Good bye semephore?

nebulaman · Good bye semephore?

The GSM-R communications system currently in trial in the Strathclyde area is due to be rolled out across the whole of the UK between 2011 and 2013. It is basically a cab to signaller communications system to replace NRN radio which suffers from blackspots and other problems. The radio band for NRN is also going to digital television to free up the bandwidth. It can be used in conjunction with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) which is being trialed on the Cambrian lines in Wales. ERTMS provides an in cab signalling system.

The RETB system on the East Suffolk line is nearing the end of it's life and is heavily dependant on NRN radio so it is looking like it will go over to some form of ERTMS. If this happens then it is possible that the rural lines out of Norwich will also be converted across to increase traffic capacity. This would be the death knell for semephore signalling. It is also feasible that all lines in the UK would use ERTMS.

I suppose we live in a society that craves a modern railway but it would be sad to see a link with the past go (we are still morning the loss of the "yellow dod" from Cantley!).