UK’s GRCL Partners Up with Hedson Rail for Track Works on Wessex

Our UK Rail business, Global Rail Construction Limited and Hedson Rail Limited have formed a strategic partnership, to successfully secure Phase 2 of the Track Delivery work bank on behalf of Network Rail’s Works Delivery team on the Wessex Route.

The contract will see both companies working together to deliver track maintenance and renewals works, initially between October 2019 and April 2020 on one of the UK’s busiest rail routes. Global Rail Construction will be acting as programme manager for the works, with Hedson Rail delivering the responsible engineering and technical requirements.

The works programme, which specifically covers Heavy, Medium and Light Plain Line and S&C Track Refurbishment and Re-Railing, will see the team working in locations throughout the Wessex Route which runs from South-West London as well as from London Waterloo to the South and South-West of England taking in all or part of the counties of Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.

This is not the first time the businesses have worked together, with successful track works already completed in the South East – this burgeoning partnership is something that both businesses are very proud of.

GRCL’s UK MD Marco Lombardelli summarised this further, saying:

“As a business, we are always looking to increase our opportunities and saw this as the perfect target. We are delighted therefore, that our programme management capabilities coupled with Hedson Rail specific track engineering and site delivery capabilities were seen as the right solution for Network Rail.

We believe that the right partnerships can add enormous value and will continue to develop existing and seek out future strategic partners, in order to grow our capabilities. We are delighted to add a track arm in conjunction with Hedson Rail to our UK offering, which now aligns our model with the worldwide offering that can be found in both our Irish and Australian businesses.

We are able to design, build and execute a full multi-disciplinary track project by adding Track, to our existing and established successful offerings in Civil Engineering and Building, Power and Signalling.

I am pleased with this new contract and send a thank you to the team who helped make this possible.”

Martin Hedley, MD of Hedson Rail also added:

“Delivering track projects in Wessex and the South East has been a strategic target for Hedson Rail for some time and we are delighted to have formed the partnership with GRCL to make this possible. We are a local business that know the Wessex route well and in collaboration with Network Rail Works Delivery, we have absolute confidence in our team to successfully deliver the challenging work bank.”

Another Successful Milestone Achieved by Global Rail Services at Limerick Junction

Global Rail Services have had another successful weekend working on its contract for Irish Rail, constructing the new Limerick Junction Down Platform and Footbridge Works

The team has successfully completed its latest contract milestone, by completing the assembly and installation of all steelwork for the new footbridge.

The works were undertaken between 12^th and 23^rd August 2019, utilising a combination of normal daytime working hours within a green zone and midweek night-time possession working hours between 11pm and 5am – all in agreement with Irish Rail.

The works included a number of carefully planned stages which included:

Site Set Up

All plant set up in advance of the works within the confines of the site perimeter in a green zone. A large zone for working was built and fenced at the back of the of the new down platform and the new tracks have been ballasted out to allow access up the new platform.

Delivery and assembly of the Structural Steel Footbridge

All pre galvanized, pre painted structural steel, mesh panels, handrails, stainless steel items for the new bridge frame delivered into the green zone and carefully unloaded with the GRS teleported and stacked for assembly
The main bridge portal placed onto a prefabricated temp support frame and bolted into position. When all portal frames were in place all supports and braces were placed and secured into their final position in line with the AFC Fabrication drawings.
On completion of the steel support frame the Woven Wire mesh panels were placed and aligned into the required position and secured with SS SHS sections and 60x5mm flat as per the AFC drawings.
The entire section for the footbridge was completed and checked against the existing sleeves on the footbridge and confirmed that the structure fits when lifted into position in line with the AFC drawings
Horizontal Ties were installed across each portal frame to support the frame during lifting.

Stair Steel Assembly

Anchor bolts were installed into the side of the stairs to the required centres utilising a small MEWP placed on the platform behind fencing within a green zone.
Drilling holes within a green zone with the exception of the Cork line side of the up platform, which was completed under possession as this section of platform is live during the day. GRSL made every effort to pre-drill as much as possible within a green zone environment to speed up the possession works.
The stairs steel frame units which consist of 2 nr uprights and 1 nr cross member were assembled on the ground in line with the AFC drawings.

