IJDG 005 - Crewe Hub

Tender description

In parallel to the conventional signalling solution (i.e. line-side signals) that is being developed by the Crewe Hub Programme, the Digital Railway Programme (DRP) has been asked to assess what application of European Train Control System (ETCS) can be deployed to deliver the main objectives of the Programme. The Digital Railway (DR) Crewe Hub project team has identified three primary ETCS options: 1. ETCS deployed with no signals; 2. ETCS deployed with no signals on HS2 main routes (as an overlay elsewhere); 3. ETCS deployed as an overlay on the conventional signalling. It should be noted that for each option the project is currently agnostic as to whether this is ETCS Level 2 or ETCS Hybrid Level 3. In addition, the DR Crewe Hub project team would like to explore the requirement to deploy an Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system so that HS2 trains can operate with automatic driving from the boundary with HS2 up to Crewe station and vice versa To support the business case for an ETCS solution at Crewe station, the Joint Development Group (JDG) is inviting suppliers with expertise in developing ETCS schemes to address the following two problem statements. The preparation of a high-level migration strategy for the delivery of each of the three ETCS options listed above, highlighting any specific difficulties and assumptions. The scheme layout of each ETCS option will be provided to the awarded suppliers. Starting from the baseline infrastructure at Crewe today, Problem Statement 2 is about the development of an ETCS signals-away option (option 1 listed above) which will enable the operation of the 2027 timetable and still provide the same operational flexibility at Crewe. The layout of the baseline infrastructure and the 2027 timetable will be provided to awarded suppliers. requirements cannot be met by deploying ETCS on the existing infrastructure, any additional conventional interventions that are required to the baseline infrastructure.