We’re investing £194 million to renew the signalling system for the Cambridge area and improve efficiency and reliability for passengers and freight users
Signalling systems are essential to the safe and efficient operation of the railway. With the demands to run more trains, there is a need to modernise the existing signalling systems which are coming to the end of their operational life and replace them with a modern system that can unlock the ability to operate the railway more efficiently.
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Key benefits
The Cambridge re-signalling, re-lock and re-control project (C3R) aims to deliver state-of-the-art signalling technology for the railway which means better reliability and reduced maintenance, while providing a platform ready for digital technologies such as the European Train Control System (ETCS).
Our plans
- An upgrade of the signalling control equipment at Cambridge power signal box
- The upgrade of the signalling safety interlocking equipment with a modern signalling technology
- Upgrade of seven level crossings from half barrier to full barriers to improve safety for all crossing users
- Renewal of the telecommunications and power supplies to support the new systems
- Decommissioning of three mechanical signal boxes and relocating control of signalling to the Cambridge power signal box
Upon completion the project will have replaced almost 700 signalling assets across the area.
Transport and Works Act order (TWAO) application documents
Following the public consultation in 2021, an application for a Transport and Works Act order (TWAO) to authorise Network Rail to compulsorily acquire land, rights in land and take temporary possession of same to facilitate the works required for the re-signalling of the Cambridge station interlocking area and the upgrade of relevant level crossings, was submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport on 5 August 2022.
A public enquiry was held in the spring 2023. We’re expecting a determination to be made by the end of 2023.
The suite of TWAO application documents can also be viewed below:
Contact us
If you have any questions about the proposals please visit our Contact us page or call our national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.
Please follow us on Twitter @networkrailANG using the hashtag #CambridgeC3R.