201207 – Lowe – Cambrian Line ETCS

The Cambrian Line re-signalling project is the first UK implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 and also introduced cab-signalling onto Network Rail infrastructure.

In contrast to typical ETCS implementations on new lines elsewhere in Europe, this was an operational single line railway running from the Welsh/English border near Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli operating under Radio Electric Token Block (RETB).

As well as ETCS trackside and on-board equipment, the project also introduced to Network Rail
infrastructure a new Computer Based Interlocking (CBI), signalling data transmission over the Fixed
Telecoms Network (FTN), and cab-signalling operational rules and procedures. Unique interlocking
interfaces included ground frames, varying types of level crossings, fringe interface to a mechanical signal box at Sutton Bridge Junction and a flat crossing of the Welsh Highland narrow gauge heritage railway.

This paper provides a description of the scope of the project, the challenges faced during implementation, as well as the interesting interfaces and features not typical to ETCS lines installed elsewhere.