Settle and Carlisle

We are improving the railway between Settle and Carlisle

We’re in the process of building a nationwide Railway Communications System (RCS), which involves the installation of around 2,200 railway-only communications masts. Four of these will be in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

This new system will allow continuous direct communication between train drivers and signallers for the first time. This means a safer, more reliable and punctual rail service throughout Britain, including on the Settle-Carlisle line. The RCS replaces the existing system which is outdated, does not provide full coverage and is expensive to maintain.

We’ve been working with stakeholders, including the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the Wensleydale Railway and The Friends of the Settle and Carlisle Line, to find the best locations for the masts.

Three will be on the site of existing masts, with only one new site needed. At a later date we will submit a further planning application so that we can provide coverage in the tunnels on the line.

Garsdale station – 15m lattice mast This is a new mast located discretely to the north of Garsdale station in the existing railway sidings. Prior to selecting this location we consulted with representatives from the Wensleydale Railway Ltd.	Ribblehead station – 18m lattice mast (reduced to 15m after 2012) This will replace the existing 18m lattice mast at this location. When the current system ceases to be operational the height of the mast will be reduced to 15m.
Dent station – 29m lattice mast (reduced to 15m after 2012) This will replace the existing lattice mast at this location. When the current system ceases to be operational the height of the mast will be reduced to 15m.	Horton-in-Ribblesdale station – 18m lattice mast (reduced to 15m after 2012) This will replace the existing 18m lattice mast at this location. When the current system ceases to be operational the height of the mast will be reduced to 15m.

Garsdale station – 15m lattice mast

This is a new mast located discretely to the north of Garsdale station in the existing railway sidings. Prior to selecting this location we consulted with representatives from the Wensleydale Railway Ltd.

Ribblehead station – 18m lattice mast (reduced to 15m after 2012)

This will replace the existing 18m lattice mast at this location. When the current system ceases to be operational the height of the mast will be reduced to 15m.

Dent station – 29m lattice mast (reduced to 15m after 2012)

This will replace the existing lattice mast at this location. When the current system ceases to be operational the height of the mast will be reduced to 15m.

Horton-in-Ribblesdale station – 18m lattice mast (reduced to 15m after 2012)

This will replace the existing 18m lattice mast at this location. When the current system ceases to be operational the height of the mast will be reduced to 15m.

We understand the siting of any communications mast is sensitive. Before selecting a site we consider:

Does it help us achieve full coverage, allowing continuous communication between train driver and signaller?
The visual impact of the mast
Proximity to sensitive land uses and residential properties
Available Network Rail land
Access to a power supply
Accessibility: will the site be safely accessible during construction and later maintenance work?
Can we minimise vegetation removal ?

Want to know more?

We will be holding a “drop-in” session on Thursday 2 December 2010 between 3pm and 7pm at

The Station Inn,
Ribblehead,
near Ingleton,
LA6 3AS.

Come and find out more about our plans. Members of the project team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about our plans.

If you are unable to make it you can call our national helpline on 08457 11 41 41