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Three signal boxes, dating back to the Victorian era, will be decommissioned this month as part of works to digitalise control of the Cornish mainline, writes Tom Howe.
Three of the county’s nine signal control sites – namely in Par, Lostwithiel and Truro – will be closed having been in operation since 1879, 1893 and 1899 respectively.
Network Rail will divert control to a centre near Exeter St Davids, with works to commence in late February and into March, ahead of operations being transferred from March 11.
The box in Par was extended to accommodate traffic growth in 1893, with the existing lever frame installed in 1913. The only addition since then came in 1986, when the line between Probus and Burngullow was brought under the control of an additional signalling panel.
“It’s an incredible innings for any building, let alone the work that goes on within it,” said Network Rail’s Martin Duff, in conversation with CHAOS Radio. “The way of operating the railway has been more or less the same right through in terms of why a signal box is provided, i.e. for traffic management and for the safety of everyone involved.
“The technology itself in the application of signalling principles has evolved right up to the digital age, which we’re about to see the dawn of in Cornwall. This is the largest signalling investment in Cornwall in a long time. It brings old systems into the 21st century and also makes our rail operation more resilient.
“As we move towards a digital age across the industry, it’s right that Cornwall makes that transition as well. The work that we’re doing in the spring will provide a workstation in Exeter, in an existing signalling centre, and that will control the line from Chacewater right up to the outskirts of Liskeard and the Falmouth branch line, as well as the two clay lines in mid-Cornwall (Fowey and Parkandillick).
“Look at Truro, the lever frame there was reconditioned from a scheme in Bristol and that frame has been there since 1971. In Par, the lever frame there and the equipment dates back earliest to 1913 and is approaching life expiry. That is part of the infrastructure that’s about to be scooped up and re-controlled to Exeter.”
The impending switch to a digital format is said to improve reliability and provide an enhanced service, although delays are expected as necessary actions take place to implement the changes.
“There will be a betterment in terms of capacity,” explained Duff. “We’ve got a very old system at the moment which has served us well but the digital overlay that we are providing will give better resilience and that will reduce delays. We expect fewer faults and a better train service delivery for the fare-paying passenger on the Cornish main line.
“The value of the work that we’re embarking on and are about to deliver will be a legacy that will not be forgotten for a long time. As with any major project, there will be some disruption for passengers. We are working closely with all train operating colleagues, GWR and Cross Country, to keep people moving where possible.
“There will be an element of rail replacement in mid-Cornwall. Passengers can check with their train operator before travelling or with the National Rail enquiry service. We recognise it is a disruption but hopefully the benefits will soon be realised. Naturally, we would like to thank passengers and local residents for their patience during this work.”
Par hosts Cornwall’s oldest working signal box which, alongside nearby Lostwithiel, achieved Grade II listed status in the summer of 2013, with both coming under the custodianship of English Heritage on closure.
There is no listing for Truro but no plans to demolish the structure there, either.
For further information, including up-to-date details on any disruption, visit www.networkrail.co.uk.
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