Contracts have just been awarded by Network Rail as part of a £400 million investment programme to re-new signalling across South Wales over the next decade (see Notes to Editors). This is the first major re-signalling project in the area for many years and is also the forerunner for similar large-scale projects in England and Scotland.
The programme will be managed directly by Network Rail and carried out in stages, commencing later in the month with the £60 million Port Talbot East Re-Signalling Project - a 22-mile stretch of line running from Llantrisant to Baglan. Works are due for completion by October 2007.
Peter Henderson, Network Rail's Project and Engineering Director, said: "This investment programme is part of Network Rail's drive to improve the condition of its assets, increasing the reliability and delivering better services for passengers and the local communities in South Wales.
"This is a particularly exciting time for the railway in South Wales, particularly with the recent completion of the new Vale of Glamorgan line."
Equipment commissioned in the 1960s will be replaced with modern signalling technology, including new signals, signal structures, control systems and track circuits. Level crossings will also be upgraded across South Wales, as well as improvements to the track layout.
The Port-Talbot East project will be followed by schemes at Newport (this will be carried out in two stages), Cardiff and Port Talbot West over the next ten years.
Notes to Editors
1. Network Rail will be holding a press event to mark the start of works in July. Further details will be available nearer hand the time.
2. Network Rail have awarded contracts to the following companies:
a. Signalling & Telecommunications Design & Construction Contract to Atkins Rail
b. Civils Design & Construction Contract to Birse Rail
c. Electrical & Plant Design & Construction Contract to Amey Rail
d. Permanent Way Design & Construction Contract to Amey Rail
3. Network Rail is the 'not for dividend' owner and operator of Britain's railway infrastructure, which includes the tracks, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, level crossings and stations - the largest of which we also manage
4. We are working to rebuild Britain's railway and provide a safe, reliable and efficient rail infrastructure for freight and passenger trains to use
5. Our website: www.networkrail.co.uk
Media contact: 01793 515267
