28.03.14
Washwood Heath signalling commission complete
Signalling work for the Washwood Heath Freight Lengthening Project has been successfully commissioned by Siemens Rail Automation.
Over the weekends of 15/16 and 22/23 February, the company’s work included the design, installation, testing and commissioning of new signalling and data. The commission was in support of the track re-modelling works which have been undertaken by AmeyColas at Washwood Heath West Junction, Bromford Bridge Junction and Landor Street Junction.
On the first of the two commissioning weekends, Siemens commissioned into use new Trackguard WESTLOCK data for two CIPs, together with new Controlguide WESTCAD data on the Water Orton and Washwood Heath workstations at the West Midlands Signalling Centre, to allow freight movements to continue during the main track blockade.
Commenting on the work, Steve Bick, Siemens’ senior project manager, said: “The project was a true collaboration between Siemens, Network Rail and AmeyColas. Although our work initially covered the requirements of Washwood Heath alone, the scope soon expanded to incorporate both Bromford Bridge and Landor Street junctions, with all three projects being combined for delivery in a single, nine day blockade.
“As a result, we covered all aspects of the project, including delivering complex data requirements, the construction of a large cantilever and the recovery of a five-track gantry. One of the main installation challenges was the piling technique with 'torsional piles' to allow such a big cantilever to be installed - the boom being longer than the leg, which is very unusual.”
Following this work AmeyColas then undertook nine days of track re-laying and re-alignment works, with Siemens attending the last shift on 23 February to commission into use the final signalling system and to provide testing support for the commissioning of the new infrastructure.
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