09.05.14
Roof work begins on Manchester Victoria revamp
The first of 15 curved steel ribs for the new ‘ultra-modern’ roof at Manchester Victoria station have been installed by Morgan Sindall.
Over the last few weeks, the steel ribs have been constructed using locally fabricated steelwork, which was delivered on site in 24m sections and welded together to form single sections up to 96m long and each weighing 70 tonnes.
On Sunday 4 April, the construction team used a 1,200 tonne crane – only one of its type is available in the UK at any one time – to lift two of the 1.2m deep and 0.5m wide ribs over the Metrolink tracks and onto 18m high columns and 4m high buttresses.
The overall project, which is part of a £44m investment by Network Rail to create a modern station environment while retaining the building’s Grade II listed features, includes the installation of a new mezzanine access deck plus a ticket barrier, concourse flooring and external doors.
The planned new roof costs £16m and is made of an advanced plastic membrane (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) designed to significantly increase the amount of natural light in the concourse.
Sections of the existing Victorian building will also be refurbished, including an ornate stained glass dome over the current bar area and three war memorials within the station, which will be restored.
Nick Fletcher, managing director of civil engineering at Morgan Sindall, said: “We are delighted to be working with Network Rail on this prestigious scheme to enhance the historic station structure and improve passengers’ journeys.”
Over the coming days, station users will see cranes installing smaller beams and supports to provide form and stability to the new roof structure, which has been designed to allow natural daylight to flood into the station.
RTM’s feature on the Manchester Victoria works is available here.
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