Railway reopened one month after Grange-over-Sands derailment

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Railway reopened one month after Grange-over-Sands derailment

One month on, services are running again on the Furness line between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness.

Network Rail engineers have been working around the clock to restore the railway at Grange-over-Sands after a Northern train left the tracks.

A void in the ground was found about 150 metres away from the derailed train.

More than 8,100 hours of work has taken place to get the railway restored so trains can run again.

Engineers removed 400 tonnes of spoil from the embankments, and installed almost 84 tonnes of new materials to repair the damage at the location.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we worked tirelessly to get the railway back up and running after it was severely damaged by the void and train derailment.

“This has been a very complex recovery and repair job. We’re continuing to work with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch on the investigation into what caused the derailment, but we’re really glad we’ve been able to work quickly to get the railway fixed.

“I’m pleased that the line is open again for passengers on the busy Furness line.”

Network Rail have been working closely with train operator, Northern, to keep passengers on the move during the closure.

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern in the North West, said: “We’d like to thank our customers for their patience while these important repairs to the rail infrastructure have been carried out by Network Rail. We’re very pleased to be able to resume rail services on the Furness Line and re-connect our customers with the rest of our network.”

Network Rail is working with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) to identify the cause of the void and derailment.

Image credit: Network Rail

Great Central Railway reveals new design for next phase of ‘reunification’ project

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Great Central Railway reveals new design for next phase of ‘reunification’ project

The Great Central Railway is preparing to submit a planning application for it’s ambitious Reunification scheme. A new image has been released of the urban viaduct section, which will carry the line linking the two separate halves of the Great Central Railway back together.

The project will create an eighteen-mile heritage line stretching from the north of Leicester to the south of Nottingham, centred on Loughborough.

General Manager of the Great Central Railway Malcolm Holmes said, “We’ll be submitting our planning application in a matter of weeks, so we want to tell people about our plans. The new image shows a train running on the proposed viaduct. Originally we had expected to build an embankment around 300 metres long but the space we have available would have made that quite complex. Our new plan needs 100 metres of embankment, then 200 metres of viaduct. It should be slightly cheaper and simpler to construct.”

This section of railway will also include two steel bridge spans, one to carry the railway across a culvert, the other to take it over Railway Terrace road in Loughborough. The full designs will be included in the planning application along with the necessary reports.

Malcolm continued, “After we have submitted our planning application we’ll need to spend around half a million pounds taking the design documents and turning them into construction and engineering blueprints. Those documents are essential – as is planning consent – before we can build again. While we have £2 million already raised for the project, we want to protect as much of that fund as possible for actual building work. Our new appeal for half a million pounds is to fund the vital next steps and get this epic project ‘shovel ready.’ The more money we raise, the sooner we can build again and the more we can achieve.”

Originally opened in 1899, the Great Central was a fast Victorian Main Line to London. It was closed in the 1960s by British Railways. Two sections have survived but five hundred metres of track between them was also removed.

Restoring the missing section has been underway since 2017. One new bridge has been built, one replaced and a third completely refurbished. Supported by local, national and international well wishers, millions of pounds have been raised to fund the work.

The Great Central has also confirmed the two bridge decks secured for the scheme in 2012 are no longer needed.

“The bridge decks were kindly donated by Network Rail when they were removed from Reading station. They were absolutely instrumental in getting the whole Reunification project started,” concluded Malcolm.

“However with our design changes they would require expensive modification to fit with our plans so with regret we have decided they will be disposed of in due course. Instead the two steel bridge spans required for the Reunification line are more than likely to be brand new structures.”

Image credit: Great Central Railway/Andy Hayward

Grand Central Rail set for move to modern York office hub

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Grand Central Rail set for move to modern York office hub


A high-quality complex of modern office suites situated in the historic city of York is close to achieving full occupancy after Grand Central Rail announced it would be relocating to the premises.

Set within York’s famous medieval walls, the 23,091 sq. ft Grade-II listed building at 20 George Hudson Street is home to the likes of First Bus, Jacobs, RotaCloud, and Simpson Associates.

Grand Central is due to complete its move from Northern House at the start of May, taking up a 2,740 sq. ft second-floor suite with open-plan accommodation, two part-glazed meeting rooms, fitted kitchen and staff areas plus comfort cooling and heating.

The train operator runs direct rail routes between the North East, West Yorkshire and London, with six return services a day between York and the capital.

Chris Brandon, head of business development at Grand Central, said: “Grand Central is pleased to be relocating its York head office to 20 George Hudson Street in York.

“We have been based in York since we began operations and the move to George Hudson Street allows us to retain our city centre location, with great local and national transport links whilst better reflecting our current office space requirements.”

Formerly the home of York City Council, the building has been extensively refurbished, retaining many of the original features such as exposed brick walls and steelwork, complemented by modern toilets and kitchen facilities.

