SNC-Lavalin to develop UK rail signalling test facility
by CM Staff
The ten-year agreement with UK railway owner and operator Network Rail is part of a plan to modernize the nation’s railway using next generation technology.
Canadian engineering, procurement, and construction services provider SNC-Lavalin has been appointed to deliver a new signalling equipment test facility in the UK, as part of a plan to modernize the nation’s railway using next generation technology.
“SNC-Lavalin is proud to be working with asset owners to maintain and modernize a critical national infrastructure that is essential for economic growth and day-to-day life,” said Ian L. Edwards, president and CEO of Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin. “This contract is in line with our forward strategy to continue growing our Engineering Services business, as our expertise in transportation allows us to meet the growing needs of our clients. We look forward to playing our part as the UK transforms its railways that have a rich and unique history.”
Under the ten-year agreement with UK railway owner and operator Network Rail, SNC-Lavalin – in partnership with Multitel, the global leader in European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment – will design, deliver and operate the National ETCS Test Verification Validation and Integration Laboratory that will help drive the deployment of the ETCS and European Rail Traffic Management System across the rail network.
“This new facility represents a significant milestone in the transformation of the UK’s railway network that puts the passenger first through the introduction of cutting-edge technology that increases punctuality, reliability, capacity and safety,” said Philip Hoare, president, Atkins, Engineering, design & project management, SNC-Lavalin. “We are now working closely alongside Network Rail and the wider supply chain to help realize the significant benefits of next generation, digital signalling technology.”
The National ETCS Test Verification Validation and Integration Laboratory, which is currently being installed at SNC-Lavalin’s Signalling Integration Centre in South East England, will be the UK’s only facility capable of testing ETCS equipment, cyber security, and the independent integration of multiple suppliers’ equipment in order to demonstrate compliance with UK standards and approvals, SNC-Lavalin said.
It will be fully operational by February 2022.
