LRQA USA - Measure the difference

Signal engineering

Since the first days of commercial railway operation there has been a need to safeguard the movement of trains and to allow them to operate in accordance with the required service density and speed required. Railway signalling and control systems provide that capability and must continue to provide the required safety levels under failure conditions. Such systems need careful design, implementation and stewardship.

How we can help

We have key expertise in many international signalling systems especially in areas such as the key interfaces between infrastructure and vehicles, the introduction of new technology such as ERTMS and the approach to ongoing stewardship of signalling systems through their service life.

Our qualified engineers provide support through:

• Development and implementation of signalling and operating principles

• Business planning support and review

• Feasibility studies and the development of the recommended option

• Signalling scheme development and specification preparation

• Advice on ERTMS development, implementation and maintenance

• Consultancy on SSI applications

• Novel systems and equipment application engineering

• Project engineering support to resignalling schemes

• Development of asset management systems and strategies

• Development and application of decision support tools such as Signalling Infrastructure Condition Assessment (SICA)

• Development and implementation of maintenance strategies and audits

• Independent audit and review.

What are the benefits?

• An objective view of how to manage and improve your signalling systems throughout the whole asset lifecycle

• Efficient and effective system application with improved asset maintenance, reducing whole life costs while maintaining a robust and appropriate risk management approach.

Recent projects

• We have been involved in the development of the Signalling Infrastructure Condition Assessment process (SICA) from its inception in 1995. SICA is used by Network Rail to underpin the medium and long term signalling business plan for the UK national rail network. Our knowledge of SICA is unparalleled as we are its original developers. We are able to comment authoritatively on signalling infrastructure condition and the application of condition assessment processes.

• We conducted independent reviews of technology options for London Underground Ltd as part of their implementation of new signalling systems to help them achieve the optimum operational service with the least technical and project risk. In addition, we provided support in developing and refining their long term signalling and control strategy.

• Network Rail is responsible for the signalling infrastructure on the main lines in the UK. We have assisted the regulatory body charged with overseeing their financial and technical performance by carrying out an independent review of Network Rail's policies and their plans to maintain and improve the UK rail network.