Network Rail has awarded a £3 million contract to Park Signalling, a subsidiary of Unipart, to develop a cutting-edge Design Workstation that will reshape the future of Solid State Interlocking (SSI) systems in the UK. This initiative signals a bold step toward modernizing critical rail infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency.
SSI systems, essential for safe and reliable railway operations, depend on specialized knowledge of signalling principles and interlocking technology. However, the tools traditionally used to manage these systems have become outdated, creating hurdles for engineers tasked with their maintenance and configuration.
Park Signalling’s Design Workstation is set to replace obsolete technology with an innovative platform designed for the future. Featuring advanced hardware and user-friendly software, the new system will enable engineers to seamlessly test, configure, and adapt SSI interlockings to meet modern demands.
This forward-thinking collaboration highlights Network Rail’s commitment to investing in sustainable and advanced solutions to future-proof the UK’s railway network. By choosing Park Signalling for this transformative project, Network Rail ensures that its signalling infrastructure will be equipped to handle the challenges of a rapidly evolving transport landscape.
The partnership not only addresses the immediate need for modernization but also sets the stage for long-term improvements in rail safety, reliability, and adaptability. This £3 million project represents a pivotal moment for the UK’s rail industry, marking the beginning of a new era in railway signalling innovation.
Marc Winterton, Managing Director, Park Signalling, said: “We are delighted to continue a long-term partnership with Network Rail, by developing a replacement Design Workstation that is critical to the long-term efficiency of SSI signalling systems.
“The award is testament to the innovation and unrivalled technical expertise that gives Network Rail confidence in our ability to deliver signalling, control and obsolescence solutions that enhance the safety and efficiency of UK railways.
“The new Design Workstation will provide an update to the way that SSI signalling systems can be managed, by allowing engineers to create and modify interlocking logic, configure trackside equipment, and perform testing and simulations in a safe and controlled environment.
“This will not only improve the efficiency of rail infrastructure, but also bolster the overall safety of the rail network, by minimising downtime and ensuring efficient operation of rail services.
“We look forward to working with Network Rail, and leveraging our expertise and resources to ensure the success of this project.”
Dr. David McGorman, Managing Director, Unipart Technologies Group, said: “Unipart’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and efficiency has been central to nearly three decades’ of delivering innovative technology and supply chain solutions to the global rail industry.
“This latest collaboration with Network Rail further demonstrates Unipart’s ability to provide cutting-edge technology solutions for the rail industry that nobody else can.
“By combining Park Signalling’s deep technical understanding, with Unipart’s commitment to performance improvement in the rail industry, we are uniquely positioned to address Network Rail’s critical project requirements and to drive continued progress within the rail sector.”
Park Signalling is set to commence work on the project immediately, with the completion targeted for September 2026.
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