Wimbledon Line Enhancement Programme
Project Overview
As part of the Wimbledon Line Enhancement Programme, Cleshar were appointed to undertake the design & construction of key infrastructure works comprising:
- Twin tracking 790m of single line between Mitcham Junction flyover and Beddington Lane tram stop.
- Remodelling Wimbledon Station Terminus to provide 2no. platforms, a cripple siding and new track layout
Scope of Works
Design – detailed design for the following disciplines:
- Track layout
- Civils works, including infrastructure for signals
- Overhead line equipment including the removal and refurbishment of existing services.
- Electrical & Communications Services
Site Investigations – To provide the design with survey data and details of existing site conditions, including:
- Topographical surveys
- Civils, including ground investigations, structures, and drainage surveys
- Services dilapidation, including cabling tagging and tracing surveys
- OLE surveys
The design was produced & reviewed following the Network Rail GRIP stages and approved assurance processes, in conjunction with Tramlink & Network Rail Engineers & Project Managers. The design satisfied all relevant Network Rail and Tramlink standards.
Innovations
For the bespoke slab track design, materials and the Rhomberg track alignment system were used to construct a mock-up off site. This facilitated the critical refinement of the design detailing and construction methodology, to allow the new track and S&C to be installed to the required +/-2mm tolerance. This mock-up installation allowed valuable learning to take place, and this was utilised and of great benefit when construction was undertaken on site during periods of normal and blockade possessions.
As access was only available from the north end of the site, a 130m long polydeck raised heavy duty temporary road and ramps structure was built over the newly constructed phase 1 track slab. This facilitated the movement of heavy plant, materials, and manpower into the phase 2 construction zone, and allow quick and efficient construction
Benefits / Project Outcome
The design & construction works had to be undertaken within fully operational station and track areas of the tram network. All the works had to be done whilst facilitating the running of a normal Network Rail train and Tramlink tram services timetable. For this to happen, the designs, methodology and techniques developed and implement allowed the new works to be fully integrated with minimum disruption.
Careful programming of the works allowed the majority of the works to be undertaken during normal working hours or standard night-time possessions. This all facilitated the major works being carried out with two key blockades. A 9-day blockade for the Mitcham twin-track works and a 12-week blockade for the complete remodelling of the Wimbledon station end of line terminus. The later timed to start immediately after the busy Wimbledon Tennis Tournament
We worked closely with the London Tramlink and Network Rail to deliver a complex project successfully, with minimum disruption to customers