Standedge Tunnel End

21/08/2018

Project Overview

Ultimately aiming to allow for the future electrification of this key Trans Pennine route, AmcoGiffen were contracted to provide the removal of a ‘life-expired’ wrought iron aqueduct deck, spanning the existing railway infrastructure.

Modernising and improving the grade 2 listed structure, we were further tasked with the provision of a new, low maintenance, Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) deck replacement.

AmcoGiffen’s Scope of Works

Providing the permanent works designs for all civils, including new bridge decks, raising of the existing spillway and associated steps, masonry repairs and scour preventative works, our scope of works included:

Temporary works designs to facilitate diversion of the existing river flows to allow the works to progress in a ‘dry’ channel
Detailed flow management plans, including drawing down the local reservoirs, partial diversion through existing features, dams and temporary scaffold overbridge, complete with gravity pipes and pumping facilities
Gaining of consents to facilitate the works through liaison with associated statutory bodies, including the Canal and River Trust, Yorkshire Water, Environment Agency and local councils
Provision of detailing and documentation to assist Network Rail in obtaining necessary planning approval to undertake the physical works on a Grade 2 listed structure
Planning and delivery of all on site activities, including the core works which were delivered during a 54hr OROR possession of the railway

A busy weekend in West Yorkshire with the demolition of the wrought iron bridge deck the abutments are also being prepared for the installation of the new twin FRP channel decks… our life saving rules were followed rigorously and all is going to plan.

Christopher Heap, Route Asset Manager, Network Rail

Innovation Applied

Continually embracing and implementing new and more effective ways of providing enhanced project delivery, our innovation on this scheme is ongoing.

Employing the use of infused fibre reinforced polymer decks brings long term maintenance benefits and reduces the size of craneage required for installation on a constrained site.

Replacing the existing single deck with twin decks – complete with a stop log facility – allows periodic inspections and maintenance, which negates the need for costly temporary works and flow management requirements.

The precast cills were designed and constructed in sections to allow installation by excavator and small capacity crane, given the weight restrictions and size constraints associated with the confined site.

Benefits Provided

Working diligently to meet all project milestones, benefits of the project include:

Improved gauge clearances with infused connections to permit future electrification of the line
Strengthening works to an unrelated structure on the access route, allowing increased capacity for our plant and equipment, thus removing a restriction for local residents
Provision of maintenance activities to adjacent Canal and Rivers structure, off-setting land access fees, bringing benefits to the historic facility, local community and visitors

Project Contact

For further info please contact Chris Pennock, cpennock@amco.co.uk