Good and bad news for Balfour Beatty....like the Victorians, Build and be Damned!..Selby swing bridge reopens(time lapse vidoes)..rail fare rises bite,and may only last until 2015.. 1/3 London commuter trains late...Edinburgh trams carry 1.5 million passengers, as expected..during first 100 days of operation..Mocăniţa – Romania’s famous steam train looks like an interesting location for a holiday..and some Stadler trains go down the river...
Click on the links..
Headlines
UK
UK Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).
Balfour Beatty fined £350,000 for causing rail worker electric shock.
9 September 2014
Balfour Beatty Rail Projects Ltd has today been fined £350,000 and ordered to pay costs of £50,000 following a prosecution by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR). The company has been found guilty of breaching health and safety law, and causing a rail worker to suffer serious burns after coming into contact with the 25000 volt overhead lines near Cricklewood in March 2011.
On 27 March 2011, rail workers subcontracted by Balfour Beatty as part of the Thameslink project, were installing high voltage cable next to overhead lines near Cricklewood in North West London. They were working at height on cherry-pickers, moving along the track and installing the cable alongside an existing overhead wire. One of the high voltage overhead lines which crossed the site had not been isolated. Those working on the site were unaware of this and the risk to their safety. As a worker checked the distance between the newly installed cable and overhead wire, he made contact with the live wire and suffered 45% burns which required extensive skin graft surgery.
Today's sentencing at Harrow Crown Court follows an extensive ORR investigation which found Balfour Beatty had failed to properly plan the work, and had not provided sufficient instructions to workers or appropriate warning about the risk to their lives. The court heard there was poor communication between the planning and construction teams, which meant Balfour Beatty did not request that Network Rail switch off the electric current from all relevant sections of the overhead wire. Balfour Beatty had pleaded not guilty to charges brought in connection with the incident, but changed their plea to guilty after the fifth day of ORR's evidence.
Ian Prosser, ORR's Director of Railway Safety, said:
Balfour Beatty has a responsibility to protect its employees and sub-contractors from coming to harm. In this instance, an unacceptable management failure led to a rail worker suffering severe burns after coming into contact with the live overhead wire carrying 25000 volts, which could, and should have been switched off.
ORR's investigation revealed that Balfour Beatty's arrangements fell well short of the standard expected for a construction company operating in a high risk environment. A lack of planning, a failure to establish a safe system of work, poor communication and training all contributed to this incident, which could very easily have resulted in a fatality.
Rail worker safety is a top priority for the regulator. After recently approving £250 million of funding for improvements in electrical and worker safety, our inspectors are out on the network – scrutinising the behaviour of rail and construction companies such as Balfour Beatty – to ensure safety is not compromised. END
HS2 campaigners ask for public responses ahead of parliamentary debate.(Daventry Express)
Build and be Damned. (BBC Radio 4 ..4pm Today!)
Programme notes:
The Victorians famously built wildly ambitious infrastructure projects, like roads, railways, sewers and tunnels. David Wighton asks whether we should copy their example.
The Victorians and their predecessors have been celebrated for their forward thinking, building assets which are continuing to benefit the British economy. Yet some of their grandest projects left investors broke or actually created headaches for later generations. So - which is more important: cost-benefit reports or sheer boldness of vision? David Wighton finds that the lessons from the past turn out to more complex than they first appear.
Producer: Sandra Kanthal
Should we build just like the Victorians did?(BBC News Magazine)
Network Rail
Rail services resume as Selby Swing bridge re-opens for business.
Rail passengers are able to catch their regular train on the York-Selby-Hull routes this morning after Network Rail completed key stages in its £14m investment at Selby Swing Bridge.
No trains have been able to run over the bridge since the evening of 26 July while engineers replaced track, repaired steelwork, completed work to strengthen the bridge and improve the hydraulics and also repainted the structure.
Time lapse videos on Network Rail's You Tube channel:Aug 6-11 & 11-25th
Mark Tarry, area director for Network Rail, said: “This is the most significant improvement made to the bridge since it was built in 1889. Many parts of it will not need any further work for decades.
“Our engineers have worked around the clock to complete this work in the shortest possible timeframe and we thank passengers and local residents for their patience while it was carried out.
“An existing speed restriction on passenger services and a weight restriction for freight services can be lifted, improving the reliability of rail services on the route.”
A spokesperson representing the train operators said: “The long-term approach by Network Rail to the improvements on the bridge means less disruption in the future for our customers. It’s important for us as operators that customers feel our services are consistent as well as reliable and this investment will surely see that in place.
