seven new buildings were built to house control systems, and 5km of railway drainage was renewed. Additionally, 74 sets of points were upgraded, including heating systems to prevent freezing in cold weather.
The upgrade required a phased closure of the railway in Crewe over the Christmas period, which involved one of the largest rail replacement bus operations the town has ever seen. Network Rail worked closely with Avanti West Coast to keep passengers moving during the closure.
Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s North West and Central region Capital Delivery Director, said: “Today is the start of a new era for the way we signal freight and passenger trains through Crewe – one of the busiest junctions on Britain’s railway. This major investment, using the latest technology, benefits both passengers and freight, getting people and goods to where they need to be more smoothly and reliably.
“We know that over Christmas this has caused disruption for passengers and we’d like to thank you for bearing with us while we made these crucial Crewe upgrades which will improve future journeys for years to come.”
The project is expected to improve the reliability of journeys on the West Coast Main Line for decades to come.
The project is expected to improve the reliability of journeys on the West Coast Main Line for decades to come.