Main Bridge and Up Platform Stairs

The main bridge steel and the up-platform stairs steel, were then installed under possession with a 90t crane
The bridge steel on the down platform was installed and placed from the back of the platform with the aid of the GRS teleporter. Each frame was lifted and guided into position by our team from Hyland Engineering, with slings onto pre-drilled bolts to the required line and level. Once in position each frame was bolted and secured into its final position
Each frame was then connected with the horizontal running beams as per the AFC drawings. All beams were lined up and bolted into position

Installation of Handrails and Woven wire mesh to stairs

All materials were placed onto the platform with the teleporter and carried across the footbridge and stairs to their final position in a green zone
All Woven Wire mesh panels were then placed and aligned into the required position and secured with SS SHS sections and 60x5mm flat as per the AFC drawings.

Installation of Avigilon IP camera system on stairwells and footbridge

Avigilon IP cameras were installed onto the steel work of the new footbridge and stairwells to capture and record 360° video footage 24hrs a day
Steel conduit was installed onto the steel work from the newly built service rooms under each stairwell, up to the location of each IP camera.
A CAT5 network cable was installed via newly installed conduit, from the new IP Network switch in service rooms to the IP cameras
All IP cameras were tested from the from the station controller’s office and images agreed by Irish rail

Installation of lighting system on stairwells and footbridge

Once the steel work of the bridge arrived on site it was examined, a few proposals were put forward for the best and neatest way of installing the cabling for the proposed luminaires.
An installation design and method was agreed before the steelwork was erected.
Once the steel work was installed the electricians worked on all sections of the stairwells and footbridge at the one time
MEWPs and ladders were used for height access
Steel conduit was installed from the newly installed service rooms under stairwells up to the steel work of the stairwells and footbridge
03No of lighting circuits were installed from the newly installed distribution boards in service rooms under stairwells, up to the proposed luminaires
These lighting circuits were wired with four core 2.5mmsq Silflex cable
This Silflex cable was installed via the box section of the steel work and the newly installed steel conduit
The luminaires were installed into position as per AFC drawings
All luminaires were terminated and tested as to ETCI regulations

On completion of this milestone, the works were successfully inspected and signed off by Irish Rail.

Global Rail Services are managing and delivering these works as part of a new €2.5m project at Limerick Junction on behalf of Irish Rail. The overall objective via the implementation of this scheme is to deliver improved journey times and provide timetable enhancements on the Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Limerick lines, which are currently restricted by a platform conflict at Limerick Junction.

A big thanks to all involved for their dedication to ensure the safe and successful completion of another important project milestone.

Richmond to Gunnersbury D&B Civils Completion

UK Rail Infrastructure Contractor, Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has completed 4000m of TTS troughing installation works on the LUL Network between Richmond to Gunnersbury on behalf of BAM.

Having already successfully completed the Design works for this Cable Route Management System route as part of a separate contract with BAM, this contract completion highlights the strength of Global Rail Construction Limited’s (GRCL’s) integrated end to end, in-house Design and Construct capabilities.

These works form part of the wider modernisation and up-grading the Sub-Surface Railway network, comprising of the Metropolitan, District, Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines, whereby Network Rail is required to design and build new Cable Route Management Systems to support primary Power/Signal cables from Turnham Green to Richmond.

Operations Director, Sean Donaghey added:

“Very pleased with the completion of this important contract. We look forward to working with our long-term partner BAM again soon.”

GRCL offer rail infrastructure contracting services on a design and construct basis. Our capabilities support the latest technology, management and engineering know-how, which allow us to deliver high profile projects throughout the UK rail network on both Transport for London and Network Rail infrastructures.

GRA Networks Ireland Fleet Addition

GRA Networks Ireland, is pleased to present another new addition to its fleet – a brand new crew vehicle for its Telecoms division operations. The team at GRA Networks Ireland are very busy at present, delivering a number of contracts throughout Ireland – so this latest crew-bus is another very welcome addition. GRA Networks Ireland is currently recruiting for Wireless Riggers in support of its current extensive workload, supporting both private and public sector clients on high profile projects covering telecommunications, transportation, construction and engineering, energy and power.

GRA Networks Ireland is a multi-disciplined provider offering a comprehensive suite of services including design, construction, installation, commissioning and maintenance of both fixed line and mobile communications networks.

