Ahh ok that’s cool ! Yeah of course, kind of forgot that it’s possible to re-signal an area if it’s needed as part of the improvements haha !
Thanks for the info
In many cases, the documentation for the signalling system already has enough information for the maximum speed to be calculated.
For lines that existed before colour light signalling was installed, the speed is determined by money. As in the amount of investment that was used to build the line, the cost of on going maintenance and the type of trains using the line (no point designing, building and maintaining a line for 110MPH if the fastest trains normally using it are limited to 75MPH).
Lines with higher speeds cost more in both design of the permanent way and the cost of on going maintenance.
So for existing lines, the signalling is designed for the current requirements within the limits of the permanent way and taking certain other things into account (e.g. junctions, terminal or complex stations). The signal spacing and type (two aspect, three aspect, four aspect) is also determined by the type of train (stopping services, fast/express services, high speed services, freight) and how many trains per hour have been specified for that section of line.
There are solutions for signals that may have insufficient sighting distance (banner signals for example). Although an alternative signal position may also be considered, as there may be some "wiggle room".
For new lines, then yes, the requirements will be determined for what is required to meet the specification. Both the permanent way and the signalling will be designed to meet the specification.
Just as the cost of the permanent way is affected by the specified line speed, the cost of the signalling is also partly determined by the line speed. However, the required line capacity (trains per hour) has a bigger effect on costs. You can have a 125MPH line using two aspect signalling. You can't have an intensive commuter line with two aspect signalling if that line is also a high speed line or it has mixed traffic...
When a line or area is resignalled, again, cost is a major factor. A lower cost scheme will often reuse existing signals/structures/signal positions. A more expensive scheme may completely redesign the signal spacing and signal positions. Especially if work is being done to raise line speeds.