Irish Rail accessibility works on track for Global Rail Services

Rail infrastructure contractor Global Rail Services, is progressing well with accessibility works at three railway stations on behalf of Irish Rail, having been awarded the project in August 2016.

Customers at Rathdrum, Mullinger and Leixlip Louisa Bridge Stations will soon be benefiting from Global Rail Services’ extensive experience in delivering construction solutions that enhance and improve their passenger experience.

The project is well on its way to completion, with key project milestones being consistently met and a high quality end product to match, Global Rail Services is certainly hitting the right notes in terms of managing and delivering the full suite of stakeholder expectations.

The works include complex in-situ civil engineering works, temporary works, roads and pavings, as well as rail engineering activities in respect of upgrading station platforms and railway pedestrian access. The Group used its full infrastructure contracting experience to manage and deliver the interface between the highway and railway authorities.

The works are due to be completed in a phased manner, with a final completion date in February 2017. To ensure that each milestone is achieved, Global Rail Services has prepared detailed programmes and schedules, providing a dedicated and co-ordinated approach to project management throughout the works. Liaison with myriad stakeholders, along with a collaborative approach to these works, have paved the way for a professional delivery that is meeting and exceeding expectations.

Procurement of long lead items and contract approvals has formed an integral part of the project success to date. Global Rail Services has used its rail engineering experience in delivering multi-disciplinary rail works to manage these proactively, to the delight of the client.

Global Rail Construction hits the headlines

We are delighted to report that much of our great project work has been summarised as part of a double page spread in December’s edition of Rail Engineer magazine.

Global Rail Construction Ltd. (GRCL) is part of the Global Infrastructure Group and is a leading UK provider of design and build services to clients in the rail and transportation sector.

The company is a principal contractor for UK mainline and metro railways across a number of disciplines, which include signalling, mechanical, electrical and power (MEP), civil and structural engineering, maintenance, renewal, and provides a fully tested and commissioned service, on both Network Rail and Transport for London controlled infrastructure.

Offering either sector-specific services, or a fully managed turnkey solution across a range of activities including project management, construction and civil engineering design, Global Rail Construction specialises in the design, installation, commissioning and testing of railway critical infrastructure.

Global Rail Construction’s in house expertise and flexible management approach, based on decades of engineering and delivering solutions has resulted in us providing an award-winning service.

Global Rail Construction is currently delivering a range of electrification and re-signalling projects for a variety of clients from rail network operators through to major infrastructure organisations, and we are proud that our great UK-wide rail work is being recognised by the specialist media.

Commercial Director Jim Cuell, commented on this by saying:

“Our teams are delivering on a multitude of prestigious multi-disciplinary rail projects. I am delighted that this article goes some way to highlight the difference GRCL is making on the UK’s railway infrastructure.”

You can read more by clicking here.

Distinction for Global Rail Services at Irish Safety Awards

Global Rail Services is delighted to announce a second consecutive award of distinction for its positive impact to health, safety and wellbeing practices from the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO).

The National Irish Safety Organisation Limited (NISO) was set up to promote Irish workplaces as being among the safest and healthiest in Europe, and rewards excellence in workplace health and safety.

By promoting a safety culture through a series of events such as the All Ireland Safety Awards, NISO is able to credit those organisations which make a positive impact on the lives of their workers and the stakeholders they engage with.

When presented with the award, Global Rail Services’ QSE Advisor, Ciaran Kelly, said:

“The health and well-being of our workforce is central to our approach. We work continuously to improve our occupational health and safety management, which is fully accredited to the requirements of OHSAS 18001:2007.

“These awards show us that we are on track, as we continue to grow our rail and wider infrastructure contracting business.”

Phoenix Park Tunnel contract successfully completed by Global Rail Services

Irish Rail Infrastructure Contractor, Global Rail Services Ltd. (GRSL), has successfully completed its project works on behalf of Irish Rail.

The large multi-disciplinary project – which was commissioned by the National Transport Authority – was part of providing a fourth direct route into Dublin city centre via Heuston Station. It involved upgrading a branch line serving as a direct connection to the Kildare commuter areas, both North and South of the city.

GRSL works as part of the upgrade of the 735m long tunnel will now allow commuter trains to operate through it for the first time, and will improve the congestion around Kildare.

The project was reliant upon GRSL’s multi-disciplinary in-house approach. Works in the tunnel include not only cleaning and repairing the masonry, but providing new signage, new lighting and new telecoms.

Separately, GRSL carried out site investigation works on the existing steep embankments leading to the tunnel. The project examined the stability of the existing embankments and recommended stabilising works required for the reopening to commuter usage.

