{"id":344232,"date":"2026-01-07T19:57:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T09:57:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/railuk.com\/?p=187498"},"modified":"2026-01-07T21:42:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T11:42:18","slug":"alstom-wraps-up-49-million-signalling-works-on-farncombe-to-petersfield-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=344232","title":{"rendered":"Alstom wraps up \u00a349 million signalling works on Farncombe to Petersfield line"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/railuk.com\/signalling-and-telecoms\/alstom-wraps-up-49-million-signalling-works-on-farncombe-to-petersfield-line\/\" title=\"Alstom wraps up \u00a349 million signalling works on Farncombe to Petersfield line\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"485\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07091706\/Petersfield-Level-Crossing-Network-Rail-485x360.jpg\" class=\"webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; clear:both;max-width: 100%;\" link_thumbnail=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07091706\/Petersfield-Level-Crossing-Network-Rail-485x360.jpg 485w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07091706\/Petersfield-Level-Crossing-Network-Rail-80x60.jpg 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 485px) 100vw, 485px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Alstom is celebrating after it successfully delivered new innovative signalling, first-of-type level crossings and other assets between Farncombe in Surrey and Petersfield in Hampshire on the Portsmouth Direct line.<\/p>\n<p>The \u00a349 million project has upgraded a section of UK railway built more than 150 years ago with much-needed technology enhancements that offers greater reliability for passengers and freight operators, improves asset performance for Network Rail, and makes the line safer for track workers.<\/p>\n<p>The project forms part of the Major Signalling Framework Agreement (MSFA) for the Southern Region which Alstom secured in 2020. In partnership with Network Rail, Alstom and its supply chain, the project has renewed assets and introduced digital-ready technologies including:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eleven level crossing were upgraded for enhanced safety and reliability<\/li>\n<li>Control of the area\u2019s signalling transferred from three local signal boxes to Network Rail\u2019s Basingstoke Rail Operating Centre (ROC) using Alstom&#8217;s modular remote signalling control;<\/li>\n<li>Alstom\u2019s digital interlockings have increased reliability, performance and capacity;<\/li>\n<li>Track circuits replaced with axle counters; delivering a 50% power saving across the project area and improved safety for trackside maintenance staff<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>During a nine-day closure between Guildford and Havant in November 2025, Alstom engineers tested 90 new LED signals, laid over 30km of new cable and brought 17 new object controllers (SmartIO) and equipment housings brought into use.<\/p>\n<p>Alstom\u2019s SmartIO is a digital system that connects trackside equipment like signals and points directly to a central control system, making railway signalling safer, more efficient, and easier to maintain. The\u00a0 trackside equipment housing does not require air conditioning, heating or domestic power supplies, and is therefore helping reduce both carbon emissions and costs for its users.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07092124\/Basingstoke-ROC-Credit-Network-Rail-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07092124\/Basingstoke-ROC-Credit-Network-Rail-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-187503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07092124\/Basingstoke-ROC-Credit-Network-Rail-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07092124\/Basingstoke-ROC-Credit-Network-Rail-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07092124\/Basingstoke-ROC-Credit-Network-Rail-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07092124\/Basingstoke-ROC-Credit-Network-Rail-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07092124\/Basingstoke-ROC-Credit-Network-Rail-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07092124\/Basingstoke-ROC-Credit-Network-Rail-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07092124\/Basingstoke-ROC-Credit-Network-Rail-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07092124\/Basingstoke-ROC-Credit-Network-Rail-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07092124\/Basingstoke-ROC-Credit-Network-Rail-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Basingstoke ROC.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Meanwhile, work on seven level crossings by Alstom saw new obstacle-detection technology introduced \u2013 with the final one made operational during the first weekend in December \u2013 and two had CCTV technology installed to improve safety for road users and give signallers clearer visibility of the line. Additionally, two foot crossings received miniature warning stop lights (MSL).<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlstom has been proud to partner on one the most significant investments ever made on the Portsmouth Direct line, replacing life-expired equipment with cutting-edge technology that will transform reliability and performance for years to come,\u201d  said Emmanuel Henry, Digital and Integrated Systems Managing Director UK and Ireland at Alstom.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBy introducing digital-ready signalling and advanced level crossing systems, we\u2019ve not only modernised a route that dates back more than 150 years, but we have also created a foundation for the digital railway of the future.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud of the team\u2019s achievement in delivering this complex programme safely and efficiently. The work was completed by Alstom colleagues during a nine-day closure with zero injuries \u2013 everyone went home safe. This success reflects the strength of our partnership with Network Rail and our supply chain, along with our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and passenger experience.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Alstom programme was the final piece of Network Rail\u2019s wider \u00a3129 million Portsmouth Direct Upgrade. This has seen major improvements made to the line between London Waterloo and Portsmouth Harbour, which encompasses one of the UK\u2019s busiest commuter routes.<\/p>\n<p>Network Rail Operations Director Tom Desmond commented: \u201cSince early 2022, we\u2019ve been delivering a major programme of upgrades along the Portsmouth Direct line. This \u00a3129 million investment brings the route firmly into the modern era, with new signalling and safer level crossings that will make journeys more reliable and reduce the need for future closures. We\u2019d like to thank passengers for their patience while this long-term work was completed to improve journeys between Portsmouth and London.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Alstom\u2019s Onvia mainline signalling portfolio is at the forefront of digital railway transformation, driven by continuous R&amp;D and close alignment with evolving industry regulations. With over 300 ETCS (European Train Control System) projects, 25,000 onboard units and 23,000km of lines equipped worldwide, Onvia delivers certified, future-ready solutions tailored to the unique needs of each customer.<\/p>\n<p>Image credit: Network Rail<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/railuk.com\/signalling-and-telecoms\/alstom-wraps-up-49-million-signalling-works-on-farncombe-to-petersfield-line\/\" title=\"Alstom wraps up \u00a349 million signalling works on Farncombe to Petersfield line\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"485\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07091706\/Petersfield-Level-Crossing-Network-Rail-485x360.jpg\" class=\"webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image\" alt=\"\"><\/a>Alstom is celebrating after it successfully delivered new innovative signalling, first-of-type level crossings and other assets between Farncombe in Surrey and Petersfield in Hampshire on the Portsmouth Direct line. The \u00a349 million project has upgraded a section of UK railway built more than 150 years ago with much-needed technology enhancements that offers greater reliability for [\u2026]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8202,16017,343,47,43,16115,85],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-344232","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-company-news","category-industry-news","category-infrastructure","category-rail-news","category-safety","category-signalling-and-telecoms","category-uk"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344232","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=344232"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344232\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":344302,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344232\/revisions\/344302"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=344232"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=344232"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=344232"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}