Lincoln Re-control / Resignalling
15 Aug 2008
£55 million project
The main phase of Network Rail’s major project at Lincoln is about to begin, the climax to what Network Rail say will be the largest investment in the area for decades. Since the final project cost is expected to be some £55 million, the claim probably stands up.
The project involves major improvements to the track and signalling through central Lincoln. It was begun last August when, in the first phase of the scheme, four new cross-overs were installed, some plain line was renewed, one cross-over was removed and enabling works were done for the planned re-signalling.
Phase 2 of the project was due to commence on Saturday 19th July and finish when the renewed infrastructure is due to re-open on Monday 1st September 2008. The timing of this phase has been chosen to coincide with the school summer holidays. It will inevitably mean major disruption to rail services as the whole of the route through central Lincoln will be closed for the duration. Bus replacement services will affect four rail routes, and involve the temporary closure to trains of seven stations in the area, in addition to Lincoln Central itself.
Road closures too
Several level crossings carry roads across the railway in the affected area, meaning that road closures are also going to be involved. In particular, High Street level crossing in Lincoln will be shut to road traffic from 7th to 16th August 2008, as this crossing is to be renewed and converted to CCTV operation.
This level of complexity and potential disruption has meant that Network Rail, the train operators (particularly East Midlands Trains) and Lincolnshire County Council have been working in close co-operation to put in place plans to minimise the inconvenience incurred by all those who might be affected. Network Rail Route Director, Dyan Crowther emphasises the importance of listening to the local people in planning the works, and the project team have made every effort to take account of local concerns.
Planned direct rail service to London
David Holme, Commercial Director, East Midlands Trains, fully supports the project, and he and his team have been busy preparing the necessary alternative road transport plan. Arrangements even include a special website, http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk, to assist people concerned about the project’s effects upon their travel arrangements.
In addition, there are to be promotional 2 for 1 ticket offers during the blockade and for six weeks after it finishes. East Midlands Trains are excited about the improved facilities that will be available to them and their passengers once the work is complete, and they plan to introduce a direct rail service between Lincoln and London St. Pancras at the end of this year.
Four signal boxes to be demolished
The most obvious technical change to be introduced by the project is likely to be the replacement of the old semaphore signals with modern LED colour lights. These will be controlled by four SSIs operated from two WESTCAD workstations in a new Signalling Control Centre (SCC) at West Holmes.
The new signalling system means that four existing signal boxes, Pelham Street, High Street, East Holmes and West Holmes, become redundant. Two are to be demolished, but as High Street and East Holmes are listed, these will be spared.
Network Rail, as client for the project, will also be acting as Planning Co-ordinator. They have had to collaborate closely with the local Highway Authority, because of the level crossing works in particular, meaning the involvement of Lincolnshire County Council’s Principal Highways Officer, Paul Brooks.
Principal Contractor Westinghouse will be responsible for the installation of CCTV control at High Street level crossing, as well as the new SCC and the resignalling works. Control of High Street level crossing, along with that of the other crossings in the area which are already CCTV operated, will transfer to the new SCC at West Holmes.
Increased line-speeds
Contractor Jarvis will be responsible for the track works, platform modifications and the installation of new electric point heating equipment. Their works will include the replacement of a total of 22 units of S&C and the renewal of the deck of High Street level crossing. Train detection will be by axle-counters from Blankney Signal Box to West Holmes, and from Langworth to West Holmes.
Line-speeds through central Lincoln will be increased as a result of the project. In addition, the new Down lines will be signalled bi-directionally, reducing the number of shunting moves needed. The lines through Lincoln are to be re-named and the station platforms at Lincoln Central are to be altered and re-numbered, giving five in total. All of this should increase the capacity and flexibility of this complex and important section of the route.
Simulator driver training
Modern technology is assisting once more here, as using simulation techniques it has already been possible to produce a driver training DVD of the modified railway and issue this to the train operators affected. Consequently, they will be able to train their drivers and crews well before the re-opening of the completed scheme.
All in all this project should bring major benefits to rail users in and around Lincoln, more than compensating for the temporary inconvenience of the blockade this summer.