CHRISTMAS WORKS A SUCCESS
Monday January 05, 2009
Network Rail and contractors, Balfour Beatty worked over 1800 man hours during the Christmas and New Year period to install electrification infrastructure between Haymarket and Ratho.
The construction team worked around the clock to install bases for 67 overhead line masts – exceeding their target by over 10%. These masts will support the electrified lines required to power the railway when it opens in 2010.
The work involved inserting steel pile foundations up to ten metres into the ground to create a strong support for the overhead electrification masts and wires.
The pile foundations were inserted at 60 metre intervals along either side of the railway using specialist equipment. Next, steel masts will be inserted to complete the equipment prior to electrification.
The festive period was a vital window of opportunity for construction work as there are fewer train services and Christmas Day is also the only day of the year that First ScotRail’s Haymarket Depot is closed.
By working throughout this period, Network Rail minimised night-time working from the construction programme, reducing the noise impact on local residents and increasing productivity.
We appreciate the patience of all the local residents who may have been affected by the noise over Christmas and Hogmanay.