Network Rail and Jarvis renew one of Europe's largest level crossings

Over time a build up of grit and salt laid on the dual carriageway in winter conditions caused track circuit failures leading to the Walton Street level crossing barriers regularly coming down. This triggered significant delays for road traffic travelling on the Spring Bank West dual carriageway – one of the main arterial routes into Hull.

The Network Rail and Jarvis Rail Integrated Management Team (IMT) worked together to develop a multi-faceted solution to remedy this situation whilst also looking at the formation of the track.

Jarvis Rail was tasked with renewing both lines running through the Walton Street level crossing, 432 composite yards on the up line and 390 composite yards on the down line - a total of 822 composite yards. Working to exacting timescales, the Jarvis team managed by Relaying Manager Dougy Blakeley, overcame the challenge of designing the track geometry to enhance both road profile and rail ride whilst remaining within the tight constraints of the dual carriageway level crossing structure. The existing concrete Bowmac crossing was replaced with a Strail crossing composed from heavy rubber, which will deliver improved safety features and increase durability.

The track renewal project was facilitated by equipment from Jarvis Rail’s sister company Fastline, further improving time and cost efficiencies. This and the close teamwork of the Network Rail and Jarvis IMT ultimately meant that Walton Street level crossing achieved ‘taking over’ 33 days ahead of schedule thanks to the highest levels of safety and service delivery.

Andy Pope, Network Rail’s project manager at Walton Street level crossing, said: “This was a project that had a significant level of public interest locally, so it was critical for us to be able provide Hull City Council with a solution that was in line with its transport strategy. Working closely with Jarvis Rail as an integrated team enabled us to deliver the project safely and efficiently ahead of schedule and allowed us to ensure that the Walton Street level crossing renewal was a huge success.”

Ends

Enquiries:

Toni Jackson at Jarvis
Tel: 01904 712667 mobile: 07921 939031

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