TRU East Alliance completes new 200-tonne bridge installation

In just five days, a 100-strong team of engineers removed the existing railway bridge on Osmondthorpe Lane in Leeds and installed a new, 200 tonne structure using a self-propelled modular transport (SPMT) vehicle. This method minimises bridge removal and construction times, and reduces the road and railway closure times, for the betterment of the local community and rail passengers.

Positioned in one piece, the new, stronger structure, was reconnected to the network with a new track position, to allow faster and bigger trains to run. Over 270 tonnes of ballast was then laid before the railway was handed back – on time – ready for passenger services to resume.

Alongside the bridge replacement, the TRU East Alliance also undertook work at Church Fenton, near York, piling over 40 foundations to facilitate new overhead line equipment (OLE), to enable electric trains to run through the area in the future, as well as installing 16 new location cases, and constructing four new under track crossings.

Andy Stocks, TRU East Alliance director, said:  "I want to say a big thank you to our customers and neighbours for bearing with us during this period as our engineers completed significant work to facilitate ongoing electrification of the Route.

“Our engineers worked around the clock, demonstrating outstanding teamwork and professionalism to replace the old bridge deck with a stronger one. This complex task required dedication and commitment from all involved, and the successful, on-time completion reflects the pride we take in delivering quality work that makes a real difference”

The TRU East Alliance will progress continues across the programme as further upgrades are delivered in the coming weeks and months, with customers encouraged to check before they travel.

A series of track, station and bridge upgrades will be undertaken along the route over six weekends between January and February and three weeks (excluding weekends) in March.

Notes:

• 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.
• Stretching across the North of England between York and Manchester, via Leeds and Huddersfield, the 76-mile Transpennine railway serves 23 stations, crosses over and dips under 285 bridges and viaducts, passes through six miles of tunnels, and crosses over 29 level crossings. 
• 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 Network Rail, VolkerRail, Murphy’s and Siemens.