Edinburgh Waverley Signalling Control Centre
Westinghouse Rail Systems
background
In 2005, the Scottish Executive undertook to fund the upgrading of the rail network and the passenger facilities at Edinburgh Waverley station in order to generate a greater capacity for rail traffic. Network Rail acted as the agent for the implementation. The purpose of the project was to remodel the station area adding six new passenger platforms. The project also saw the replacement of the existing signalling control system with an Integrated Electronic Control Centre: the seven NX panels (see last image) were converted to VDU control.
project
Westinghouse Rail Systems commissioned an Ergonomics Study to support them in supplying the IECC signaller and supervisory workstations into the extended control centre. The scope of the study included:
- Workstation & Control Room requirements capture
- Workstation design
- Control Room layout advice
- Design of equipment rooms
- Implementation support
Also provided was Human Factors consultancy covering HF Integration, workload, alarm integration advice, and emergency alarm panel design.
implementation
We spent time in the existing panel signal box at Edinburgh to understand the operational requirements and the issues associated with the transfer from NX to VDU operation. We also identified legacy equipment that would move to the new control room as well as the new equipment.
We developed an outline design for the workstations to accommodate the user requirements and the identified equipment. This approach was taken to enable Westinghouse to go to a wide market of supplier for the workstation furniture.
We worked closely with Westinghouse and Network Rail to review and assess the control room layouts that had previously been developed by the project team. We were able to identify strengths and weaknesses with each layout option and refine the design to a preferred layout agreed by all stakeholders.
The project approach was for a phased migration of control areas into the new control room. We were able to review these proposals and identify any issues from a control room design perspective.
Finally, we supported Westinghouse through the procurement and installation of the workstation furniture. We advised on a shortlist of potential manufacturers, provided technical information to the procurement process, supported the technical bid evaluations, reviewed construction drawings and conducted a full site acceptance once the installation had been completed.
outcomes
The new control room is live and controlling rail traffic in this critical area of Scotland. We were able to support the project team in delivering a design that met the needs and was accepted by the operational staff and management.