Monday 20 Apr 2009
SHENSTONE VIADUCT COMPLETE WITH TIME TO SPARE
- Region & Route:
Network Rail and contractor Birse carried out extensive improvements to the 100 metre long Shenstone Viaduct during a 125 hour possession over the Easter period. The design and construct scheme was to improve the load distribution over the thirteen arches and waterproof the vast structure.
Shenstone Viaduct carries the electrified twin track ‘Aston to Lichfield City’ lines and spans the Crane and Footherley Brooks approximately half a mile to the north of Shenstone Station, near Staffordshire’s premier heritage city, Lichfield.
The works comprised permanent way removal and reinstatement, installation of 86 pre-cast concrete units, casting of an in-situ slab and waterproofing of the structure. During the possession, the track was also lifted to maintain ballast depth and adjustments were made to the overhead line equipment.
Over Easter 4,500 engineers from Network Rail worked around the clock across the country to deliver 200,000 hours of work and £55 million worth of investment, replacing old signalling, renewing track and bridges and carrying out station improvements.
The project was completed successfully and handed back six hours early.
Notes to editors
For further information on Birse Rail please contact Suzanne Whalley on Tel: 01832 273443 or Mob: 07973 819906
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