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Knockmore - Lurgan
Track Upgrade |
93.5% |
Client & Design Award
Project Team: Translink
- Northern Ireland Railways (client),
Hyder Consulting (project manager, feasibility study,
initial design)
The Project
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Presentation of the CEEQUAL Award
at ICE NI event in Belfast on 20 April 2009
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The Belfast to Dublin railway line forms the strategic
spine of the Northern Ireland railway system and its
performance is of national economic and political significance.
The line has suffered from progressive deterioration
of the track formation over a number of years and, as
a consequence, numerous semi-permanent speed restrictions
have been imposed along the entire route length. These
both limit the operational effectiveness of the railway
and act as a disincentive to further passenger growth.
In recognition of these issues, Translink are embarking
on a progressive upgrade of key sections of the route
corridor in order to improve line speeds within the
commuter belt surrounding Belfast and reduce journey
times between Belfast and Dublin.
The project comprises a 12-mile length of double track
running from Lisburn in the north to Lurgan in the south.
The principal project objective is to bring the track
quality into line with the original 90mph maximum design
speed. The project works involve:
- Replacement of the track, ballast and drainage throughout
the route length
- Reduction in ballast levels in certain locations
to mitigate previous repeated over-tamping
- Construction of a safe cess along the route
- Replacement of signalling and telecommunications
cabling along the route length
- Installation of new signalling and telecommunications
ducting along approximately 60% of the route length
(between Knockmore and Moira)
- Re-waterproofing of a number of underbridges
The project symbolises the revived spirit of enterprise
in Northern Ireland and will significantly contribute
to the improvement of the principal transport links
between Northern and Southern Ireland.
Key Issues
The project is essentially a refurbishment project.
A project execution and detailed project environmental
management plan have been developed which record environmental
considerations at key stages of the project. The following
key issues have been dealt with on the project so far:
- The project has used a progressive ECI arrangement
to benefit from local knowledge of contractors.
- The site is close to a Site of Local Nature Conservation
Interest, and surveys have revealed protected species
and Japanese Knotweed to be present on site
- Consultation with statutory bodies has already been
taking place on construction methods and the location
of the site compound(s).
- Drainage along the present line is poor - the use
of Sustainable Drainage Systems is being considered,
with the potential to improve water quality in the
two local watercourses.
- Material options - the project has considered using
slab track vs conventional track where access is difficult,
as this requires less maintenance. The project also
considered replacing concrete sleepers with steel
sleepers, which also require less maintenance.
- Rail, ballast and sleepers - surveys have been completed
which looked at the number of concrete sleepers which
could be re-used and the condition of rails and ballast
(and suitability for re-use).
- The railway crosses nine level crossings, eleven
occupational crossings and a number of listed structures.
The rationalisation of occupational crossings is a
key part of the project. Consultation with the users
of these crossing has been undertaken.
- Due to the length of the construction area, a consultation
programme is being developed to engage with the multiplicity
of external stakeholders in order to develop an effective
construction programme and possessions regime.
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