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Tuesday 4 Oct 2005

IT’S ELECTRIFYING

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 Network Rail today announced details of a £3 million investment to improve the efficiency and speed of response to overhead line incidents and general maintenance.  Twelve new Unimog U400 modular access platform / drum carrier road rail vehicles will be stationed at five depots covering the East Coast Main Line.  The new units replace the existing fleet of permaquips, which were introduced in the 1980’s.  The new units offer a safer, more efficient and flexible way of working.  Unlike the existing units they do not need to be transported to site, rather travelling ‘under their own steam’ allowing for a much speedier response. This investment forms the biggest order for maintenance road rail vehicle equipment in the United Kingdom and covers a design, build and maintenance contract. Andrew Hinton, Territory Maintenance Director, Network Rail said: “The overhead lines on the East Coast Main Line have long been considered as the bete noir of the railway.  However, we have taken a lot of steps to improve their reliability and performance.  Over the last few years we have invested heavily to renew sections of the overhead line, particularly at the south end of the route.  Our overhead line maintenance teams have developed new equipment which has reduced the time taken to change droppers and improved the safety of this activity.”  “This £3 million investment in new access equipment will build on these actions ensuring we continue to improve reliability and performance of the overhead line equipment.” The new units have been supplied by LH Group of Barton – Under – Needwood.