As part of the extensive chase line electrification works between Rugeley and Walsall, an Under Track Crossing (UTX) was constructed at Bescot to accommodate a duct route for cables between cess catchpits at either side of the two lines of track. The scheme involved erecting overhead wires on 51km of track along with the reconstruction of six bridges. Network Rail’s £100m investment into electrifying and upgrading the line will provide a faster and more frequent service. This will reduce journey times between Staffordshire and the West Midlands. Faster, cleaner and quieter trains will be used. The scheme, once complete, will create around 1,600 new jobs. It will also generate an estimated £110m through economic benefits.
After initially presenting to ABC Electrification’s senior engineering team in Rugby, providing an overview of potential options, MGF’s GRiPSHORE® Vertishore range was identified as the perfect solution for the trench works, and a scheme was worked up on this basis.
Rail Electrification of the Chase Line
ABC Electrification
MGF’s GRiPSHORE range provided a safe means of access for the works to proceed under the track
This versatile shoring solution is used in shallow trenches for safe installation in excavations up to 2×2 metres. It is lightweight and can be both easily transported and efficiently installed. Manufactured to BS EN 13706, MGF’s GRP product range is electrically non-conductive and fire retardant to ASTM E84 Class 1.
Following an extensive review of the ground investigation report, it was identified that there was made ground and ballast over sandy siltstone with no potential water table issues. MGF’s design team agreed that the ground would be suitable for the use of a Vertishore solution. A design was prepared and agreed upon based on the soil arching theory, utilising a non-continuous solution of GRiPSHORE Vertishore with backing boards, sited at 1.5m centres along the trench.
MGF provided a safe means of access for the works to proceed under the track. Despite the remote site location, the team were able to transport the lightweight shoring kit to the site 2.0 miles from the access point via rail-mounted bogies. The speed of the installation was critical, so a lightweight solution was key, and GRiPSHORE was ideal for the job. On-site familiarisation for the operatives was provided by MGF senior rail specialists.
For the 1.55m wide trench, MGF supplied 1.6m Vertishore, coupled with backing boards and 3500mm square Manhole Boxes. The kit arrived alongside a full package of design information, including engineered drawings, design risk assessments and Network Rail F002 and F003 documents.
MGF’s capability to service the rail sector not only covers Network Rail-managed improvement projects like the rail electrification of the chase line but also major civil engineering infrastructure schemes. We do this by providing excavation safety solutions to various disciplines, including earthworks, drainage services, structures, and bridges.
Our dedicated rail team offer their assistance and expertise. The team are available to support customers with their specific requirements.
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