Chris Winn, property asset manager at Boultbee Brooks said: “In Grand Central, we are delighted to welcome yet another major business name to our modern office facility at 20 George Hudson Street.

“Its location in the heart of historic York really does make this a special place to work, with ideal transport connections, high-spec office solutions and also the opportunity for additional on-site car parking to be provided.

Image credit: Boultbee-Brooks

Nexus unveils new training tool for Metro level crossing safety awareness

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Nexus unveils new training tool for Metro level crossing safety awareness

A new and interactive training tool is being used to promote level crossing safety on the Tyne and Wear Metro.

Nexus, the public body which runs Metro, has installed a mocked-up Metro level crossing at the SafetyWorks teaching centre in Newcastle. It recreates the red stop lights and warning tones and will be used to educate thousands of children about the dangers of misusing them.

The mock-up is a new part of an immersive Metro safety training facility, which includes a Metro station called West Fifteen, tracks, ticket machines, platforms, and a life-sized front end of a Metro train.

Safety Works, which is based in the west end of Newcastle, is a multi-agency training facility which is used by the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Northumbria Police, Nexus, and the local authorities to conduct safety awareness days for young people.

Courses, which are tailored for school visits, students and young offenders, include everything from road and railway safety, to fire prevention and criminal justice.

Deborah Rodenby, Youth Liaison Officer at Nexus, said: “Our new Metro level crossing mock-up is an engaging and interactive tool to get the safety message across to young people in a more effective way.
“It offers a visual experience which helps children understand the need to stop, look and listen at Metro crossings, just like they are taught to do when they are crossing the road.

“We’ve wanted to make our level crossing safety course more immersive for a while and it’s important to have this new feature at our dedicated Metro training area at SafetyWorks.

“I get to see thousands of children every year to promote railway safety. It’s amazing how a lot of them don’t know what a level crossing is, and many don’t understand the dangers if they misuse them.

“I can use the mock up to show them exactly what the crossing does, and what to look out for when it activates. It’s vital when crossing over on foot to be alert and always pay attention. We also show them the risks of being distracted by mobile phones or headphone use.

“Any training tool which is interactive increases the chances of the key messages getting through to the young people. It makes the exercises fun and they enjoy themselves as well as learning how to be safe.”
The focus of SafetyWorks lies in teaching pupils about various forms of health and safety, and there are a number of different day trips that schools can get involved with.

SafetyWorks prides itself on creating an interactive, informative day out. The classes are scenario-based, meaning children are immersed in realistic situations throughout their visit to learn about potential problems, how they arise and how to combat them directly.

All classes are held in a life-sized ‘safety town’, so the resources that the students interact with are the physical areas around them.

There are five road level crossings on the Metro network which are used by cars and pedestrians – Callerton Parkway, Bank Foot, Kingston Park, Fawdon, and Howdon. There are also two level crossings on the Sunderland line, which is owned and managed by Network Rail, at Tile Sheds and at East Boldon.

Metro has three different foot crossings located at Woolsington near Newcastle, Hebburn South Drive in South Tyneside, and South Wellfield in Noth Tyneside near West Monkseaton.

Image credit: Nexus

GB Railfreight launches new service connecting Southampton to Hams Hall

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GB Railfreight launches new service connecting Southampton to Hams Hall

GB Railfreight (GBRf), has started a new intermodal service connecting Southampton to Hams Hall Rail Freight Terminal in the West Midlands. This is the first time that GBRf has run an intermodal service from the UK’s second-largest deep sea port to the West Midlands.

GBRf will be running five trains a week from Southampton to Hams Hall with a further option to connect Southampton with Mossend International Rail Freight Terminal in Scotland, with final mile delivery available at both terminals. For this service, GBRf is using its new high-density FEA-G intermodal wagons, which will increase the volume of cargo that can be transported on each journey.

The new train is part of DP World’s trial Modal Shift incentivisation programme for cargo owners to use rail within 140 miles of The Port of Southampton. It is hoped that the scheme will reduce 30,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year and remove thousands of lorries from the road network.

Schemes like this will help the UK Government achieve its long-term freight growth target, to increase rail freight by at least 75% by 2050 and GBRf to run c.80 intermodal services a day by 2025.

Julie Garn, head of intermodal at GBRf said: “This new service from Southampton to Hams Hall has been made possible by DP World’s Modal Shift programme and the new investment made at Solent Rail Terminal. Flagship initiatives like this help harness the benefits of rail freight allowing Britain’s supply chains to move goods more sustainably, efficiently and reliably.”

John Bailey, managing director – Intermodal at Maritime Transport added: ‘We are delighted to see GB Railfreight taking full advantage of Hams Hall’s strategic position on the logistics map with the introduction of this new service, connecting a major UK port with an important gateway to the West Midlands. Shifting freight to rail and reducing carbon emissions is a key part of our environmental strategy and this service paves the way for regional businesses to actively join us in this effort.”

