MerseyRail

MerseyRail Power Upgrade

ESL were awarded the contract for these works based on successful delivery of similar civil packages for VRL as part of their E&P upgrade frameworks. The project scope included delivery and installation of 12km of trough route. The route components ranged from elevated to lightweight trough route which also included 60no. joint bays and associated vegetation clearance. ESL’s scope included all of the lineside civil engineering installation as well as compound works. Weekend possessions have been used for the delivery of materials and the erection of magnetic vortok fencing in order to facilitate the majority of the works being undertaken during midweek days.

ESL engaged with VolkerRail early in the project, initially undertaking dilapidation surveys with the client and raising logistical and technical issues prior to site mobilisation. This allowed for much more efficient delivery around the available access.

The key challenges were delivering the project to the outputs required to maintain the cable pulling program and commissioning and utilising the only two available access points for delivery of materials.

Environmental management was a key factor due to the sensitive ecology within the area and special training was undertaken accordingly. ESL staff have been commended on a number of occasions for our work in identifying rare species (such as sand lizards) and notifying the project ecology team accordingly.

Other issues encountered were running the route through Hightown station platform which has recently been refurbished. Various solutions were tabled and resolved efficiently through TQs. The client and Network Rail agreed with the ESL proposal that the route be attached to the face of the station platform. The solution to the station route minimised disruption to the station and passengers involved.

Despite the technical, operational and ecological challenges the project has been delivered in accordance with the programme and within the allocated budget.

Project Description

Merseyrail is introducing new rolling stock to its network around the Liverpool City Region, replacing the current fleet of electric multiple units which are now approaching 40 years old. Although modern trains are more efficient than those built 40 years ago, they also have additional electrical requirements. The £460 million project includes provision of power upgrades to the network.

This is required to meet the demands of the new fleet but will also eradicate existing DC issues at the fringes of the network, which have often caused delays on the Southport service.