Network Rail undertook a £320 million improvement scheme between Farncombe and Petersfield to improve the Portsmouth Direct Line. They upgraded the line to increase reliability.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Network Rail completes major signalling upgrade project
Photo: Network Rail

The scheme has transferred signaling control to the Basingstoke Rail Operating Centre. It has improved coordination in operation. Due to integration, benefits to the Wessex route are derived based on increased speed for fault response. There are improved digital control capacities.

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Network Rail invests in safety and innovation

Engineers delivered and tested 90 new signals, turned 17 signal buildings on, and improved nine level crossings in a nine-day closure between Guildford and Havant. Trains re-entered service after satisfactory testing had proved that everything was ready.

Talking to Railway Age, Tom Desmond, Operations Director for South Western Railway, said that “This investment puts our line firmly into the modern era. It will improve journey reliability, extend life, and reduce maintenance requirements for years to come.”

Network Rail has also introduced new obstacle detection systems and CCTV technology to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians. In addition to this, two foot crossing areas are to benefit from improved safety features.

Digital control enhances resilience over a long period

The Basingstoke ROC was launched in 2015 and currently controls a larger proportion of the Wessex route. It plays a crucial role in supporting the UK’s digital railway. The system allows real-time surveillance and instant response to incidents.

It’s one of the major investments made in the Portsmouth Direct Line. Network Rail’s upgrading of crucial signalling and crossing points really does mean that there are now smooth-running journeys between Waterloo Station in London and Portsmouth Harbour Station. The development puts the rail networks in southern England ‘on track’ for a ‘digital revolution’.

Network Rail was shown to possess a high delivery capability due to its scope and efficiency. It serves as a model organization in which safety, innovation, and sustainability are fully integrated into major infrastructure schemes.

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