Stoke SSI Modifications Case Study

Stoke SSI Modifications

The Project

The Route Section 12 Stoke project was a key component of the West Coast Route Modernisation programme being implemented by Network Rail.  It included changes to the signalling in the Stoke-on-Trent area to accommodate the line speed enhancements and capacity improvements required for the A09 project.

The signalling system in the Stoke area uses SSI, the standard interlocking technology used on the UK main line rail network for over 20 years.  DeltaRail has extensive experience of SSI and developed the SSI Design Workstation software toolset, used to design the configuration of project-specific interlockings from the relevant geographical data.  This software is used by both of the SSI hardware suppliers, Alstom and Westinghouse and railway administrations and signalling design consultancies all over the world.

DeltaRail handled the data modification to the Westinghouse SSI interlockings at Stoke-on-Trent Signalling Centre.  The project included: design and data preparation; checking and principles testing; installation and commissioning; production and management of the associated documentation and records.

The Benefits

The work involved remodelling and realignment of tracks for faster, longer and more frequent trains.  The platforms at Stoke were extended to accommodate the extra length and improvements made to the signalling and power equipment.

Commissioning of the changes took place on the 30/31 August 2008 in parallel with the introduction of the crossover modifications at Longport Junction.  The successful completion of the project within very tight timescales relied on the effective working relationships created between Network Rail, DeltaRail and Jarvis.