Merseytravel Platform Enhancements
Merseytravel Platform Enhancements Case study (PDF, 1.87 MB)
Project Overview
As a key part in the vital upgrades that are being carried out on almost 100 Merseyrail platforms at 58 stations, AmcoGiffen was contracted by Network Rail to help make sure the network is ready for the new state of the art trains and their ‘sliding step’ technology.
The main objective of this exciting project is to provide the enhancement of station platforms in order to ensure compliant gauge clearance for the operation of new vehicles being manufactured for use on the Merseyrail Network.
AmcoGiffen Scope of Works
Responsible for all designs, AmcoGiffen delivered Grip 3 through to Grip 8 of the project, comprising: option selection, single option development, detailed design, construction test and commission, scheme hand back, and project close out.
The works across circa 100 platforms at 58 stations predominantly encompass track lifts and slues and adjustments to the platform edge position, occurring through the adjustments of copers and the provision of new copers and other associated platform works, including:]
- Installation or modification of platform drainage
- Track renewals
- Coper Installation
- Track lowers and associated formation and drainage works
- Cable management and diversions
- Adjustments to the position of lineside infrastructure
- Modifications of structures other than platforms
Completing over 25 individual blockades to date, the team has overcome significant challenges of gaining access in an urban environment and upgrading of 100 year old infrastructure whilst keeping the public moving. Daily communication and reporting...has allowed the project to be carefully managed for over 6 months of continuous working.”
Innovation Applied
Typically following a track realignment, copers are installed to ensure compliant clearance and gauge in order that our CRE’s can hand the infrastructure back into use. AmcoGiffen controlled the setting out of copers by way of 3D co-ordinates following verification to track position by way of platform gauge X and Y offsets.
Acting as Principal Contractor, we successfully integrated other maintenance and project works into the blockade to further aid efficiencies beyond the Merseytravel project and further minimise disruption to the local and travelling public.
Benefits Provided
With our works massively contributing to ‘the bigger picture’ of rail travel, the new trains will be amongst the greenest in the UK. The combination of a new lighter train, improvements to the electric drive system and ability to carry more passengers, more quickly, means up to 20 per cent energy is saved each journey.
Disabled passengers and those with buggies, luggage and bikes will be able to get on and off without assistance, making the Merseytravel network the most accessible traditional rail network in the UK. Extending the platform edge to enable the train’s sliding step to meet it will result in step free access at each doorway.
In addition, journey times will be up to 10 per cent shorter – that’s eight minutes off the journey between Hunts Cross and Southport!
Posted in Rail | Infrastructure
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