A multi-million pound signalling control suite has been switched on for the first time at Gosforth Metro depot as part of the countdown to the new fleet entering service for customers.
The newly built facility will be used by Stadler to safely manage Metro train movements between the depot and the mainline, replacing an ageing control room in the old depot which had technology dating back to the 1980s.
The move was a big technological leap forward as testing continues to get the first new Metro trains into service.
The newly built facility, which has been strategically positioned to offer a panoramic view of the depot site, has been equipped with the very latest digital rail signalling systems. Computers allow controllers to signal trains at the few clicks of a mouse.
It will be transformative for employees, providing them with a cleaner and more modern working environment.
The move was completed during a single weekend of works, June 24-25, which required a Metro some line closures to safely move from the old depot control suite to the new one.
Major Project Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “It’s fantastic to see the team at Gosforth depot move into this modern new control suite, which is another step forward on our journey towards bringing the first new Metro trains into service.
“The digital systems are a big leap forward in how train movements in and out of Gosforth depot are managed. The quality of the facilities for the staff is vastly better than our old depot building, so will undoubtedly transform people’s jobs.
“This move paves the way for the final phase of demolition work at the old depot. The depot controllers are the last ones to be moved out of the old building, but when you see the facility that they are going into then it really does look like it has been well worth the wait.
“The new Metro depot has been a £70m investment which ensures that we have a modern home for the new Stadler train fleet, and we really can’t wait to see the first ones in full service once testing and driver training has been completed.”
Stadler created the new control suite, often referred to as a panel room, as part of the £70m rebuild of Gosforth Metro depot, paving the way for the final phase of demolition work on the old buildings.
Controllers will have a vastly improved and elevated view of the depot site as the new panel room is located on the first floor, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Metro depot and its new sidings – which will eventually be home to 46 new Stadler Class 555 Metro trains.