@StobartRailLtd WALSALL TO RUGELEY TRACK LOWERING Stobart Rail were contracted to provide a ‘Design and Construct’ track lowering solution for 10 structures to enable future electrification. The electrified railway line will provide a cleaner, greener and more regular service for passengers using the Chase Line.
Proposed as part of the Department for Transport’s ‘High Level Output Statement’ published in 2012, 25kV AC overhead line electrification is now being installed between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley in the West Midlands. The project will deliver the output requirements to run passenger and freight hauled units powered by electric traction supplies on the lines.
Project overview Network Rail selected Stobart Rail as the contractor to deliver the track lowering between Walsall and Rugeley. Adopting a partnership approach from contract award, the Network Rail team supported the experienced Stobart Rail team. The project delivery strategy was developed utilising in-house expertise, including resources and innovative plant such as the Ballast Undercutter, ensuring value engineering delivery throughout each section of the project. The Ballast Undercutter was deployed at Hednesford and provided a solution whereby the track was lowered without removing any components, thereby reducing risk and increasing productivity. Collaboration with all delivery partners, and third parties that worked on the project, was efficiently co-ordinated to minimise disruption and negate possession over-run risks. This was undertaken with a ‘plan-do’ attitude, ensuring that deliverability reviews gave the required confidence to the Network Rail team. This project was successfully completed, with its objectives delivered safely and on time, within budget and exceeding the expectations of the Network Rail team who were overseeing the activities.
Our Key Project Achievements:
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6000 metres of track successfully lowered
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1500 metres of track drainage successfully renewed
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The deepest track lowered was 550mm
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Combined 650 hours of disruptive possession access
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Zero train delay minutes, with all possession access handed back early
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25,000 man hours worked by Stobart Rail
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No reportable safety incidents occurred throughout the entire project
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In excess of 40,000 tonnes of new ballast installed
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80,000 tonnes of spoil removed for recycling.
Matthew Taylor Project Manager t. 01228 882 300 e. matt.taylor@stobartrail.com Andrew Sumner Business Development and Stakeholder Manager t. 01228 882 300 e. andrew.sumner@stobartrail.com Dave Richardson Plant Manager t. 01228 882 300 e. david.richardson@stobartrail.com Gary Newton Contracts and Estimating Manager t. 01228 882 300 e. gary.newton@stobartrail.com
Date completed: April 2015
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