As a full-service telecommunications contractor, GRA Networks Ireland provides a comprehensive range of services from upgrading existing infrastructure, to building new mobile phone towers and other wireless network infrastructure.

Learn more here:
https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/gra-networks/who-we-are/our-markets/

Apply for our telecom’s vacancies here:
https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/gra-networks/work-with-us/careers/

GRA Networks global operation is led by a group of dedicated industry professionals in both Ireland and Australia, who bring together a wide range of skills and experience that provide clients with the best possible solution.

Global Rail Construction Secures Civil Works at Kettering

Railway Civil Engineering Contractor, Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL), has been awarded a sub-contract on behalf of Amey Plc at Kettering Station.

Works include the management, procurement and installation of 5No x 260m long reinforced concrete siding walkways, including access ramps and a retaining wall at Kettering Station Sidings. Access for these works necessitates the requirement for works to be completed by concrete pump or with the use of Road Rail Vehicles (RRV’s). All works will be completed during normal daytime working.

The sub-base and track construction being installed by Amey will be completed in advance of GRCL’s walkway construction.

There are two projects ongoing at Kettering:

Creation of Kettering Electric Stabling (KES) depot to provide a light maintenance and stabling facility for electric rolling stock to run between London St Pancras and Corby and
Station improvement works will see platform extensions and electrification of the railway lines to accommodate electric trains from May 2020 and;

These rail projects form part of the wider Midland Mainline Programme which, from 2020, will enable improved services between Corby, Kettering and London – with over 1000 additional extra seats into London during the peak, an increase of around 50% and faster intercity journey times on greener trains.

GRCL’s works will commence in August 2019 and will be completed by the end of year.

UK MD, Marco Lombardelli, also added;

“As an approved supplier to Amey, we are pleased to be working together again.

“Global Rail Construction’s capabilities support the latest technology, management and engineering know-how, which will allow us to deliver this rail project and our services to the highest standards of quality and safety.”

GRCL applies its skills to railway new build, refurbishment and maintenance projects, activities include:

Condition and dilapidation surveys
Demolition and remediation
Temporary works
Utility services enabling and diversion
Ground and site investigation
Site excavation and enabling works
New build and refurbishment (Sub-Stations, Platforms, Station buildings)
Road construction
Embankment works and retaining structures
In-situ and precast concreting works

Learn more about our Civil and Structural Engineering capabilities here: https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/global-rail-construction/what-we-do/civil-and-structural-engineering-and-building/

Great Western Electrification Project – Further Civils Works Award

UK Rail Infrastructure Contractor – Global Rail Construction Limited – is delighted to announce the award of a further civils sub-contract on behalf of UK Power Network Services (UKPNS), on the Great Western Electrification Project (GWEP). The project covers the installation of 34No lightweight platforms including all foundations and associated civil engineering works between Cardiff and Reading.

The Great West Electrification Programme (GWEP) is a Network Rail initiative, which introduces electrification infrastructure and modern electric trains to the Great Western Mainline route. The route stretches from Maidenhead in West London, to Cardiff in South Wales and interfaces with the Crossrail project at Maidenhead. The project commenced in March 2014 and UKPNS, along with ABB, undertook the detailed design, procurement, construction and installation, system integration, testing and commissioning, and handover of 27 trackside substations, 123 track section switches, 90 kilometres of high voltage cabling and 250 kilometres of low voltage cabling. Also included was the associated SCADA and communication control systems.

Global Rail Construction is now mobilising and compiling its pre-construction information, in preparation for commencement of the first eight sites at Westerleigh, near Bristol, which are due to start on the 27^th August.

Logistics and access planning play key parts in this project, with GRCL managing the collection of the platforms from the depot at Wroughton and then the onward transport and site distribution. These materials deliveries will either be completed at night during planned track possessions or will be via access point/line blockages during normal railway traffic hours. All other materials for the works are to be provided by GRCL.

The project is due for completion at the end of the year.

Global Rail Construction’s civil and structural engineering capabilities take full project responsibility and offer a fully managed and integrated service for clients within the railway infrastructure.

We can provide civil and structural engineering solutions from initial project planning and design, to enabling works covering site surveys, hazard and environmental assessments, procurement, onsite construction and equipment installation, through to final commissioning.

