By 3 January 2012, we will have installed 188 signals, 80 sets of points and a new level crossing on the routes from Sittingbourne to Minster via Ramsgate, and Faversham to Buckland Junction (near Kearsney) via Canterbury East. The old 1950s system of levers, bells and pullies to control signals and points will have been replaced with a modern computerised system and simplified track layout giving signallers more flexibility when controlling train movements. The new signalling will be controlled from a new, state-of-the-art signalling centre in Gillingham and the signal boxes currently used at Faversham, Margate, Ramsgate, Minster, Canterbury East and Shepherds Well will close. Dave Ward, our route managing director for Kent, said: “This is great news for passengers. The technology is more reliable, allows more and faster trains to run, and gives signallers more options when handling trains, improving people’s journeys. This £120m investment in the latest signalling technology brings the railway in East Kent into the 21st century and on a par with leading railways in Europe, Japan and the USA.” Read More
