Supporting Network Rail
to Deliver the Hull Paragon NX Panel
Client: Network Rail
Location: Hull, North-East England (ELR HUL1 0m 20ch)
Sector: Rail Infrastructure – Signalling
Services Provided: Signalling Design (ES5), Technical Assurance, Consultancy Support
Project Duration: Nov 2024 – March 2025
Overview
Mosaic Rail partnered with Network Rail to deliver the Hull Paragon Signal box panel renewals, a modernisation project aimed at improving safety, reliability, and maintainability in the Hull Paragon control area.
The work involves replacing the existing panel with a combined Control and Indication NX panel.
This scheme also supports Network Rail’s broader asset strategy by modernising safety equipment, updating control interfaces and ensuring compliance with current standards and long-term operational resilience.
The Challenge
Hull Paragon Signal Box relies on life-expired signalling control and indication equipment, originally commissioned in 1984, which is now obsolete, unsupported by the supply chain, and increasingly difficult to maintain due to limited availability of spare parts. This creates risks to operational reliability, safety, and long-term sustainability.
The challenge is to modernise the signalling control system and associated lineside equipment, including ageing filament-based signals and route indicators, to improve maintainability, enhance safety, and ensure continued reliable operation while aligning with current obsolescence and asset management strategies.
Our Approach
Mosaic Rail’s signalling design team delivered the full ES5 design stage in accordance with Railway Group, Rail Industry and Network Rail Standards.
We collaborated closely with Network Rails engineering and construction teams to ensure all works were technically compliant, practically buildable, and ready for safe commissioning.
Our structured and collaborative approach ensured that all works were safe, compliant, and buildable, with key activities including:
- Detailed assessment and correlation of existing relay room records, resolving legacy discrepancies.
- Production of comprehensive design deliverables covering scheme plans, control tables, relay room and NX panel.
- Application of CSM and CDM principles, embedding safety and maintainability into all design outputs.
- Active participation in Interdisciplinary Design Checks (IDC/IDR) and Design Gateway Reviews, ensuring alignment with route engineering and Level Crossing Management teams.
The Solution
Mosaic Rail assisted Network Rail to modernize the Hull Paragon signalling system by designing the replacement of existing separate control and indication panels with a unified, modular NX control and indication panel, enabling improved operator efficiency, safety, and maintainability. Reusing and reconnecting existing plug-coupled infrastructure, telecoms interfaces, and block bell systems to facilitate a streamlined transition with minimal disruption and reduced rework.
Upgrade lineside signalling by replacing life-expired filament signal heads and route indicators with energy-efficient LED equivalents, while retaining compatible assets and reusing existing circuitry where practical, including TPWS-related functions. Rationalising and removing redundant legacy systems, adopt efficient wiring strategies, and introduce modern relay technology to enhance system reliability, resilience, and long-term sustainability without altering core interlocking or operational interfaces.
Results & Impact
Through technical excellence and disciplined delivery, Mosaic Rail supported Network Rail in achieving a seamless transition from mechanical to digital operation, without compromising existing signalling integrity or operational safety.
Key Takeaways
Early collaboration between Mosaic Rail and Network Rail ensured successful management of technical interfaces and constraints.
Partner with Mosaic Rail for signalling design and assurance services that modernise infrastructure, enhance safety, and improve operational resilience across the UK rail network.
Key Outcomes:
- Supported Network Rail’s asset modernisation and resilience objectives across the Hull maintenance area.
