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Project: Loftus Plain Line Renewal Client: GrantRail/Cleveland Potash The Brief Design the horizontal and vertical track alignment for a 880 yard plain line renewal scheme at the Cleveland Potash mine. The Challenge The existing track alignment was giving a very poor ride quality and was subject to speed restrictions. This was affecting the number of train paths in and out of the mine and having a detrimental affect on mining operations. In addition, train drivers were concerned about a tight curve in the track, very near to a steep drop from an embankment. The client wanted a smooth alignment in order to provide greater operational flexibility and to reduce the likelihood of train failures. The track design must also address maintenance issues. The design was required to very tight timescales in order to meet planned possession times. The Approach Drawing from its large pool of experienced and skilled consultants, Corus was able to mobilise its survey team very quickly at the outset of the project. In order to achieve cost savings, the team proposed traditional surveying and design techniques rather than the use of topographical surveys and MX design. Throughout the project, Corus was involved in regular consultation with the client to ensure that the client’s expectations were met and that the programmme could proceed smoothly and swiftly. Co-ordinated and productive teamwork were judged to be a vital factor in the success of the project. The Benefits The track alignment design was completed to specification and to the tight timescale – a key factor in enabling possession to be handed back 72 hours ahead of schedule. In the words of the client, the renewal programme “went like a dream”. | |
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