GRSL’s building division upgraded both Drumcondra and Tara Street stations; this included the creation of new ticket gatelines and a new lift shaft.

Global Rail Services Ltd’s General Manager, Tom Staunton, had this to say about the successful conclusion of the project:

“The challenges of working around a live railway environment have been met head-on by our professional project management team.

“Meticulous planning and the experience needed working in a multi-stakeholder rail environment sets Global Rail Services apart.

“Many thanks to the team.”

Global Rail Australia’s takes great pride in new contract with MTM

Global Rail Australia has been awarded a new contract with Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) which involves the upgrade of the remote public address (RPA) systems on the Broadmeadows line as part of the PRIDE Local Hardware Upgrade Project.

PRIDE (Passenger Real-time Information Dissemination Equipment) is an electronic timetable and announcement system consisting of the control system (Metrol), control stations, public address systems, PRIDE ‘talking boxes’ situated on each platform, and electronic information displays.

The objectives are:

  • to deploy new RPA hardware;
  • to remove legacy equipment;
  • to provide a fully integrated system with upcoming technology changes within the principal networks; and
  • to ensure the system is maintenance-friendly.

Melbourne Trains Australia (MTM), known locally as ‘Metro’, operates a fleet of 407 three-car train sets on 837 kilometres (520 mi) of track. There are sixteen regular service train lines and one special events train line. The train fleet travels over 30 million kilometres (19,000,000 mi) and provides more than 228 million customer boardings each year, over 14,000 services each week and carries over 415,000 passengers each weekday.

This project will see Global Rail Australia upgrading the existing remote public address system at 15 stations on the Broadmeadows line. The work commenced in November and is due to be completed in early December.

Global Rail Australia Pty Ltd is part of the Global Infrastructure Group and is a leading Australian provider of design, construct and commission services for clients across a wide range of engineering and infrastructure industries including Mainline, Metro and Light Rail Systems and Utilities. This is the latest in a long line of projects undertaken for MTM.

Global Rail Australia Powering Forward On Bayside Rail Project

Global Rail Australia Pty Ltd. is moving though the gears, as the company works towards final completion of its contract at Caulfield Railway Station on behalf of MTM.

The project, which is being cleverly phased in two sections, so as to minimise disruption – North and the South – is on target for its completion date later next month. The complexity of the project while working on a live station is illustrated through the multiple daily interfaces, including: electrical power lines and train power lines (OHLE), numerous service and utility providers, as well as local councils, passengers, road users, station staff and the local university campus. This has seen Global Rail Australia demonstrate its expertise in the safe management of stakeholders while executing works in a live railway environment.

The works, which form part of the (Aus) $100m upgrade of the Frankston railway line, include the extension to the existing canopy coverage on Platform 1 and 4, and are progressing well, with the Southside works now complete.

Global Rail Australia is fully responsible for the planning, supply, fabrication and installation of all the station works, which will significantly improve the commuter experience.
CEO, Ivan Holloway is pleased with progress to date and said:

“As a preferred supplier to Metro Trains Melbourne, Global Rail Australia has hit the ground running with this complex railway construction project. The project, which involves multi-disciplinary activities in a live station environment, is being delivered to the highest quality and has a blemish free record to date.

“We look forward to completing the North Section in the same manner and concluding this project to improve the overall aesthetic and functionality of this important railway precinct.”

Global Rail Australia is part of the Global Infrastructure Group and is a leading Australian provider of design, construction and commissioning services for clients across a wide range of engineering and infrastructure industries. The company was selected as the preferred contractor on this project for its in-house capabilities, scale and supply chain partnerships.

Global Rail Services awarded Mac 2 enhancement / CCTV – PA upgrade works on behalf of Irish Rail

Global Rail Services has commenced works for Irish Rail to upgrade CCTV and PA Systems at Connolly Platforms 5,6 & 7 and Tara Street South Entrance and Platforms 1 & 2

The multi-disciplinary contractor has its own dedicated in-house Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) division and will be providing a full-turn key service for the works:

This full scope includes for the supply, install, test and commission of:

  • Composite Driver Only Operated CCTV equipment
  • Associated cable and cable containment
  • Cable and containment for IPCCTV Cameras – (IPCCTV Cameras supplied and commissioned by 3rd. party)
  • PA speakers and associated cabling
  • Station services 42u Rack
  • Other items including CIS cabling
  • Minor civils works including new cabinet bases and ducting

Global Rail Services is a long term M&E framework partner to Irish Rail and this new project award evidences the high regard for the quality of Global Rail Services work over several years.

