As part of its Core Valley Lines Transformation programme, Transport for Wales has awarded a three-year contract to Siemens Mobility to cover the renewal and replacement of lineside signalling infrastructure, as well as the creation of a new integrated control centre which will ensure the safe running of trains, improve the reliability of the infrastructure and increase the operational flexibility of the railway.
When the programme is completed in 2023, connectivity will be improved for the 1.5 million people who live and work in the Cardiff Capital Region. The new, intelligent infrastructure will enhance the passenger experience, by offering improved journey times and increased train frequency (from two trains per hour to four) on each of the Core Valley Line routes.
Commenting on the award, Rob Morris, managing director rail infrastructure for Siemens Mobility Limited, said: “This important programme will deliver a wide range of benefits, helping to improve both the passenger experience and operational performance and we are now looking forward to working closely and collaboratively with our supply chain partners in Wales to safely deliver the work.”
He continued: “We are extremely proud that all our equipment for this contract will be manufactured at our Chippenham factory in the UK, which forms a key part of our British research, development, design, engineering, production, delivery and support capability.”
As well as the installation of the new integrated control centre, Siemens Mobility will be manufacturing, installing, testing and commissioning 50 new signals, over 300 axle counter sections and 98 signalling location cases.
Work is now underway on-site in the Cardiff Valleys, coordinated from the project depot at Treforest, and Siemens Mobility will be working in close partnership with Transport for Wales, KeolisAmey Wales, Balfour Beatty and Alun Griffiths (Contractors) to deliver the scheme, which forms part of the wider South Wales Metro programme.
