'Once-in-a-generation overhaul of Crewe signalling system complete as three signal boxes close

Three signal boxes have been closed as part of a huge overhaul of the signalling system at Crewe.

Full control of the new equipment was transferred to the Rail Operating Centre in Manchester on Friday January 3, marking the end of two years of work. This included ten days of work over the Christmas period.

During that time, 65 LED signals have been installed on six new structures, powered by 24km (14.9 miles) of cable and 30km (18.6 miles) of fibreoptic cabling connecting everything. On top of that, seven new buildings house control systems, 74 sets of points have been upgraded – including heating to stop them freezing, and 5km (3.1 miles) of drainage has been renewed.

In total, Network Rail has spent £190 million improving the track as well as installing lineside equipment and digital signalling at Basford Hall freight depot.

As a result of the upgrade, Salop Goods, Basford Hall Junction and Crewe Sorting sidings North signal boxes, which date from 1901, 1870 and 1962 respectively, have were decommissioned on Christmas Eve.

Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s North West and Central region Capital Delivery Director, said: “This major investment, using the latest technology, benefits both passengers and freight, getting people and goods to where they need to be more smoothly and reliably.

“We know that over Christmas this has caused disruption for passengers and we’d like to thank you for bearing with us while we made these crucial Crewe upgrades which will improve future journeys for years to come.”

Rail replacement bus services were put in place while work was carried out. Network Rail said that 400 coaches alone carried passengers on December 27.

Louise Ward, Freightliner safety and sustainability director, said: “Basford Hall is one of our big hub locations – it’s the point where we join freight trains which are going on to London and where we split trains which are going up to the North of the country.

“The resignalling is all about making the railway as efficient and resilient as it can possibly be.  This major investment will make sure that freight and people get to where they need to be, when they need to be there.”

Network Rail handed back routes in stages, with the West Coast Main Line south of Stafford reopening on December 27, Crewe station and lines to Chester, Wilmslow and Kidsgrove on December 28, the West Coast Main Line south of Crewe and the line to Shrewsbury opening on January 1, before all remaining routes reopened on January 3.