The Farnham Re-signalling scheme fell under the Sussex & Wessex signalling framework contract awarded to Atkins by Network Rail in January 2012.
The two year contract was put in place to modernize and maintain safety-critical railway signalling systems, whilst also delivering the efficiency savings required by the infrastructure owner, Network Rail through reductions in unit costs.
The scope of the Farnham re-signalling project involved the de-commissioning of three signal boxes at Farnham, Aldershot and Ash Vale that transferred control to a new panel at Woking Area Signalling Centre. The works involved the re-control of existing trackside equipment at Aldershot, Ash Vale and Farnham using computer based technology.
The platform at Bentley Station was extended to allow 5 car trains to stop and to allow all door opening for passengers, with Bentley Loop being extended by 270m which now allows two trains to pass each other simultaneously. The scheme also included the full renewal & re-control of Farnham Level Crossing CCTV and the transfer of control to Woking Area Signalling Centre. Alterations were also made to the road layout in order to improve local safety concerns.
The scope also included the recovery of the existing train detection system and this was replaced with frequency based track circuits which are more reliable and require less maintenance. The above changes resulted in a more reliable infrastructure for running trains and has increased train punctuality.
RTIS supported Atkins on this project with skilled signalling teams for a period in excessive of 9,500 man hours. There were no reported accidents and RTIS were highly praised for their efforts and contribution, particularly on the commissioning works which were held over a period of 8 days in August 2013.
SCOPE OF WORKS
Cable diversion works and modifications in location cases Installation of TPWS fitments & Dorman LED Signal Heads
Installation of AZLM axle counters & track circuit interrupters
Installation of AWS and Signal Post Telephones
Installation of new disconnection boxes for signals, tracks, AWS, Points and TPWS
Signalling panel works at Woking Signal Box
Installation of level crossing pedestals, barriers & RTL’s
Installation of HW points machines & signalling signage
Termination of Signalling Plug and Plug cables
client
Atkins Rail
Project value
£275,000
duration
May 2013 — September 2013