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Project: Allington Chord Client: Carillion/network operator The Brief Design a new chord scheme to relieve congestion on the East Coast Main Line. The solution to incorporate associated signalling and level crossing works and the removal of redundant infrastructure. The Challenge Low-speed, cross-country services were using a short section of the East Coast Main Line and blocking capacity which would be better used for long-distance services. The new chord would remove the cross-country services from the line. It was imperative that the new scheme overcame any risks involving interfaces with the existing infrastructure, particularly embankment works. It was also vital to minimise the impact on train operators. The Approach Corus utilised a multi-disciplined team to ensure that all aspects of the scheme were dealt with thoroughly and professionally. This included expertise and experience in dealing with the types of terrain and infrastructure at Allington and in interface design. The Corus team identified risks associated with interfaces to the existing infrastructure and carried out further investigation to quantify risks where necessary. The resulting information was used to develop a safe and cost-effective chord scheme and to provide evidence for submission to statutory approval bodies including HMRI. Using its extensive knowledge and understanding of railway operations, Corus developed options to minimise the impact on train operators. The Corus team also ensured it was able to act swiftly to overcome any site development issues which threatened to impact on the client’s implementation programme. The Benefits Reliable risk identification and quantification played an important part in the development of a safe and effective scheme and helped the client to gain statutory approval. Options identified by Corus for the re-use of existing infrastructure - together with appropriate designs which included the use of axle counters rather than track circuits – ensured the minimisation of overall scheme costs. In addition, Corus was able to identify potential savings in ongoing chord maintenance. | |
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