The train operator for the East of England, Greater Anglia, has announced that a £17m project is underway that will deliver a brand-new wheel lathe facility at the Clacton Rail Depot in Essex.
Working alongside delivery partner Spencer Group, who have designed and will build the new facility, this will be the first time Greater Anglia has had its own permanent wheel lathe facility.
A wheel lathe allows the train operator to service its fleet on patch and will transform how trains are prepared ahead of service. Trains undergo daily wear and tear that can result in small flat spots on the wheels. To correct this, a wheel lathe is used to re-profile each wheel with precision. It begins by measuring the size of each wheel and then calculates how much metal to cut away. Once accurately calculated, the wheel is then re-profiled, and its roundness is restored. After the cutting process is complete, the lathe measures the wheels again to ensure their quality before the train returns to service.
The new wheel lathe at the Clacton Rail Depot will allow for faster wheel maintenance than before, ensuring that any affected trains are out of service for a shorter period of time and therefore providing an even more reliable service for passengers.
Enabling works for the new 5,000 sq m (54,000 sq ft) development have been completed and physical construction of the housing building by specialist rail and civil teams will begin imminently. The new facility will be located on land once occupied by the old Clacton Steam Shed and the unused approach road area from the existing Shunting Spur. As part of the construction period, modifications to track, the locally operated points system, signalling, and overhead line equipment will also be undertaken.
On behalf of Greater Anglia, Spencer Group will also deliver a new welfare facility for maintenance staff, including utility services and connections, as well as a drivers’ walkway and lighting facilities for preparation activities.
Andrew Goodrum, Greater Anglia Client & Programme Director, said:
"The installation of the new wheel lathe at the Clacton Depot is the first time that Greater Anglia has had its own permanent wheel lathe facility.
“Not only will this £17m investment into Clacton improve the performance and reliability of services in the region, but it will also provide many new highly skilled jobs.
"Once complete in Summer 2025, trains will be able to be serviced much quicker than before, allowing them to return to passenger service faster."
This £17m project is a major investment into Clacton. Not only will the new facility help to better rail services, but it will also employ more than 9 highly skilled workers. These highly skilled workers will join an existing workforce of 87 based in Clacton. This includes, 42 drivers, 8 depot drivers, 27 conductors, 4 customer sales staff, and 6 cleaning staff.
Image credit: Greater Anglia
