The first locomotive equipped with the latest ERTMS Baseline 3 Release 2 (BL3R2) has started the digital test runs monitored from the test lab at Bane NOR’s Nyland facility outside of Oslo.
Starting 2021, the trains equipped with the newest signalling system will enter commercial services on Norway rail network.
“Now beyond strategy and plans, I am proud to confirm that ERTMS BL3R2 signalling solution has made the move from paper specification to actual implementation in Norway. After further demonstration and tests, the first trains will be certified for commercial service in Norway in early 2021” Rob Whyte, the Managing Director Alstom Nordics said.
The real run of the Di8 test locomotive will take place for ten days on the test line between Roa and Hønefoss. Before the end of 2020, the same locomotive will also be tested on a track with matching version (BL3R2) in Sweden.
Alstom has obtained the certificate from an Independent Safety Assessor for its Onboard ERTMS BL3R2 solution that has been tested at the Nyland facility during the last few months.
A first DI8 locomotive has been fitted and is expected to demonstrate through the digital tests its compatibility with previous versions of the ERTMS trackside installations (B2 and B3MR1) in Norway.
Alstom will provide an onboard solution that will be integrating the legacy ATC-2 system to support the efficient migration into the new national digital train control system in Norway. This solution will be fully embedded with the Onboard Unit, with no extra hardware. There are several benefits of not having any extra hardware. Less hardware means less installation issue, and better availability.
In June 2018, Alstom and Bane NOR signed the contract for the on-board signalling project consisting of frame contract for 14 different railway vehicle owners. 467 trains of 55 different types representing Norway’s entire rolling stock fleet, will be equipped with the ERTMS Baseline 3 signalling system. The system will be also maintained for up to 25 years, according to the contract.
The depot, where the installation is performed is located next to Campus Nyland and a test, training and competence hub was recently inaugurated by Bane NOR for the implementation of ERTMS in Norway.
The installation of the equipment aboard the rolling stock will be completed by 2026.
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