New York’s Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has awarded a $42m contract to Italian company Ansaldo Signalling and Transportation Systems (Ansaldo STS) to design and develop a new signalling system using computer-based train control.

Under the terms of the deal, Ansaldo STS will deliver its MicroLok II Multi-Purpose wayside controller for several important and safety-critical functions, Ethernet communications systems, Power Frequency (PF) Track Circuits, and digital signal transmitters or receivers.

"Ansaldo STS will deliver its MicroLok II Multi-Purpose wayside controller to LIRR."

The new signal system will serve the LIRR’s existing line, which runs for 18 miles from Ronkonkoma to Farmingdale in New York. It also includes 5.3 miles of double-track.

The system will also serve the new 12.7 miles of additional double track currently under construction, making a continuous 18-mile double track corridor with eight interlockings, highway crossings, seven stations, and freight railroad sidings.