Chippenham, UK, 2015-Jan-19
Siemens Rail Automation successfully completed Phase Two of the Great Northern Great Eastern (GNGE) programme
Bringing a significant upgrade to this double-tracked line, the GNGE programme is an integral part of the East Coast Main Line (ECML) Capacity Relief Project. The programme enables freight trains to achieve the equivalent average journey times using GNGE rather than the ECML, such that it will become the primary day time route for freight traffic. By diverting traffic from the ECML to GNGE, a significant number of paths can be released for additional passenger services.
Rob Cairns, Siemens’ Delivery Director for the Central East region, commented: “With 37 new level crossings, the demolition of 25 signal boxes and the renewal of seven interlockings, this has been a technically complex and logistically challenging programme. However, thanks to the extremely close working partnership between the GNGE Alliance members, I’m delighted to see the project come to such a successful conclusion.
“The installation of our modular signalling technology has been a real success story throughout the work, delivering some major operational benefits. In particular, the use of our off-site, ‘hangar’ facility in Chippenham enabled testing to be completed in factory-controlled conditions, greatly reducing the time required for on-site testing.”
With five discrete phases in total, four of which were based on Siemens’ modular signalling solution, the programme will improve safety, capacity, performance and reliability, as well as reducing the need for heavy maintenance over a 15 year period.
Siemens Rail Automation is a global leader in the design, supply, installation and commissioning of track-side and train-borne signalling and train control solutions. Its portfolio includes train control, interlocking systems, operations control systems, components, track vacancy detection, level-crossing protection, rail communications, and cargo automation for both passenger and freight rail operators.
Siemens Rail Automation employs over 9,500 people across a network of offices worldwide. In the UK, 1,650 employees operate from offices in Chippenham, London, Croydon, Poole, Birmingham, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Manchester, York, Glasgow and Newport, delivering both mainline and mass transit programmes. For more information, visit www.siemens.com/rail-automation.
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About Siemens
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of combined cycle turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal year 2014, which ended on September 30, 2014, Siemens generated revenue from continuing operations of €71.9 billion and net income of €5.5 billion. At the end of September 2014, the company had around 357,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.
