UK Power Networks Services staff beat the clock to complete two complex sets of works on the rail network.
The first involved the installation of new 11kV and 33kV power supplies at Blackfriars station as part of the Thameslink upgrade. The second was delivery of a new Rectifier Transformer Unit to a site in Chislehurst, and the removal of redundant equipment.
Both were successfully completed to a very tight schedule despite some difficult challenges for the teams involved.
The Blackfriars station development reached a significant stage over the Christmas break with major routing changes and the opening of a new platform spreading the length of the bridge which had to be opened in time for the New Year celebrations.
UK Power Networks Services’ involvement was to install new power supplies along the East side of the bridge, cut and remove the DC power supplies along the West side that were installed on the bridge during Christmas 2009. The SCADA system – which monitors and controls power to the railway – had to be modified to reflect the new track layout, and extensive testing was carried out in time for the New Year festivities.
Work started on Christmas Eve and continued round the clock until December 30. Testing and commissioning took place in the early hours of New Year’s Eve to make sure everything was in place for the huge crowds expected in the capital for the celebrations.
Other related works put pressure on the UK Power Networks Services team but the results were impressive by any standards:
• 9000 metres of DC Cable installed
• 3600 metres of HV cable installed
• 600 metres of pilot cable installed
• In excess of 120 terminations and joints
• Extensive SCADA modifications (software and graphics) loaded, tested and commissioned to reflect the new track layout
• 10000 metres of DC Cable cut up into 3 metre sections
• 4000 metres of HV cable cut up into 3 metre sections
• 700 metres of pilot cable cut up into 3 metre sections
• Due to the extensive track work the above cables were hand carried off track (a distance of approx 1.2kms)
Barry Dilks, Project Director for UK Power Networks Services, said: “Despite numerous challenges this work was carried out safely, efficiently and on time. There was a tight schedule but we successfully overcame the challenging circumstances to make sure we delivered.”
“Both these projects show how creative we can be in finding effective solutions. Although the snow had stopped during this period, we were working in temperatures that sometimes dropped to as low as -11 degrees. The bitterly cold wind added to the discomfort.”
The challenges for the HV upgrade at Chislehurst for Network Rail were slightly different. Not least getting a large, redundant transformer on to its side, then through a tunnel and on to the transporter.
Barry Dilks added: “It was the only access route available and due to the height of the transformer the only solution was to lay it on the side and using specialist plant it was manoeuvred into position, then placed upright and checked. I have to say that the resolve, determination and professionalism of the team make me very proud.”
For operational reasons two senior project managers from Network Rail and UK Power Networks Services agreed to re-schedule the start of the works to 2pm, but the possession hand back time had to be maintained at 10pm that night, thus shortening the work time on track by some five hours.
The project team of UK Power Networks and its subcontractors took the opportunity to adjust the programme and brought forward the unloading of new equipment from lorries situated in the underpass between the Chatham Up/down (Fast & Slows) and the Reversible Chatham loops using a 220 ton Road crane.
All intended works were successfully completed in a safe and tidy manner ready for works to start in January.