Image credit: GBRf

Petards Rail boosts team with new appointment

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Petards Rail boosts team with new appointment

Intelligent train technology provider Petards Rail has appointed Calvin Fahey to the role of procurement manager.

Calvin is Level 3 Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) certified and brings with him almost a decade’s worth of experience within procurement-related roles.

In his role at Petards Rail, Calvin will spearhead the company’s procurement team and processes, ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials and services.

Petards Rail designs and delivers train technology to help companies within the rail industry maximise passenger safety, optimise train performance and meet ever increasing passenger and industry demands.

Its technology includes forward facing and rear facing cameras, track debris cameras, an on-train camera/monitor system, Automatic Selective Door Operation, interior cameras and pantograph surveillance cameras. In addition, the company offers supporting services and a back-office software, eyeTrain Connect.

Speaking of his appointment, Calvin said: “I am thrilled to join Petards Rail as procurement manager. The company’s commitment to customer service and developing high-calibre intelligent rail solutions, made it an easy decision.

“I enjoy using data to inform continuous improvement, be it cost reductions, optimising supplier relationships or implementing more efficient procurement processes. I am looking forward to applying this in my role at Petards Rail and contributing to the success of a dynamic company.”

Victoria Hodge, general manager of Petards Rail, said: “I am delighted to announce the addition of Calvin to the Petards Rail team. His wealth of expertise and dedication to quality and continuous improvement align perfectly with our company values.

“It is an exciting time for Petards Rail marked by our recent win at the SPOTLIGHT awards and the launch of our new lifesaving technology. It is great to have Calvin on this journey with us.”

Image credit: Petards Rail

Progress made in recovery after Grange-over-Sands derailment.

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Progress made in recovery after Grange-over-Sands derailment.

Network Rail engineers have successfully repaired the embankment as part of a complex operation to recover the railway after a train derailed in Grange-over-Sands on Friday 22 March.

The next step is to relay the ballast (railway stones) and track before services can run again. Engineers confirm the work is on track to be completed next week.

The derailment involved a Northern train coming off the tracks. A void in the ground was found around 150 metres away from the train.

The team have been working around the clock to repair the damage as efficiently as possible. A specialist crane was brought in to rerail and remove the train from the site of the derailment. With the train safely removed, engineers could start to repair the railway.

A variety of methods were used to carry out a thorough investigation into the ground conditions at the site, while also carrying out complicated repairs in the challenging environment.

Phil James, North West route director, said: “I’m grateful to the people of Cumbria for their patience whilst we carry out this complex investigation and recovery of the railway in Grange-over-Sands following the recent derailment of a Northern train.

“Our engineers are working tirelessly to repair and reopen the railway. We are doing everything we can to get trains on the move between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness as soon as possible.”

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern in the North West, said: “This is an important milestone in the significant infrastructure repair works that were needed in order for our services to safely resume. We look forward to Network Rail re-opening the line so that we can operate through rail services and re-connect our customers with the rest of our network.”

Image credit: Network Rail

New findings show that trains are up to 80% cheaper than planes for domestic travel

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New findings show that trains are up to 80% cheaper than planes for domestic travel

Travelling by rail can be up to 80% cheaper on similar routes than flying, eliminating the burden of baggage fees, seat selection charges and airport transfer fees, a new report by Rail Delivery Group (RDG) has found.

While in some cases airfare prices initially appear cheaper on certain routes, the final cost is often much higher once all the additional expenses are factored in. Additional costs incurred with air travel include getting to and from the airport, the fees for checked baggage and choosing a preferred seat on the plane.

Switching from plane to train could save you more than £200 for a journey from London to Edinburgh, once accounted for the additional cost of baggage and airport transfers.

Travel by train is also very convenient. The vast majority of stations in major towns and cities of Great Britain are located centrally, unlike most airports. So, travel by train saves time and hassle too. Security checks, airport transfer and travelling to and from airports all add significant time to your journey when travelling by air.

Jaqueline Starr, CEO at RDG said: “For too long, the narrative has been that flying domestically is cheaper and faster. However, when you do a true cost comparison, rail travel can be considerably cheaper.

“Rail travel offers a more affordable, sustainable, and convenient way to travel. Our research highlights the many advantages that rail travel offers to our customers when travelling within Britain.”

Rail customers typically only pay for their train ticket, with free seat selection and luggage allowance included in most fares.

Train services offer greater flexibility compared to air travel, with more frequent departures and arrivals directly into city centres. Beyond cost, there are environmental benefits of choosing rail as journeys typically produce significantly lower carbon emissions. For example, rail is up to 17 times greener when travelling for business compared to air travel according to new Green Travel Pledge data, making rail a more sustainable choice.