“We have worked hard to keep customers informed and up to date and we believe that the alternative travel arrangements have worked well. We'd like to thank rail passengers for their continued patience and understanding.”
No trains have called at Selby station over the weekend to allow commissioning of the signalling of testing of the structure.
The bridge will not require further intervention on the same parts for:
- Paint = 25years
- Hydraulics = 20years
- Strengthened Spans 3 & 4 = 60 years
- Reconstructed spans 1, 2 & 5 = 120 years
Notes:
Further work will be completed without the need to alter rail services. The project is due to fully complete in November.Time lapse videos on Network Rail's You Tube channel:Aug 6-11 & 11-25th
Crossrail
PRESS RELEASE
Balfour Beatty wins contract to fit out Crossrail Woolwich station
Crossrail Ltd has announced that it will award the contract for the fit-out of Woolwich station to Balfour Beatty Group Limited. Click here to download CGIs of the new station.
The £70m contract also covers the fit-out of the two portals at North Woolwich and Plumstead at either end of the Thames Tunnel where Crossrail trains will surface.
Work will begin later this month and the new station will open in 2018, when up to 12 trains an hour will link Woolwich with Canary Wharf, central London and Heathrow. Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail Chief Executive said: “Crossrail will help to transform Woolwich, supporting regeneration, reducing journey times and creating new transport links for local people. From 2018, up to 12 services an hour will allow passengers to travel to Canary Wharf, the City and the West End without having to change trains.”
Work will begin later this month and the new station will open in 2018, when up to 12 trains an hour will link Woolwich with Canary Wharf, central London and Heathrow. Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail Chief Executive said: “Crossrail will help to transform Woolwich, supporting regeneration, reducing journey times and creating new transport links for local people. From 2018, up to 12 services an hour will allow passengers to travel to Canary Wharf, the City and the West End without having to change trains.”
The contract also includes commitments to provide apprenticeships and job opportunities for Londoners. Balfour Beatty will be required to create around 18 apprenticeships and new job start roles for people who are long-term unemployed or who have been out of education or training for six months or more. It is a requirement that all of the new job starts be taken up by people living within Greater London or one mile of the Crossrail route.
Crossrail will make it quicker, easier and more convenient for passengers from Woolwich to get to a range of destinations across London and the South East. Residents will benefit from brand new, air conditioned rolling stock that will take them right through the centre of the capital without having to change trains. With Crossrail, the journey from Woolwich to Bond Street will be 15 minutes quicker and passengers travelling to Heathrow will be able to cut their journey time by 40 minutes.
Crossrail will also provide a significant spur to regeneration in and around Woolwich, encouraging investment and development as well as supporting jobs and businesses in the local area.
ENDS
Northern Rail evening peak rail fares take effect.(BBC news)
Commuter rail fares cap may only last one year, Tories admit .(London Evening Standard)
Third of trains on some of London’s busiest commuter lines ran late last year despite passengers paying highest fares in Europe.(London Evening Standard)
Edinburgh trams: 1.5 million passengers in first 100 days.(BBC News)
Northern Rail evening peak rail fares take effect.(BBC news)
Commuter rail fares cap may only last one year, Tories admit .(London Evening Standard)
Third of trains on some of London’s busiest commuter lines ran late last year despite passengers paying highest fares in Europe.(London Evening Standard)
Edinburgh trams: 1.5 million passengers in first 100 days.(BBC News)
Marseille - London Eurostars to face 1h 43min wait in Lille.(IRJ)
UK Heritage
Press Release EVENTS FOR ALL AGES ON SEPTEMBER 20th IN CONNECTION WITH THE WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY - West Somerset Railway, Minehead
10th Anniversary Steam Gala - Plan a visit - National Railway Museum
International
Argentina
CSR delivers first Mitre cars - Railway Gazette
Australia
Tunnelling starts on Sydney's North West Rail Link .(Railway Gazette)
CER - The Voice of European Railways.
INVITATION
Europe's rail sector to 2020: sector vision and policy choices
Wednesday, 15 October 2014
18:00 - 21:30
Stanhope Hotel
Rue du Commerce 9, 1000 Brussels
Wednesday, 15 October 2014
18:00 - 21:30
Stanhope Hotel
Rue du Commerce 9, 1000 Brussels
The European railway sector has performed well in recent years in terms of increases in competitiveness and productivity, in spite of a challenging economic and business environment. Rail transport in Europe is an important contributor in terms of GDP and employment and also generates important wider economic benefits for the European economy. Furthermore, rail transport provides a springboard for Europe’s rail manufacturing industry which is a winner on the global market.
