Completion of Colton Junction OLE tangential wiring
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) East Alliance has taken another key step towards ensuring electric passenger trains can begin running between York and Church Fenton later this summer, after completing the final key element of electrification works.
Over the course of two days, the TRU East Alliance undertook tangential wiring work to connect the overhead wires running along the York to Leeds line to those on the East Coast Main Line at Colton Junction.
This is a unique and complex OLE section and is the only one of its kind in the UK.
Jo Griffiths, TRU programme director said: “This work demonstrates how we as team TRU can deliver together, driving further confidence in our ability to meet our programme commitments.
“The delivery of the tangential wiring is a key enabler to achieving electrification from York to Church Fenton; releasing CO2 benefits, which we will achieve later this year – a whole year ahead of the current programme date of December 2026.”
Work was undertaken when all lines were closed, and high voltage power was de-energised. To minimise future disruptions for passengers, additional work was also undertaken, as part of the long-term programme to provide further enhancements to the existing infrastructure along the route. This included:
- Replacing two sets of points (moveable track sections that allow trains to switch from one line to another) south of York
- Laying new track
- Signalling upgrades and drainage improvements
- Installing new overhead line foundations and masts as part of the ongoing electrification towards Leeds
Stuart J Birch, VolkerRail’s managing director, also congratulated the alliance, saying: “I want to thank you all for your efforts and personal commitment in making sure the works were delivered to high quality, on time and without incident.
A tremendous effort was placed on planning, preparing and integrating the works, and with excess of 1,000 shifts completed, it’s truly admirable to see all milestones were delivered on time, with very limited variation.”
Transpennine Route Upgrade
- The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a multi-billion pound, transformative, long-term railway infrastructure programme that will improve connectivity in the North. It will support economic growth in the North and deliver real benefits for passengers and communities along this pivotal rail artery.
- The East of Leeds part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade is between York and Church Fenton. This contract was awarded in October 2017 to the TRU East Alliance of VolkerRail, Network Rail, Murphy’s, Siemens, and Systra.
