Invensys Rail Group scoops New Zealand ERTMS signalling contract

Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia (WRSA), part of Invensys Rail Group, and New Zealand’s rail infrastructure manager ONTRACK will implement New Zealand’s first installation of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) in a contract worth AUD $75 million (USD $49 million, EUR €38.17 million) as part of the Auckland Metropolitan Network Train Control and Resignalling Project.

The 30-month contract will see WRSA install ERTMS Level 1 train control systems as well as providing comprehensive training for ONTRACK staff to maintain trackside and on-train systems. WRSA will work with local contractors to undertake civil construction and electrical installations, with ongoing support provided from its offices in Auckland and Australia.

WRSA Managing Director, Phil Ellingworth says: "The Auckland rail network is about to embark on one of the biggest signalling changes in its history, and ONTRACK, Auckland Regional Transport Authority and operators require a system that will serve them well into the future. Our delivery methodology has been developed to ensure the least possible disruption to the operating network, ensuring that trains are kept running right up to the time the change-over occurs.

Mr Ellingworth went on to say "Our team is highly experienced at working in multi-disciplinary projects, including those involving electrification and major civil works. Part of our commitment is also to cooperate with the other stakeholders and contractors to ensure the overall project is well planned and coordinated."

WRSA will install its highly-capable and service-proven WESTRACE Mark 2 interlockings. The modular approach and robust construction of WESTRACE minimises the use of costly relays, and reduces the amount of lineside infrastructure such as cabling.

In addition, the Invensys Rail Group’s SystematICS train management system – specifically designed for business-critical rail applications where total availability, scalability and flexibility are essential – will be delivered, enhancing the reliability of train services.

ONTRACK’s Project Director, Murray Hood, said "WRSA will implement a system based on the latest, most reliable signalling technology. Their proposal incorporated all the features ONTRACK required: A fully compliant European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 Automatic Train Protection (ATP) which will provide added safety for all rail users and workers; bi-directional running providing additional train operating flexibility; improved headways across the network providing additional train capacity to support passenger and freight growth; and a new sophisticated train control system with Automatic Route Setting (ARS) which also enables the network to be controlled from two independent control centres."

Mr Hood went on to say that "WRSA have minimised the project risk by reducing the on-site installation time and minimising disruption to current train operations by installing and testing the new system in parallel to the old signalling allowing it to remain operating safely until its decommissioning."

"The WRSA solution will provide great value for money to ONTRACK and the people of Auckland."