Based on these key findings, the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) would like to present its vision and its suggestions for European policy to 2020 – with the goal of ensuring a sound business environment and sound framework conditions for Europe’s rail sector to be able to reach its full potential and contribute further to the European economy.
DRAFT PROGRAMME
Key findings on the economic footprint of rail transport in Europe by Roelof-Jan Molemaker, Ecorys
Presentation of the CER strategy for the future of the European rail sector by CER Executive Director Libor Lochman Policy recommendations by CER Chairman Christian Kern
Panel discussion:
· Christian Kern, CEO of ÖBB and CER Chairman
· Olivier Onidi, DG MOVE Director General · Roelof-Jan Molemaker, Ecorys · Libor Lochman, CER Executive Director Moderation: Chris Jackson, Railway Gazette
Q&As with the audience
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The event will close with a cocktail reception where discussions will continue informally.
To register for this event, please fill in our registration form before 8 October 2014.
For further information, please contact Aline Bastin
(aline.bastin@cer.be / +32 (0)2 213 08 72).
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ChinaChina steps up railway construction.(China Daily)
Battery trams running in Nanjing - Railway Gazette
Alstom to support the metro development of Nanjing(Alstom)
India
Semi high-speed train runs on eight more routes by year-end.(The Hindu)
Ireland
Special combined Rail & Bus fares for Ploughing Championships
This year’s National Ploughing Championships will take place in Ratheniska, Co. Laois from 23rd to 25th September.
We have teamed up with Bus Éireann to offer customers a special all inclusive 'rail & bus' fare directly to the venue. These special return fares are only available when booked online in advance.
| All Inclusive Rail & Bus Fare* | ||
| Origin | Adult | Child |
| Cork | €35 | €22 |
| Dublin Heuston | €24 | €15 |
| Ennis/Limerick | €35 | €22 |
| Galway | €36 | €22 |
| Tralee | €35 | €22 |
| Waterford | €22 | €15 |
| Westport | €36 | €22 |
Service Arrangements
- Cork to Portlaoise with an onward bus connection to Ratheniska
- Dublin Heuston to Portlaoise with an onward bus connection to Ratheniska
- Ennis/Limerick to Portlaoise with an onward bus connection to Ratheniska
- Galway to Portarlington with an onward bus connection to Ratheniska
- Westport to Portarlington with an onward bus connection to Ratheniska
- Tralee to Portlaoise with an onward bus connection to Ratheniska
- Waterford To Athy with an onward bus connection to Ratheniska
Return Times
Buses will depart Ratheniska 30minutes before the return time on your ticket except customers travelling back to Galway, Waterford, and Westport, buses will depart 40 minutes before the return time on your ticket.
The National Ploughing Championships is an event not be missed as it showcases the very best of Irish Food, Farming and Culture. For more Information on all the event has to offer, go to http://www.npa.ie/
BOOK NOW
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 Book now for the All Ireland Football Finals We are operating additional services along with our regular services in conjunction with the minor and senior fixtures on Sunday 21st September. All services will be very busy so make sure you book your ticket online now  Dublin to Cork CAF Intercity Fleet. =========================== Italy Lower Emissions and Less Noise: First Atribo DMU for Trenitalia Driven by Voith RailPacks leaves PESA =================================================================== Romania Travel planner: Back in time with the Mocăniţa – Romania’s famous steam train Last of the Carphatian Forestry Railways. Official website of the Mocăniţa Steam Train .. Switzerland Stadler Spectacular transport of double-deck trains for Aero ExpressThe first 6-piece double deck for the railroad company Aero Express has started on time his voyage of Muttenz via Amsterdam to the Baltic Sea. The trains will be used on the lines of Moscow city center to the three airports. The first four of a total of 25 trains will be built by Stadler Rail in Altenrhein on Lake Constance. They must be brought to a planned long in transport via Basel (Muttenz), Amsterdam and Sassnitz on the Baltic Sea into Stadler work to Minsk. Since the trains in all CIS countries generally are wider and taller than the rest of Europe, a transport by rail is excluded.Just before the first stage of Altenrhein SG to Auhafen of Muttenz BL introduced the companies involved a number of challenges. So had in consultation with the authorities and police forces all cantons to be traveled a road route to be found, which can be negotiated with such a large-sized vehicle at all. Since it was important to note both the height, for example, if the drive under a bridge, the passage impossible - as well as the width and length. The latter are especially at intersections are a problem. After 13 months of planning the transport mid-August could be tackled and the six cars of the first train arrived on time at the scheduled shipment date Muttenz last Saturday. Then the transport on a Rhine to Amsterdam could be continued. From Amsterdam to travel on a coaster on via the North / Baltic Sea Canal to Sassnitz leads. Where the change takes place on the track Ferry Kaunas, which is equipped with broad gauge tracks. This brings the train to Klaipeda in Lithuania. From there, the train is pulled on the broad gauge route to Minsk, where the commissioning work to be completed in the new Stadler work.Photos Here USA Why has the US failed to build its high-speed rail network?