Cape Town railway station to close platforms for system upgrade

Source: Peter Titmuss© via 123RF

According to Riana Scott, the Metrorail spokesperson, the upgrade is scheduled to take place from Saturday, 26 January until Wednesday, 30 January 2019.

Commuters should note that Platforms 1-12, as well as Platform 24, will be closed for the five days while the commissioning work is being conducted.

This is the second phase of re-signalling work at Cape Town station, which involves replacing the old heavily copper-reliant signalling system with a new electronic type of system.

"The re-signalling project is vital to address obsolescence in the rail network. The current signal system is old, heavily copper-reliant and therefore prone to metal theft and vandalism," Metrorail said in a statement.

The statement says "This new electronic type of signalling relies less on copper technology, provides enhanced operational flexibility and improves operating safety. It has the added advantage that it can be remotely controlled from the recently completed nerve centre in Bellville."

The first phase of the upgrade, which included Platforms 13–16, 20-23, was completed ahead of schedule in December 2018. Platforms 17, 17 and 19 remain closed for repairs and will be commissioned later.

Commuters have been encouraged to keep up to date by following Metrorail's social media (Twitter: @CapeTownTrains or Facebook: Metrorail Commuters - Cape Town) or call the toll-free Transport Information Centre 0800 65 64 63.

Commuters who are registered to receive text alerts are encouraged to share information with fellow commuters.