A major update to signalling technology on two rail routes in East Sussex is set to help services run more quickly and reliably.

A group of 300 Network Rail engineers have installed modern equipment on the South Coast Line between Bexhill and Eastbourne, as well as between Eastbourne and Lewes, despite difficulties related to the stormy weather and remote locations. The installations were carried out over a single weekend, ensuring that trains were able to run normally by the start of the working week.

An automatic fault-finding system and a central monitoring protocol are expected to save time and money when it comes to future upkeep. It will also limit the need for disruptive engineering work.
Unusually, the team were followed by a film crew over the course of the weekend’s works. The footage will be used to make a series of short videos about the process, which are aimed at encouraging young people to consider a career in signals engineering.