Eurotunnel Starts Phased Overhaul Of Channel Tunnel Signalling System
Eurotunnel has started the first phase of a long-term project to update the signaling systems in the Channel Tunnel. The program’s goals are to make rail travel safer, more efficient, and more compatible with newer train generations that travel between Britain and France.
The upgrade is part of a larger plan to bring tunnel operations in line with European rail standards while still providing passenger and freight services around the clock. Officials said that the phased approach is meant to cause as little disruption as possible while getting ready for more traffic in the future.
Source: RailTech.com
Partnership With Compagnie Des Signaux Drives Technical Delivery
The project is being done with Compagnie des Signaux CSEE, which is part of the MERMEC Group and has been in the signaling business for decades. The partnership is based on a long history of working together to support complicated cross-border rail operations in tough conditions.
Eurotunnel said they chose the contractor because they could integrate advanced systems and keep them working reliably during live operations. The goal of the partnership is to find a balance between new ideas and keeping things running smoothly during the upgrade process.
ERTMS Introduction Aligns Tunnel With European Rail Standards
To help trains move more safely and efficiently, Eurotunnel will use the European Rail Traffic Management System. The goal of ERTMS is to make signaling the same across Europe and make it easier for national rail networks to work together.
The Channel Tunnel will be better able to handle future upgrades to rolling stock and cross-border services if it adopts ERTMS. The system also makes it easier for trains and trackside infrastructure to talk to each other.
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Initial Phase Upgrades On Board Locomotive Signalling Equipment
The first phase is all about putting new signaling equipment on 57 Brush locomotives that are used for LeShuttle services. These trains run freight and passenger shuttles between Folkestone and Coquelles all year long.
The upgrade includes putting in the European Train Control System, which lets trains and control systems talk to each other all the time. This makes it easier to keep an eye on things in real time and makes the tunnel safer overall.
Dual Standard Signalling Limits Disruption During Transition Period
Compagnie des Signaux will provide a dual ERTMS and TVM solution to help with operations during the transition. This lets locomotives run smoothly while the old TVM system is slowly replaced.
The goal of the dual standard approach is to cut down on the time that locomotives are out of service and keep service from being interrupted. According to Eurotunnel, this plan makes sure that things stay reliable while the work to modernize them happens in stages.
Later Phases Will Modernise Trackside Ground Infrastructure
In the next stages of the program, the focus will be on improving the ground infrastructure inside the tunnel. These upgrades will make it possible to fully communicate with the new signaling systems on board.
The tunnel will only use modern European signaling standards once it is finished. Officials said this will make things more resilient in the long run and give them more options when it comes to operations.
Signalling Upgrade Supports Long Term Channel Tunnel Strategy
Eurotunnel said that the project fits in with its long-term plan to improve safety, reliability, and capacity. The Channel Tunnel is still an important way for millions of people and tons of freight to get around every year.
Eurotunnel wants to make sure the corridor is ready for the future by using advanced signaling technologies. The upgrade makes the tunnel even more important as a major link between the UK and continental Europe.
