The signalling contract was awarded to SSL in April 07. SSL carried out GRIP5–8 design with designers from the Birmingham office through to implementation. SSL used their experienced installers to carry out all the signalling installation works with a small civils team running all the signalling cables. The new signalling system was commissioned during a 5–day blockade and was successfully signed into use on the morning of the 29th December 2008.
The scope of work for signalling as part of the Milton Keynes Project consisted of designing, implementing, testing and commissioning a new signalling system consisting of 3 SSI interlockings, 169 axle counters for train detection and transfer of control of Bletchley signal box to Rugby SCC.
The project was divided into thirteen intermediary stages leading to the main commissioning.
The key drivers for the project were the replacement of the life expired signalling equipment within Bletchley PSB control area and the provision of the following improved functionality:
– Additional capacity at Milton Keynes Station
– High speed approach for stopping services into Milton Keynes with passing facilities for nonstopping services.
– Creation of a terminal platform for the Bedford to Milton Keynes services.
– Line–speed improvements.
– Improved 90 second technical headway on the fast lines.
Environment and the community was also at the forefront of the project. SSL organised the competition to enlighten the changing environment which the children of today will have to manage in their lifetimes. Local companies provided prizes for the best entries with a first prize of an all expenses paid trip to DisneyLand Paris being provided by SSL.
Milton Keynes Station played host to the award ceremony for the Children's Environmental Painting Competition.
SSL Management team also spent a day with the local parks trust assisting with the refurbishment of a Labyrinth which is a popular landmark at Willen Lake which had become overgrown.
PROJECT STATISTICS
Client : Network Rail
Date of Award : April 2007
Date of Completion : December 2009
Milton Keynes Data Sheet11.pdf