We are flexible in our approach and can undertake civil engineering projects on a turnkey, consultancy, main contract, sub-contract or resource supply basis to meet each individual client’s requirement.

Further Investment for Global Rail Australia’s Track Construction Division

We are delighted to announce Global Rail Australia’s Track Construction Division has seen further significant investment in its management, resources, plant and equipment.

The company, which specialises in aluminothermic welding, track construction and maintenance, including the delivery of safe working services, inspection and track handback, has recently acquired three hi-rail welding vehicles, which have now been been fully fitted out and prepared in readiness for its Railtech and Thermit welding teams. They have also purchased new rail welding plant.

All of Global Rail Australia’s welding vehicles are now fully accredited to work on the MTM, VLine and ARTC rail networks and the company expects to see all of these being deployed from August 2019.

Global Rail Australia’s rail welders are qualified in all aspects of track welding and are fully compliant to work on all rail networks across Australia. Below is a list of its welding capabilities:

Thermit And Railtech Welding
Flash Butt Welding
Groove Rail (Tram rail)
De- Stressing Specialist Crews (Labour And Welding)
Arc Welding Teams
Crane Rail Welding

The Track Construction Division which is headed up by Richard Needham – Rail Manager and Casey Mitchell – Operations Manager – is beginning to reap the benefits of Global Rail Australia’s continued investment.

Track and Welding teams have recently been engaged by Laing O Rourke/MTM on a Year 3 Lease agreement, which will see our resources being deployed on the MTM Network.

Separately, we have also have agreed terms with MTM to support their Maintenance Division.

The continued rollout of the Track Construction Division will see engagement with all Tier 1 Main Contractors and Railway Operating Companies over the coming months.

Global Rail Australia’s detailed understanding of track construction maintenance and renewals has been derived from years of experience and its in-house expertise covers every aspect of track construction maintenance and renewals from component exchange through to major re-railing activities.

Its in-house specialist teams have successfully delivered individual projects for a vast range of clients, providing bespoke solutions to meet their requirements. Services include:

Heavy and light rail construction
Turnout construction and installation
Track reconditioning
Track welding
Tie renewal
Track formation
UTX installation
Track maintenance
Rail defects
Track resource supply

Global Rail Australia also provide a 24/7 emergency response service for all track construction works.

https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/global-rail-australia/what-we-do/track-construction/

GRCL completes Port of Felixstowe Capacity Upgrade

UK Rail Infrastructure Contractor, Global Rail Construction Limited, has successfully completed the Railway Electrification and Power (E&P) and Ancillary Civils, on the Felixstowe Capacity Upgrade Project between Ipswich and Felixstowe.

The project was a rail infrastructure programme for Network Rail, which involved the double tracking of sections of Permanent Way – over approximately 20 Kilometres to increase capacity for the main freight route from the Port of Felixstowe.

The full project scope of works included upgrading five Level Crossings with new barrier controls and the installation of new Permanent Way, Signalling, Power and Telecoms for a new loop installation in order to facilitate the expansion of the strategically important freight connections.

The Principal Contractor for the works was Volker Fitzpatrick Ltd (VFL), acting on behalf of Network Rail as part of their Anglia Regional Collaboration (ARC) CP5 framework.

Global Rail Construction Limited provided a fully managed sub-contract service to VFL, completing the full scope of Ancillary Civil Engineering and E&P works for the project. Our works were led by Operations Director Sean Donaghey, who managed our multi-disciplinary workforce including civil and structural engineering and E&P expertise, along with in-house project management to deliver this time-pressurised and highly co-ordinated scheme.

Sean gave high praise to his team:

“Delighted with the efforts and contributions of our collective Civils and E&P teams. When a project is time-critical and crucial milestones have to be met, experience is a key factor in achieving success. Being able to rely upon a dedicated in-house team of Project Managers, Construction Managers and Installers that are able to interface with each other as well as a myriad of stakeholders, without doubt, enabled solutions to be quickly and effectively formed. This enabled us to complete the works to meet VFL’s requirements.”

To read the full case study for this project click here.

Global Rail Construction Limited Awarded Richmond to Gunnersbury Civils Works

UK Rail Infrastructure Contractor, Global Rail Construction Limited, is delighted to confirm their award and subsequent mobilisation for the GRIP 6-8 TTS troughing installation works on the LUL Network between Richmond to Gunnersbury on behalf of BAM.

