In March 2006 Network Rail carried out major repairs on the rail viaduct that carries the Cumbrian Coast line across the River Leven between Barrow-in-Furness and Grange-over-Sands. Trains had already been forced to slow to cross the increasingly ageing structure, but engineers warned that without rebuilding it would be declared unsafe, effectively forcing the total closure of the Furness line.

The work was carried out under a 16 week blockade during which time trains terminated at Grange and Barrow with a replacement bus service between the two stations. The entire deck was cut out and replaced, using two massive traveling gantries running on rails on new walkways added on either side.

Infrasafe (formerly Railsafe) provided a comprehensive possession management service throughout the blockade, from setting up a possession control centre at Barrow to supplying magnetic track diagrams to assist the PICOP in conducting clear communications and planning. In addition we provided possession support staff and a hand signaler at Grange-over-Sands in connection with terminating trains.

The £14 million project was completed on schedule on 17 July 2006, despite time being lost due to the high winds from the Irish Sea at this exposed location. In February 2007, the project won the prestigious Merit Award for Engineering Excellence in the Institution of Civil Engineers North West Region, beating off stiff competition.

For further information on this project or how we can help with your requirements, please contact Brian Cairns at brianc@infrasafe.co.uk or on 0191 499 0024.