ERTMS Comes To Cambrian Line
17 Apr 2008
ERTMS Comes To Cambrian Line
April sees the start of a new project to install one of the railway’s newest signalling technologies, the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), on the Cambrian line. Locations where the first phase of work will be carried out are, Llanidloes Road, Caersws level crossing, Weig Lane, Merrllyn Level Crossing, Welshpool, Newtown, Tallerddig, Machynlleth and Dovey Junction. Jointly funded by the Welsh Assembly and Network Rail, the project will boost the number of passenger trains from 38 to 57 per day. Works include:
- The creation of new and enhanced passing loops at Dovey Junction, Talerddig and between Welshpool Station and Fron level crossing.
- A revised design and operation of Weig Lane level crossing to allow the removal of a speed restriction at the crossing.
- The lifting of the track and platforms at Dovey Junction to reduce impact of flooding in the area.
Says Mike Gallop, route enhancement manager, Network Rail, ‘This first phase of work marks an exciting development of the vision to improve the Cambrian Line. It’s a much- anticipated investment, which Network Rail is pleased to support. Rail services will become more efficient and reliable, supporting the growing number of commuters and tourists travelling through this area.’ ERTMS is an in-cab signalling and train control system that could make lineside signalling a thing of the past. The system is tried and tested and has already been implemented on a number of high speed lines in mainland Europe.