Global Rail Services are registered with the authorised Electrical Safety Supervisory Body (ESSB) and they are also certified and compliant with both The Energy Act 2006 and the Commission of Energy Regulation (CER). The Dublin based business, is also an RGI registered mechanical installer.

Aiden Kelly, who manages all mechanical and electrical projects at Global Rail Services commented:

“This continues to cement Global Rail Services as one of Irish Rail’s preferred M&E specialists.

“We have a full compliment of staff to tackle the most complex of projects, either as stand alone projects or as part of a wider multi-disciplnary offering.

“Works are progressing well – it has been a great team effort to date.”

Simple as ABC for Global Rail Construction Ltd

UK Rail Infrastructure Contractor – Global Rail Construction Ltd (GRCL) – are pleased to confirm the award of their first project for the Alstom Babcock Costain (ABC) Electrification Ltd joint venture.

The project at Barnt Green – part of the Midland Mainline electrification works – comprises civil engineering works to provide and install new ducting through the station platforms, including the subsequent remedial works to the platforms to bring them back into full service.

ABC as one of the largest electrification businesses in Europe, secured two significant UK Frameworks in 2014 covering Network Rail routes in Central (LNW South) and Western and Wales, which include a number of significant UK programmes to provide and upgrade electrification to the Valley Lines, Great Western Rail Modification (GWRM) and Bristol Patchway to Swansea routes over a seven year period.

Electrifying key UK rail routes will mean faster, greener, quieter and more reliable journeys for thousands of passengers. More seats than diesel trains and superior performance will give journey-time savings.

ABC was formed in 2012 to support Network Rail in meeting these challenges.

The works involve detailed planning and co-ordination of works activities, of which GRCL will combine their engineering and delivery expertise, to meet the requirements of this complex, multi-faceted scheme, which demands experience and know-how.

GRCL are delighted to have the opportunity to work with a client of such size and industry standing and look forward to effectively delivering these works.

Marco Lombardelli, Owner and Managing Director of GRCL commented:

“Global Rail Construction Ltd look forward to delighting ABC – delivering on our promise – with the hope of developing a long term working partnership.”

Railway accessibility works on track

Global Rail Services, the Irish infrastructure-contracting arm of the Global Infrastructure Group, are on track with their civil engineering and building works for Irish Rail.

The major improvement works at three stations – on the Dublin to Rosslare lines at Rathdrum and the Dublin to Sligo lines at Mullingar and Lexilip Louisa Bridge – will further enhance the passenger experience for commuters.

The scope of works include the installation of new footpaths, footbridges, widening of road entrances, new kerbs and ramps, upgrading of handrails, new lighting columns, ducting and chambers, new signage and platform reinstatement works including new platform markings.

Global Rail Services are working with long-term client Irish Rail, to further improve and enhance the accessibility in and around the stations.

The team is meeting daily challenges, as the works are being completed in a fully operational station environment. Global Rail Services as an experienced railway contractor are meeting these head-on and delivering a fully co-ordinated programme of activities that keep disruption to the absolute minimum.

Mitigation measures include, separating the access areas from work areas with temporary partitions to protect members of the public from materials and equipment.

The three concurrent sites are currently on schedule for their completion date later this year.

GRA Networks Ireland completes Newstalk project

GRA Networks Ireland is a telecommunications specialist based in Dublin and is pleased to annouce the successful completion of our antenna installation work on behalf of Newstalk Radio.

The station which brings an exclusive talk based format sharing the best in opinions, analysis, entertainment and sport, had previously shared its transmission with Ireland’s national television and radio broadcaster RTE, however, approached GRA Networks Ireland to create an independent operation.

The scope of works involved the installation of Skymast S.4Y Yagi antennas and the running of EC400 10mm Coax cable from each antenna to comms rooms across eleven separate sites throughout Ireland – from Achill Island to Holywell Hill, Donegal – all within a two week deadline.

Due to the tight timeframe and the need to provide seamless integration from the old to the new to maintain a fully operational radio news service, GRA Networks Ireland collaborated closely with Newstalk, who accompanied GRA Networks Ireland each day, to ensure the swap over from the old system to the new system was undertaken with minimal impact to them.

Newstalk were very complimentary with regard to the progress and work practice that GRA Networks Ireland’s crew displayed and sent their thanks to the team for completing the project on time.

The works required maticulous planning and project management both on and off site and General Manager, Tom Staunton said:

“We are very pleased to have completed these works successfully.

“This was a challenging programme, however, our teams worked seemlessly with the clients intergration team to create the required solution.”