Kent and Sussex CP6 Minor Signalling Framework

The challenge

Due to the age of the existing signalling infrastructure within the region, a significant increase in component failures had become an issue for both Network Rail and passengers. Delays and a substantial maintenance burden were taking an unacceptable toll on the client and the community.

As part of Network Rail’s digital railway strategy—a commitment to introduce digital signalling and train controls where they represent good value—a decision was made to embark upon a major programme of repairs and replacements to address these issues.

The solution

Whilst having a broad remit covering a variety of scenarios, the overarching theme of this framework is the renewal, replacement, and upgrade of a substantial quantity of life-expired and analogue signalling components, the aim being to improve signalling asset condition and modernise the network, thus improving reliability for passengers.

One of just 7 principal contractors to be awarded one of the 17 route-based lots, Amaro was granted a 5-year contract to complete all necessary works within the Kent and Sussex routes, working closely and collaboratively with Network Rail and building upon the already successful relationships between ourselves and the client. Although originally intended to run from 2019 to 2024, thanks in part to the quality of our work, Amaro’s involvement was extended by a further year with an additional 2 years potentially still on the table.

Currently comprising 54 distinct but extremely varied schemes, projects under this framework range from RCM (remote condition monitoring) equipment installs and track circuit conversions, to the supply and installation of brand-new REBs (relocatable equipment buildings), points conversions, IBJ and IRJ recoveries, signal head renewals and more.

Whilst many of these projects have benefitted from the assistance of a handful of specialist contractors (e.g. p-way, design, labour supply etc.) over its 5+ year lifespan, more than 40% of our in-house team have supported the delivery of this high-profile framework.

The following 10 projects provide a representative cross-section of the work delivered during the course of this framework:

Selhurst REB

Following the discovery of a substantial amount of severely degraded CAT 4 wiring within Selhurst Depot’s SD5 relocatable equipment building, Amaro was tasked with the correlation, design, installation, and commissioning of a new REB to handle all depot and mainline interlocking controls for the area.

Stewarts Lane Points Conversions

In May 2023, Amaro was awarded a 6-figure contract to carry out a programme of points machines conversions relating to 28 sets of RCPL, POE, and HW1000 POE points in and around the Stewarts Lane (Battersea) area in order to:

• Improve reliability and rail user experience
• Reduce the future maintenance requirements of the S&C
• Provide future enablement and compatibility for the VIC5 scheme

Sussex EBI (Phase 3) Track Circuit Receiver Upgrades

As part of a drive to improve resilience and reliability across the South East route, Amaro was contracted to upgrade 41 (later 119) EBI 200 track circuits to cutting-edge equivalents. Working directly for Network Rail, we replaced the end-of-life units with state-of-the-art Mod state 5 units. Once complete, our operatives carried out all works necessary to ensure that the track circuits were optimally set up, ensuring that the track length was accurately measured with the set-up procedure followed as per a new installation in line with SMS Appendix 8.

Track Conversions

As part of Network Rail’s strategy to improve reliability and user experience in the Kent and Sussex area, Amaro was contracted to work in accordance with A210 testing and a functionally equivalent (FE) design to upgrade ten analogue Ti21 track circuits to state-of-the-art digital EBI200 systems. Where one was not yet in place, we were also tasked with installing brand-new RCM units (Remote Condition Monitoring) within the receiver location to guarantee the delivery of vital status information to the client’s Intelligent Infrastructure monitoring system.

Sydenham and South London Lines Resilience

Working across two areas along the Sydenham Corridor (between Bricklayers Arms and Norwood Junction) and the South London Lines (between Factory Junction and Cambria Junction), Amaro supported Network Rail’s delivery of a ‘resilience style’ track circuit upgrade, providing an interim solution to signalling reliability and performance issues prior to a much larger upgrade programme scheduled for the middle of CP7.

IRJ Recoveries

Working on the Brighton to Lewes and Victoria to Brighton Lines, Amaro was charged with providing preparation and installation support for all works associated with Network Rail’s Phase 3 EBI track circuit upgrades.

Wandsworth Road

Advancements in technology, reliability, and energy efficiency required the upgrade of three filament-type signalling heads in and around the Wandsworth area.

Redhill

Following concerns raised by station staff, Amaro was instructed to replace end-of-life platform indicators on platform 3 of Redhill station.

The outcome

Whilst works are still due to continue until at least June 2025, our involvement in this framework has not only helped to boost reliability and reduce maintenance liabilities, it has also helped to pave the way for the adoption of the European Train Control Systems (ETCS).