---
title: SYSTRA to develop the signal interlockings of the future as part of the ARGOS partnership
url: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/systra-to-develop-the-signal-interlockings-of-the-future-as-part-of-the-argos-partnership/"
type: post
date_published: 2020-11-02
date_modified: 2020-11-04
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  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 452
reading_time: 3 min
canonical: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/systra-to-develop-the-signal-interlockings-of-the-future-as-part-of-the-argos-partnership/"
featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/aiguillages.jpg"
---

# SYSTRA to develop the signal interlockings of the future as part of the ARGOS partnership

![SYSTRA to develop the signal interlockings of the future as part of the ARGOS partnership](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/aiguillages.jpg)

As part of the ARGOS project, SNCF Réseau organised a multi-award-winning
partnership for the first time in 2018. After an 18-month research phase
involving more than 150 experts, the launch of the development phase was a real
success for all the teams.

Hitachi Rail, as leader of the consortium, is in charge of the development,
configuration and supply of the system, Eiffage Energie Systèmes is carrying out
the signalling work and SYSTRA is in charge of the sizing studies, checking the
interlocking designs, technical checks and acceptance tests.

![Didier Traube, Directeur Général Adjoint SYSTRA S.A.](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/9-dt-1024x683.png)

> _This project illustrates SYSTRA’s capacity to position itself on promising future projects with prestigious partners. We are delighted to be supporting SNCF Réseau in modernising its installations._
> Didier Traube, Senior Vice President France

### 󠀁**The ARGOS innovation partnership challenge**󠁿

Essential components in ensuring the safety of moving trains,
computer-controlled signal interlockings enable the switches and signals in a
given zone to be controlled. Many of these interlocking boxes are already old or
their technology obsolete, necessitating replacement.

ARGOS targets high levels of technical and economic performance. The innovations
in terms of architecture system and design process enables:

- The availability of a box to be improved (for example, geographic separation
  of the same equipment) thus limiting the risks of train disruption
- A reduction in installation and maintenance costs
- By implementing digitalisation in signalling design
- By bringing electronic equipment as close to the tracks as possible to limit
  the need for rolling out copper cables replaced by fibre
- By dispensing with the need to use intermediate relays, their functions being
  integrated in the electronic systems

Finally, the expected benefits are:

- A 15% reduction in costs for the implementation and maintenance
- A 30% reduction in implementation deadlines: while the length of a
  modernisation project can be up to 3 years for an average-sized box. ARGOS
  needs just 2 years.

An increase in the global peformance of new installations, notably in the areas
of cybersecurity, maintenance and operation.

### 󠀁**The first in a series of projects**󠁿

In parallel with the development phase of the new system, each partner is
entrusted with a ‘seed project’. Thus, the Hitachi Rail STS, Eiffage Energie
Systèmes and SYSTRA consortium is in charge of deploying the Arzwiller box and
the BAL zone (luminous automatic block) between Réding and Saverne in the Grand
Est region. Commissioning of these first ARGOS deployments will take place at
the start of 2024.
This commitment is long-term: following the 30 months of development, the
partnership will be involved with SNCF Réseau and the manufacturers for 15
years, enabling a chain of excellence to be built over time.