(People Daily) (A Chinese perspective) www.progressiverailroading.com FRA Issues Proposed Rule to Prevent Unintended Movement of Trains ABSTRACT: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration today issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will help protect communities from crude oil and hazardous materials incidents by strengthening requirements for securing unattended freight trains. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that will help protect communities from crude oil and hazardous materials incidents by strengthening requirements for securing unattended freight trains. The proposed rule codifies many of the requirements included in Emergency Order 28, which the FRA issued in August 2013 following the Lac-Megantic accident and strengthens existing regulations for railroad cars containing certain hazardous materials. “Safety is our top priority,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Today’s action is only the latest in more than two dozen steps we have taken in the last year to further safeguard communities along train routes that carry crude oil and other flammable liquids. The new measures proposed in the NPRM would require railroads to: Prevent trains or vehicles transporting specified hazardous materials from being left unattended on a mainline track or side track outside a yard, unless specific securement requirements are followed.Develop a plan identifying such locations or circumstances.Verify securement by qualified persons; and ensure that locks on locomotive cab are secure. Include securement requirements in job briefings.Perform additional inspections by qualified persons when emergency responders have been on equipment.Install locking mechanisms on locomotive doors and repair them in a timely manner. The rule covers equipment containing poisonous by inhalation (PIH) materials and those defined as Division 2.1 (flammable gas), Class 3 (flammable or combustible liquid), Class 1.1 or 1.2 (explosive) materials, or a hazardous substance listed in 49 CFR 173.31(f)(2). This includes most crude oil moved in the United States. “While our existing securement regulations have been largely successful, it’s important in light of events over the past year that we take additional steps to mitigate risk here in the United States,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “This rulemaking will solidify our existing securement regulations and provide additional safeguards against the rolling of unattended freight trains, especially those carrying hazardous materials.” The NPRM is the result of collaborative effort between the industry and other stakeholders who formed a working group to review securement rules, practices and operating procedures over the last year. The working group, convened through the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee in August 2013, submitted its final recommendations for a proposed rule to the FRA in April 2014. The Department has also continued to collaborate with Canada. The Department of Transportation, the FRA and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) have taken more than two dozen actions as part of a comprehensive approach to ensure that the safe transport of hazardous materials by rail is preserved and enhanced. Over the last year, they have issued emergency orders and safety advisories, conducted special inspections such as Operation Classification, and brought together railroad companies and the oil industry to reach an agreement on a series of immediate actions they can take to improve safety including reducing speeds, increasing inspections, using new brake technology, developing improved sampling and testing plans, and investing in first responder training. Additionally, they have issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for a comprehensive rulemaking package regarding the safe transportation of crude oil and plan to announce a proposed rule to address train crew size.
Rail – Moving America Forward
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Events Meet us at InnoTrans 2014..23-26th September 2014,Berlin  |
Wabtec prepares for InnoTrans 2014 Wabtec Corp. said Monday it and its subsidiaries will exhibit in Stand No. 103. Hall 1.2, at InnoTrans 2014 in Berlin, Germany, being held Sept. 23-26. Full Article Here
Other Railway Press Releases
www.railway-technology.com
Construction begins on Newcourt railway station in UK
UK Transport Minister Susan Kramer has cut the first turf on the £1.5m new railway station at Newcourt, Exeter, marking the start of construction on the first of five government-funded stations.
Indra wins contract from Turkish Rail to implement rail network planning system
Consultancy and technology firm Indra has signed a contract with Turkish State Railways to implement a high-speed train management system and a planning system for its rail network.
Siemens to equip Narvik transshipment railroad station in Norway
Siemens has been contracted by the Swedish mining company Bergbaugesellschaft Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag (LKAB) to deliver signalling, instrumentation and control technology to the Narvik transshipment railroad station in northern Norway.
Consultrans to conduct feasibility study of Riyadh-Dammam high-speed railway line
Spanish transport consultancy firm Consultrans has been selected by the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) to perform a ten-month feasibility study of the 480km-long high-speed railway line between Dammam and Riyadh.
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