Balfour Beatty Rail Projects (BBRP) has successfully installed revolutionary modular switches and crossings (S&C) on its Gretna to Annan Redoubling Scheme contract in Dumfriesshire, Scotland.
The £13 million project to double the existing single track line of the 13km-long route between Gretna station and Annan is being carried out for Network Rail. Braving one of the wettest summers on record, the BBRP team utilised Balfour Beatty Rail’s Kirow Crane, seen here, during a 16-day blockade to install the S&C. This modular process has only been used on a few occasions on the UK rail network.
As well as BBRP, the project also sees important input from other Balfour Beatty companies, with Edgar Allen assembling the pre-fabricated panels at Beeston, in Nottingham, and Balfour Beatty Rail Plant supplying the on-track plant resources. After being assembled offsite, the ten panels were delivered to site by articulated trailers and installed using the Kirow crane. This method has proven considerably quicker than traditional “loose” track laying techniques.
In addition to the track work activities, significant drainage and bridge reconstruction works were also completed during the blockade. Having completed this first major milestone on the project, the team is now focused on the preparations for laying the second section of track, utilising Balfour Beatty Rail’s New Track Construction machine which provides a time-saving onsite rolling production line.
Enquiries to:
Marjorie Hooper
020 7216 6846
www.balfourbeatty.com |