R A I LT R AC K - The Railways Archive

10.3
10.3 Sustaining the network
Signalling
On the South Wales Main Line, our strategy is to sustain
existing equipment until we replace it with the modern
radio-based Train Control System beyond 2007.
On the Cardiff Valleys Route, where mechanical signal
boxes are not planned to be replaced, we will undertake
specific life-extension works such as rewiring.
The Cambrian Main and Coast lines curr e n t ly opera t e
m o d e rn , radio-electronic toke n - block signalling from
M a c hy n l l e t h .Renewal wo rk on Machynlleth signal box and
the radio signalling system are both included in our curr e n t
p l a n .On the Cambrian Coast Line we plan to complete wo rk
to improve reliability of the radio signalling system in 2000.
Over the next ten years we plan to spend over £190M
on renewing the signalling of the rail network within Wales,
replacing life expired signalling with state-of-the-art modern
equipment.At Penmaenmawr and Abergele, on the
Chester–Bangor section, we have improved performance by
fitting axle-counters to replace track circuits prone to
interference from sea spray.
On freight-only lines,our strategy is to simplify
operations to improve reliability and efficiency.
Track
Routes in Wales will benefit from strategies that we have
developed for the whole network.These include:
• achieving the optimum balance between maintenance
and renewals.
• ensuring that track meets targets for performance,
quality and reliability.
• working with contractors to find more efficient ways of
carrying out maintenance and renewals.
• using new materials such as steel sleepers to improve
efficiency and reduce whole-life costs; we have relaid 24
miles of track in the Cardiff Valleys with steel sleeper s
and will complete a further four miles in 1999.
• simplifying layouts on freight routes to improve reliability.
Over the next ten years, we plan to spend £50M on track
renewals within Wales,providing a solid foundation on which
to build further improvements.
We are currently undertaking a programme of renewals
in the Severn Tunnel to support improvements to the quality
of track through the tunnel.
Structures
We have carried out sea-defence work at Llanfairfechan
(near Bangor) and plan to undertake similar work at Tal-y-
Cafn on the River Conwy and at both Friog Cliffs and Afon
Wen on the Cambrian coast.We also plan the
reconstruction of Glan Conwy Bridge on the Blaenau
branch.
Our strategy to reinstate linespeeds on the Cambrian
Line is through the renewal of the timber structures on the
route.This will be complete upon finalisation of the
necessary works to Barmouth Viaduct.This Grade II Listed
Structure was originally constructed in the 1860s and rebuilt
at the turn of the century to carry heavier trains.The viaduct
is 2,219 feet in length,has 113 spans and is the longest
operational railway timber structure in Europe. We plan to
spend £10M to maintain structural integrity of the viaduct,
increase linespeeds for Sprinter traffic and introduce the
capability for locomotive hauled services.
In recent years, we have completed a significant
programme of structure renewals on the Central Wales and
Newport–Crewe Routes.Over the next two years,on the
Cardiff Valleys Route, we will focus on structures sensitive to
flooding.
We are evaluating options for major refurbishment of St
J u l i a n ’s Viaduct over the River Usk near Newport in 2001/02.
We will carry out a programme to improve the stability
of embankments on all routes over the next ten years.
We are working
closely with the
Welsh Development
Agency, North Wales
Economic Forum
and other industry
partners
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