ETCS preparation on track: Successful modernisation of the control and safety technology between Halle/Leipzig and Berlin

The line between Leipzig/Halle and Berlin covers 185 kilometres of track and will be equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS). In future, this will enable us to provide more capacity, greater reliability and interoperability in cross-border rail transport. The technical adaptation of the interlocking technology is a prerequisite for ETCS equipment. Various construction measures, such as the relocation or new construction of signals, the installation of electric point machines or the implementation of software changes, have now taken place as part of this process.

The majority of the actions were carried out in the interlocking areas of Jüterbog, Luckenwalde and Trebbin. For the future ETCS equipment, the interlockings had to be adapted to the current DB planning guideline 819. This also resulted in an extensive adaptation of the labelling of signals, axle counters, tracks and points to ensure uniform identification in the safety-related planning documents, for the traffic controller and on the line.

In particular, some essential adjustments were made to the signals. For example, the masts for the ETCS block signalling were established. In future, these will be spaced closer together so that a lower block density can be generated. This allows more trains to run on the existing tracks and therefore more capacity. New main signals and shunting signals were also installed in the conversion area.

As part of the extensive construction work, existing local operating areas were upgraded and locally operated manual points were converted into remote-controlled points with electric point machines. All of this was carried out at modern, standardised workstations: The control and operating system (LBS) bundles all operationally necessary applications in a standardised operation and at a standardised workstation. The LBS in the Jüterbog interlocking sub-centre was modernised as part of the current construction work.

Where hardware is adapted, the software must also be adapted. Both only work hand in hand: in this respect, the described adjustments to the external installations of the signal boxes were also integrated into the software of the Berlin operations centre and the Jüterbog sub-centre (UZ). The changes to the labelling of the existing signals and the establishment of the new signals also require adjustments to the train number signalling system, the train control system and the existing train control system LZB (linear train control). The LZB is required for sections where trains can travel at speeds of over 160 km/h.

Furthermore, minor adjustments were made to the electronic interlockings (ESTW) in Niedergörsdorf, Ludwigsfelde and Treuenbrietzen as well as software changes at the Wittenberg ESTW sub-centre and the Leipzig operations centre. These adjustments were necessary because the coupling of the axle counting systems (AzA-AzA interface) between the Wittenberg and Jüterbog sub-centre was cancelled, axle counters in the Niedergörsdorf area were dismatled and there were adaptation of the labelling in the interface area between Niedergörsdorf and Jüterbog.

New axle counter from GTS Deutschland GmbH (Copyright: DB InfraGO AG)Due to the extensive work involved, the measures described required a fill line closure of the line between Berlin and Wittenberg for several days. The work was successfully completed on the 9th of May at 11 p.m., bringing the project to the end of this important milestone.

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