Having already successfully completed the Design works for this Cable Route Management System route as part of a separate contract with BAM, this latest contract win is testament to Global Rail Construction Limited’s (GRCL’s) integrated end to end, Design and Construct capabilities.

GRCL’s project team are now gearing-up for the installation of nearly 4000m of TTS 200 troughing. All works will be undertaken during night-time short track access possessions, so full programme management and project traceability is crucial for the success of these works.

Logistics management is a vital ingredient to the success of these works. GRCL has therefore, developed a thorough plan for the collection, delivery and subsequent placing of materials for in advance of the installation works.

Free-issue materials will be collected by a Crane Wagon from a depot in Wembley and taken to a Road Rail Access Point (RRAP) as required to support the installation works. During this time, GRCL will provide all necessary traffic and pedestrian management and any parking bay suspensions to enable the TTS trough to be delivered to site safely and as required to support the works.

On successful arrival at the RRAP, the crane wagon will then offload the troughing onto waiting Road Rail Vehicles (RRV’s) for forward delivery to site, to support the subsequent fully managed installation process.

From early mobilisation through to project close out, the timescales for completion are seven months.

Managing Director, Marco Lombardelli added:

“We are delighted with this latest contract win and look forward to handing over these works; meeting the required programme, safely and coherently; in conjunction with our long-term partner BAM”

Global Rail Construction offer rail infrastructure contracting services on a design and construct basis. Our capabilities support the latest technology, management and engineering know-how, which allow us to deliver high profile projects throughout the UK rail network on both Transport for London and Network Rail infrastructures.

Principal Contractor Global Rail Construction Successfully Completes Feltham Phase 1

We are delighted to announce the successful completion of our Feltham Phase 1 PC contract on behalf Network Rail. Click here to read the full project case study.

Having commenced works in July 2017, our Rail South Project Team led by PM Patrick Rouse, have completed the design and construction of civil engineering works, which form part of a major Re-Signalling project to renew life expired signalling, telecoms and power assets for Network Rail covering 80 track miles, comprising the renewal of 538 Signalling Equivalent Units (SEUs).

Global Rail Construction has worked collaboratively with Network Rail throughout the project and this has led to the delivery of an exemplary project, one which has an outstanding approach to safety and the environment, been fully compliant and shared in lessons learnt across the entire project team.

This is echoed by Global Rail Construction’s PRISM scorecard – Network Rail’s assessment tool, which is used to gauge contract performance of both the client and PC contractors teams during large rail infrastructure projects – the last PRISM score for the project showed an average score of 4.43 out of 5.

Throughout the project, Global Rail Construction’s in-house design and construction teams have sought to deliver solutions to challenges, working closely with their NR counterparts to ensure a high quality service. This can be verified by the fact that all handback works and snagging have been completed and that all as-built records and H&S File documentation has been submitted.

Global Rail Construction has always sought to provide a positive approach in supporting Network Rail throughout the contract. The final completion date was ensured through close liaison and management of workload priorities during possession planning and a pro-active approach to achieving the very best solution for all parties. The entire project team, with head office support as required, worked hard to fully understand all lineside and neighbour issues and always sought the fullest mitigation measures at all times – this included pro-active management of intrusive works such as noise notification works throughout the project lifecycle.

The team developed several processes to aid its HSE performance too, enhancing behaviours through an open, learning culture and providing an overall positive approach to safety from all levels of staff, including supply chain partners. During the project, there was some great collaboration between GRCL and NR for joint safety engagement through Safety Stand Downs, which provided a vehicle for positive participation by the whole team. Close call innovation in the form of a ‘WhatsApp’ Group was also fully embraced during the project and is now very much part of business as usual for the entire GRCL operation.

Global Rail Construction’s Managing Director, Marco Lombardelli also added:

“I am truly delighted with the outcome of this significant railway civil engineering project. This 21 month project required great expertise and a meticulous approach to worksite planning from an experienced civil engineering team, in order to keep the project on track. To then complete this snag free was an incredible effort.

“Having an in-house team of design engineers, project managers and civils installers, coupled with a dedicated supply chain, without doubt enabled solutions to be quickly and effectively formed – providing programme and cost surety.”

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