Signalling Solutions Wins €8 million Contract to Deliver Pilot Traffic Management System to Network Rail

Signalling Solutions Ltd (SSL), the Alstom Transport and Balfour Beatty Rail joint venture company, has been awarded a contract worth €8 million from Network Rail to deliver a prototype for the introduction of a new National Rail Traffic Management System. The delivery is scheduled for 2013.

SSL's offer is based on Iconis, Alstom's advanced automatic control centre technology, for the fourteen new Regional Operating Centres that will be created by Network Rail. Alstom Iconis is the technology used by Italian infrastructure operator RFI at the Bologna Control Center. Since 2007 it has been successfully managing one of the most complex European mainline junctions in Europe, helping RFI to improve traffic management and increase punctuality. Together with the Integrale platform from Atos for national planning management, these technologies form an integrated monitoring and control system for all operational and functional elements of the rail network. Parsons Brinckerhoff will provide programme management, system integration and specialist UK signalling experience.

SSL will develop the system at its headquarters in Radlett, Herfordshire.  On successful delivery of the fully working prototype phase, in 2013, focus will move to the national roll-out of the system. Control of the rail network and concentration of rail operations will gradually migrate to the new Regional Operating Centres, bringing significant efficiencies to the management of traffic across the British rail network. The roll-out is due to be completed over the next 15 years.

Commenting on the contract award, Steve McLaren the Managing Director of SSL said: "We are excited to be involved in a program which will revolutionize the way the British rail network is operated. Working in close collaboration with Network Rail, our supply chain partners and calling on our parent companies' experience of implementing similar solutions around the world we will provide a technology solution with the necessary functionality and flexibility to maximise the efficiency of the network."