26.02.15
NR expands high output team with new £50m ballast cleaner
Network Rail has bought a £50m new ballast cleaner, and is insourcing 500 previously contracted staff to expand its world-leading track renewal programme.
Codenamed BCS5, the new ballast cleaner boasts the latest technological advancements in track renewals, benefitting from reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and incorporating measures to reduce workforce exposure to ballast dust, including mist-based suppression systems.
The BCS5 systems consists of a RM900 high output ballast cleaner; a new ballast power wagon; spoil power wagon; a consolidation machine (in-train tamping with double bank dynamic action); and 44 MFS conveyor spoil /new ballast wagons.
The purpose-built kit and associated support plant will become the fifth ballast cleaning system in the Network Rail fleet and is due to be delivered in 2016. The support plant comprises of two 09-3X dynamic tamper – track stabiliser machines; one third rail compatible 09-2X dynamic tamper – track stabiliser machine; one USP5000 ballast regulator machine; and one first of type third rail ballast regulator machine.
In addition to the BCS5 acquisition, from Plasser & Theurer, Network Rail’s high output track renewals team will complete the insourcing of more than 500 AmeyCOLAS contractor staff in March, as originally announced in May 2014.
This is the largest people transfer into Network Rail since the phased insource of maintenance activities in 2005, according to the UK infrastructure owner.
Ben Brooks, Network Rail’s high output project director, said: “With the purchase of the new ballast cleaner and the insourcing of 500 staff who previously contracted for us, Network Rail is taking more direct control of its high output ballast cleaning and track relaying operations; activities core to its day-to-day business.
“The new equipment allows us to add the third rail DC electrified network to our programme so passengers south of London can start to see the benefits of high output track renewals too.”
Network Rail added that the latest move is part of its commitment to minimise passenger disruption, reduce the cost of running the railway by 20% over the next five years, and improve sustainability.
(Images: Pictures are of the current ballast cleaners, as the new one is yet to be built.)
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