Siemens Mobility’s Chippenham factory will manufacture the new technology which will play a central role in the soon to be reopened Northumberland Line.

The contract was awarded by Network Rail and includes the signalling and control infrastructure, which will transform the current freight line so it can also serve passenger trains.

The ‘modular plus’ technology which is set to be used has already seen success transforming everyday travel for people in North Wales and can be transported directly to the location which will bring savings in time, the cost of design, manufacture, assembly as well as testing and installation.

The signalling system for the Northumberland Line will be manufactured and tested by Siemens Mobility at their Chippenham facility, which is the only remaining dedicated signalling and control site in the UK. The factory supports approximately 900 local manufacturing, research, engineering and support staff, and serves the domestic market alongside exporting around 25% of produced equipment. This project will also see management and delivery via the companies York office, which supports around 200 team members.

Siemens Mobility will oversee the design and delivery of all aspects of telecoms, lineside infrastructure and power upgrades as part of the project. The Siemens Mobility team will also install or upgrade eight level crossings which will see a mix of CCTV and Obstacle Detection technology put in place alongside new workstations for Tyneside IECC.

Using digital, network-based technology together with simple bases and lightweight structures means that the carbon embodied in the project alongside the cost will be substantially lower than more traditional approaches which will also support the rail industries decarbonisation targets.

Subject to planning approvals, the project hopes to see six new stations constructed along the route which in turn is anticipated to increase economic growth for the local area. Connecting towns such as Blythe and Ashington by rail to Newcastle will bring opportunities in sport, education, leisure and travel by providing better connectivity.

MP for Chippenham, Michelle Donelan, said:

“This Government has invested more in rail than any Government since the Victorian era, to connect businesses, people and our towns which is a key part of our levelling up agenda. I have submitted successful bids to the Restoring your Railway Fund for Corsham Station. The reopening of the Northumberland Line under this Government scheme also delivers for my constituents by supporting jobs at Siemens Mobility here in Chippenham who have been awarded the contract to provide pioneering technology for the new Northumberland line. This is great news for technology and innovation and Chippenham’s economy.”

Rob Morris, Managing Director, Rail Infrastructure for Siemens Mobility said:

“The new Northumberland Line is a great example of levelling up in action. We are proud to help the Government and Network Rail roll back the Beeching cuts to upgrade and reopen lines more quickly. This will provide better and more efficient transport links to improve the lives of people across the region.

“With more projects like this, and by using innovative technology, we can transform lines and passenger journeys up and down the country quickly and cost-effectively. Best of all the solution is designed and manufactured in Britain supporting local jobs and skills for the future.”