UK: Atkins is developing a National ETCS Test Verification Validation & Integration Laboratory under a 10-year contract awarded by Network Rail as part of plans for the deployment of ERTMS across the network.
Located at Atkins’ Signalling Integration Centre at Egham in Surrey, the facility is being developed in partnership with ETCS test equipment supplier Multitel. It is expected be fully operational by February 2022.
The laboratory will be equipped for ETCS equipment testing and cybersecurity work, as well as the independent integration of systems from multiple suppliers in order to demonstrate their compliance with UK standards and approvals.
‘This new facility represents a significant milestone in the transformation of the UK’s railway network which puts the passenger first through the introduction of cutting edge technology that increases punctuality, capacity and safety’, said Mark Fielding-Smith, Digital Rail Director at Atkins, on August 14.
‘We are now working closely alongside Network Rail, the East Coast Digital Programme team, future ETCS deployment projects and the wider supply chain to help realise the benefits of next generation signalling technology.’
