12.10.16
New scaffolding measure saves NR £9.5m and prevents Liverpool service closures
A new scaffolding method will allow Network Rail to restore the ceiling of the Victorian tunnel at Liverpool Central station more cheaply and without services being cancelled.
The infrastructure owner will install an access platform secured to the tunnel walls, 15m above the track, to allow engineers to apply 300mm of water-sealing cement on the tunnel ceiling while trains run below.
This will cost £4.5m, instead of the £14m previously predicted, and safeguard 160m of tunnel ceiling for the next 120 years.
Adrian Bullock, project manager at AMCO Rail, Network Rail’s contractor on this scheme, said: “That’s a saving of £9.5m for taxpayers – all while allowing trains to keep running into Liverpool Central and avoiding disruption to the travelling public.”
Network Rail is currently facing financial problems, with its chair, Sir Peter Hendy, warning recently that it faces “never ending debt”.
The concrete will be applied with a robot arm, which is safer for engineers as well as being cheaper.
Network Rail has contributed £229m to the £340m Liverpool rail regeneration project, which will involve closing Liverpool Lime Street for parts of 2017 and 2018.
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