Track completion marks significant milestone for Britains newest train factory
The final track component was installed at Merchant Park, connecting the factory with the rail network for the first time.
Pandrol clip
Network Rail, Story Contracting, VolkerRail and Hitachi Rail Europe turned the last Pandrol clip at the £112million Newton Aycliffe site which will deliver the next generation of high speed rail carriages to the UK.
The final Pandrol clip, a rail fastening, which is used to fasten rails to railway sleepers, was the final installation of 35,000 fixings and symbolises the completion of track works and the connection of new track to Hitachi’s Rail Europe’s Facility.
The project has also seen the installation of 7,000 metres of sidings and a new 1km long overhead electrified test track, along with the reconfiguration of the existing branch line and its connection to the site.
Modifications
As part of this collaboration VolkerRail completed the required modifications to the signalling and telecoms equipment, to enable the connection of the test track to the existing railway infrastructure, including a new signalling interlocking and control panel. Works are ongoing to complete the remaining rail systems work and to provide electrification to the facility, via an overhead line system powered by a 25KV substation.
Expected to be completed by mid-2015, this facility will serve as a Hitachi Rail Europe facility for train manufacturing and assembly.