MGB Signalling Ltd Successfully Deliver the Axminster Project
Axminster New Passing Loop
MGB Signalling Ltd has successfully commissioned the signalling, telecommunications and power supply infrastructure for the Network Rail Yeovil to Exeter Frequency Enhancement Project. The project was essential to allow Stagecoach South West Trains to meet their franchise commitment to deliver an hourly interval train service between London Waterloo and Exeter by the 13 December 2009 timetable change.
MGB Signalling Ltd was awarded the project when other contractors stated that they could not meet the proposed tight delivery timescales, and carried out the project design, supply, construction, test and commissioning in less than 300 days.
The new passing loop is approximately 3 miles long and is bi-directionally signalled on both lines.The existing Axminster level crossing located half way along the new loop was upgraded to current standards with colour CCTV supervision and including Video recording of the CCTV picture for incident monitoring.
The whole installation is controlled from the existing signal box at Chard Junction where a replacement control and indication panel and interface REB was provided.The existing relay interlocking at Chard Junction was also interfaced to the new control and indication panel which involved significant alterations to ‘on site’ wiring.
A new ex-BR Western Region E10K style free wired relay interlocking was provided in a REB at Axminster controlled by a new TELECODE duplicated TDM system. Approximately 50 new lineside apparatus case housings were manufactured and installed together with new copper signalling cables and a new concrete/GRC elevated cable route.
New LED signal heads, straight post and cantilever signal structures, TPWS, AWS, In-bearer clamplock points, DC Medium voltage track circuits and AzLM axle counter equipment were also supplied, installed and commissioned.
MGB Signalling Ltd was also responsible for the supply of new telecommunications systems including new signal post and lineside telephones and associated transmission systems, associated copper and fibre optic cabling, and new 650v power supply and cable distribution systems.
Alterations were also undertaken on the electrical circuits and mechanical locking at Honiton fringe signal box and to Train Describer and Cab Secure Radio systems at Yeovil Junction, Chard Junction and Honiton signal boxes.
MGB Signalling Ltd has also provided one of the first SPAD detection systems associated with a relay interlocking on the Network Rail infrastructure and this will provide the operators with early warning of a potential safety hazard should a train pass a signal at danger in an un-authorised manner.
The project was commissioned in 5 stages and MGB Signalling Ltd undertook all design, installation and test and commissioning for the final work and associated interim stageworks.