The primary objective of this scheme is to ensure that there is sufficient DC traction power across Network Rail’s (NR) Sussex Route to meet the demands of the new December 2018 timetable, which will include a newer fleet and more frequent trains, all in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Transport’s (DTT) strategic plan.

In 2016, BCM were awarded a contract by Network Rail to complete the Electrical Track Equipment (ETE) works from Victoria to Balham. Working as their Principal Rail Contractor, BCM have faced a challenging access regime within these inner London sites, working on some of the busiest and most congested lines in the UK. Scope has included doubling the route track feeding cables at Victoria, Clapham, Wandsworth and Balham substations, further route cable doubling on the VTB1 route, hook switch replacements and negative track bonding enhancements between Balham and Victoria.

As a specialist rail electrification contractor, BCM have drawn on their vast traction bonding experience, self-delivering much of the work scope using their in-house ETE teams. As a multi-faceted transport infrastructure contractor, BCM has also drawn on its in-house permanent way and commissioning teams to ensure that their contribution to the new higher capacity services was delivered to the project requirements. Collaboration has been at the heart of project delivery, with effective stakeholder engagement to keep the works on track and on budget. The full scope of works will be commissioned in March 2018.

Introduction

SCHEME: Sussex Power Supply Upgrade (PSU)

LOCATION: Victoria to Balham

DATE: Aug 2016 – March 2018

Electrification Case Study Sussex PSU – ETE WORKS – Victoria to Balham

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4 x Track Feeder Sites Doubling (TFS)

• Victoria Sub (7 x Sections)

• Clapham Sub (4 x Sections)

• Wandsworth Common Sub (4 x Sections)

• Balham Sub (7 x Sections)

4 x Open Route (OR) Locations

• OR1: Victoria Station to Victoria Sub (14 x TIS Bases, 12 x Jumper Cables)

• OR2: Victoria Sub to Clapham Sub (26 x TIS Bases, 35 x Jumper Cables)

• OR3: Clapham Sub to Wandsworth Common Sub (4 x TIS Bases, 4 x Jumper Cables)

• OR4: Wandsworth Common Sub to Balham Sub (8 x CTS Cable Double, 10 x Jumper Cables)

The works due to their inner London location have presented regular challenges. Representing some of the UK business routes, BCM has had to use its 30 years of railway knowhow to ensure that the project has successfully progressed. Careful and pro-active access and possession planning, alongside working collaboratively with Network Rail and other entities that require access, has been at the very heart of BCM’s work. Attendance at various de-confliction meetings, planning meetings and white board meetings has ensured that works are carried out as per programme.

BCM has also faced challenges from the design information it has received. To mitigate these challenges, they have provided guidance and practical, workable solutions for both Network Rail and their design team, to ensure that not only is the design compliant, but more importantly that it can be integrated effectively with the existing rail infrastructure.

Project Deliverables

Challenges and Solutions

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BCM are currently undertaking the complete rail electrification work scope for all ETE works between Victoria and Balham stations, which included:

The above-mentioned deliverables include further installations of CMS sleepers and construction of undertrack crossings (UTX’s). The most notable and high profile UTX being the installation during Christmas 2016 - a period where BCM had more than 350 operatives working across Network Rail’s infrastructure.

BCM is a multi-disciplinary rail contractor that solves problems on challenging projects. This project has been no different and has allowed the combined rail systems talents of BCM’s electrification, permanent way and civil engineering teams to combine effectively to deliver solutions in some of the UK’s busiest rail locations.

The project gave BCM the opportunity to enhance their long-standing relationship with Network Rail and provide the flexibility that they require, tailoring their systems to successfully deliver projects that meet and exceed the project requirements.

This was brought into play during a major programme of works during December 2016, where BCM designed the temporary works and constructed a 5 track 18-way UTX, culminating in 26No CMS sleepers being installed during Christmas 2016, a period where over 350 BCM staff were engaged on the Network Rail’s infrastructure.

BCM’s ability to manage and ramp up resources for works of this nature is what sets them apart. By flexing their considerable talent pool, the company’s busiest Christmas ever was a complete success, with all works handed back on time and some even in advance – providing their client with project surety.

Benefits

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