For business and leisure travellers alike, the answer is simple. Rail travel offers affordable fares, reduced travel time because of centrally located stations, and with its green credentials, it is the obvious choice for domestic travel within Britain.

The full report can be viewed at: www.raildeliverygroup.com/uk-rail-industry/clearingtheair.html

Image credit: Rail Delivery Group

GB Railfreight extends haulage contract with Network Rail

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GB Railfreight extends haulage contract with Network Rail

GB Railfreight (GBRf) one of the country’s largest rail freight operators has extended its haulage contract with Network Rail, the owner and infrastructure manager of the UK mainline railway network. Effective from 1April 2024, the contract is a two-year extension with an option for a third year.

GBRf will continue to provide critical services essential for the smooth operation of Network Rail’s engineering works and renewals. This includes the provision of possession trains and the movement of Network Rail wagons to support engineering trains, with up to 16 daily trains dedicated to network services.

In addition, GBRf will continue to operate bulk services, facilitating the transportation of stone from quarries to Network Rail’s Logistics Delivery Centres (LDCs). With up to four daily trains allocated for bulk services, this essential function ensures a steady supply of materials to key locations, including the LDCs.

The agreement includes the continuation of GBRf operation of the LDCs at Whitemoor, Eastleigh and Bescot. These strategic locations play a pivotal role, enabling efficient distribution of materials and equipment necessary for the successful delivery of maintenance, renewal, and enhancement projects across the rail network.

Commenting on the contract extension, John Smith, GBRf’s CEO said, “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Network Rail, further cementing our role in supporting the operation and maintenance of the UK’s rail infrastructure. We’re proud to deliver reliable and high-quality services that contribute to the continued success of the UK rail industry.”

Mark Dickinson, Director, Supply Chain Services at Network Rail, said: “By extending our contract with GB Railfreight, we can continue to move our essential engineering materials safely and efficiently across the country to support projects that deliver a better railway for passengers and freight customers.”

Image credit: GBRf (GBRf 66784 travelling from Horden to Doncaster.)

HS2 begins foundation works for key A43 bridge

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HS2 begins foundation works for key A43 bridge

HS2 has begun foundation works for a key bridge that will take a major A road over the new high-speed railway just outside Brackley, after successfully completing the temporarily realignment of both carriageways.

The A43 – which links Oxford, Brackley and Northampton – is a vital route, providing access to Silverstone and connections between the M40 and M1.

Just two weekend closures were needed during the seven-month realignment project, with HS2 working closely with National Highways to create an ‘island’ between the two carriageways big enough for the construction of the new bridge deck.

HS2 engineers have now begun work on the 52-metre-deep piled foundation that will support the weight of the bridge. These will be topped with concrete pile caps and piers supporting the 66-metre-long bridge deck that will carry the road.

Once the deck has been completed, the road will be moved back over the new bridge and excavation can begin to create space for the railway to pass underneath. This multi-stage approach was designed to keep traffic flowing and reduce disruption.

HS2 Senior Project Manager Elizabeth Longinotti said: “It’s great to see the start of foundation works for the A43 overbridge. Once complete, HS2 will boost connections between Britain’s two largest cities while freeing up space for more local services on the existing network. But it’s also vital that we keep the local routes which people depend on open while we build the railway.

“That’s why we’ve worked closely with National Highway and our contractors to design and deliver a complex multi-stage project which will keep disruption to a minimum while we deliver this key overbridge.”

The almost 80km stretch of railway that passes Brackley – including the A43 bridge – is being delivered by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB, a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall – working with ASC (a joint venture between Arcadis, Setec and COWI).

It worked with National Highways and EKFS’s sub-contractor, Kier Highways, to construct the temporary realignment over a seven-month period last year.

National Highways Network Planner for the East Midlands, Phil Shaw, said: “We always strive to minimise disruption for people using our roads when any work is being carried out and have liaised closely with our HS2 partners to do so on this complex project.

“Working together we have not only been able to limit the impact on drivers of building the overbridge but have also been able to take advantage of any road closures to carry out some routine maintenance work which means we won’t have to come back and close the road another time.”

The A43 is one of around 500 bridges on the HS2 project – which is designed to improve connections between London, Birmingham and the North while freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested southern end of the existing West Coast Main Line into London Euston.

These range from small footbridges and underpasses, to innovative ‘green bridges’ designed to help wildlife cross the railway, massive motorway bridges and the record-breaking Colne Valley Viaduct.

The last few months has also seen significant progress at HS2’s other major viaducts, with the first deck slide for the enormous Delta Junction over the A42/M6 link road outside Birmingham and the start of a half-kilometre deck slide at Wendover Dean.

Route wide, HS2 is now at peak construction, with 28,000 people employed directly and across the UK-wide supply chain.

Image credit: HS2

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