West coast main line upgrade

Client: Network Rail West Coast Route Modernisation Team

Services Provided
WCML W10 Gauge Clearance Study on the West Coast Main Line

Clearance of this section of the WCML is a significant step towards achieving Network Rail's aspiration of providing W10 gauge routes to mirror the country's motorway network.

This study marks the culmination of 8 months of work by Corus, with the assistance of various sub-consultants and contractors, to undertake and manage all aspects of the work necessary to clear the route. This encompassed all elements of the project from the identification of lineside structures likely to cause clearance problems and ensuring tight clearances were not worsened.

Corus were heavily involved in the final clearance of the southern section of the WCML for the end of 1999 (Willesden to Daventry) which now forms part of the complete route from London to Glasgow cleared for 9' 6" container traffic.

Route Clearance for Virgin Active Tilting Train
Corus carried out clearance studies to investigate likely clearance impacts created by introduction to the new train. Feasibility schemes were also developed for all the sites on the West Coast franchises where problems were identified.

Route Capacity Schemes
Principally this work involved feasibility and outline design for two sites, including turnback facilities at one of those sites and two new fast line platforms for the stopping of Virgin services. This facility provides considerable extra capacity and timetable reliability. Both schemes were developed to a stage where a Transport and Works Order application could be made quickly if the various West Coast capacity reviews show these schemes are required.