It has been confirmed by the UK Government that they will be funding a major upgrade of the signalling system on the Tyne and Wear Metro. The DfT made the announcement on Tuesday 8th July.
The current signalling system on the network – a traditional arrangement involving mechanical relays and track circuits – was installed in the 1970s with an expected design life of 30-40 years.
The new system will allow journey times to be enhanced, improved reliability and safety, and enable future expansion of the network.
Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, commented: “We’re delighted the Government has today made a commitment to fund the upgrade of the signalling system on the Tyne and Wear Metro. We can now look forward to taking this essential modernisation project forward as we deliver on the Mayor’s vision for a world-class integrated transport network.
“Signalling is the safety-critical system which underpins the operation of our Metro system. Without signals we can’t run the trains. We’ve had the same signalling technology since the late 1970s and it needs to be replaced. We are working with analogue technology in a digital era.
“This investment is going to be critical for Metro’s future, and critical for the whole region. A new signalling system is what we need to ensure the long-term future and sustainability of Metro, and pave the way for future route expansion, which is vital for growth, jobs and connectivity.”