Abacus was Signalling Solutions LTD (SSL)’s first choice of partner for the Southampton works, running from December 2009 to 2011.
The scale
SSL engaged Abacus to provide commercial services on their £11m contract with Network Rail to facilitate the replacement of the existing Solid State interlocking signalling system with Alstom’s new Smartlock 400 Computer based interlocking system.
The challenge
The existing ageing Solid State system had been installed in the 1980s. Abacus was contracted to help install the new computer based system on the network connecting Southampton, Farnborough, Andover, Reading and Micheldever.
The project included review of the GRIP 4 design, renewal of five remote interlockings and installation of five Relocatable Equipment Buildings (REBs) incorporating Balfour Beatty SA380 remote monitoring systems.
Abacus also oversaw installation of Smartlock Panel Mulitiplexers and SSL’s Computer Aided Testing System (CATS). Works included civils, power and telecoms and cabling installation.
Delivery
Abacus provided commercial services to SSL from the outset. The project was delivered successfully, to scope, on time and on budget.