NYL Re-signalling Recovery
Norwich, Yarmouth & Lowestoft
Value
£40m
(Grip 5-8)
Period
2018-20
The Norwich, Yarmouth & Lowestoft (NYL) re-signalling programme was the UK's first and largest installation of ElectroLogIXS computer-based interlocking — combining new signalling technology, communications infrastructure, level crossing systems and major track remodelling in a single, highly complex scheme.
When the programme hit significant delays, PACE was brought in to stabilise delivery, rebuild stakeholder confidence and lead the teams to a successful major blockade.
Client : Network Rail
THE PROJECT
A first and largest of its kind in the UK
The Norwich, Yarmouth & Lowestoft (NYL) ElectroLogIXS programme was the first signalling project of its type and scale in the UK. It introduced a vast new computer-based interlocking estate — main hardware supplied by Alstom, with system design, testing and commissioning delivered through Atkins' ASM system.
Signalling data and communications ran over a new FTNX network, with six geographically defined signalling areas forming the network and two fringe interfaces to legacy signalling systems.
The £40m (Grip 5-8) scheme closed 16 signal boxes and transferred full control to Colchester, while also delivering the largest railway GSM-R phone network, both integrated and overlay level crossing systems, and three major track remodelling schemes.
THE CHALLENGE
A Programme Under Severe Time Pressure
By the time PACE was called in, the programme had fallen into significant delay. With the new system not yet live, the sixteen legacy signal boxes had to remain staffed — delaying Network Rail's planned post-change moves and, in many cases, long-planned retirements. Greater Anglia felt it too: the additional railway access required for the works meant further disruption, reducing service performance for the travelling public.
PACE was asked to take over programme management — stabilising delivery, leading the Network Rail project teams, and managing the key interfaces with Atkins (and OSL Global), Alstom and the Network Rail Southern rail alliance.
We worked as an integrated part of the project team and its commercial and technical partners, solving the significant challenges facing the programme board.
WHAT WE DID
Taking Control. Creating Momentum.
Restructuring the Programme
Once the baseline position was understood, the programme was restructured around clearly defined work packages.
Workstreams were allocated geographically and aligned with the requirements for introducing the new signalling products.
This created clearer ownership and improved control across the delivery programme
Rebuilding Stakeholder Confidence
Following 18 months of delay, rebuilding confidence was a critical part of the recovery.
PACE introduced enhanced stakeholder management and greater transparency of programme information, creating a clearer and more honest view of progress, risks, access requirements, and delivery readiness.
Strategic Access Planning
The programme required significant railway access, making stakeholder confidence and public acceptability essential.
PACE developed a strategic access approach that balanced the construction requirements with the operational needs of Greater Anglia and the travelling public.
The Outcome
From 18 Months of Delay to Award-Winning Delivery
Despite two major UK storms hitting the blockade in February 2019, all works were completed — the full signalling system, swing-bridge interfaces, major track remodelling, and the installation and commissioning of six level crossings, three integrated user crossings and six overlay user crossings.
The project became a phenomenal success, with exceptional stakeholder management throughout. It was shortlisted for the Network Rail Outstanding Teamwork Award in 2020, and went on to win the Rail Business Award for Infrastructure Project Excellence in 2021.