£400m Edinburgh-Glasgow electrification work out to tender
Network Rail has now begun the tendering process for the electrification of the flagship Edinburgh Waverley-Glasgow Queen Street line.
Invitations to tender for the £400m project, which is part of the Scottish Government’s £650m Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme, have now been issued for return by September.
The project will include156 single track kilometres of electrification works and remodelling and platform extension work at Waverley, Queen St, Croy, Falkirk High, Polmont and Linlithgow.
A new Edinburgh Gateway interchange station will also be constructed at Gogar as part of the project and a new depot created at Millerhill in Edinburgh.
Contracts will be awarded in early 2014 with construction expected to commence next summer. Network Rail is committed to completing the main E-G electrification works in 2016.
Once complete, EGIP will cut journey times and increase capacity on the route between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “I welcome today’s announcement which is further evidence of our commitment to the realisation of the Scottish Government’s ambitious rail electrification programme.
“The electrification of our busiest route will deliver significant improvements in rail journey times and train capacity. EGIP represents a £650 million investment in Scotland’s railway which will create hundreds of jobs providing a major boost to the wealth of Scotland and its long-term economic sustainability.”
David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said: “The EGIP programme is a unique chance to modernise and enhance our railway and transform rail services across the central belt.”
Roger Dickinson, regional director for Network Rail Infrastructure Projects in Scotland and North East England, added: “The tendering process currently underway also offers us an opportunity to continue to develop our new alliancing approach to infrastructure projects – which was recently successfully applied to the Paisley Canal line’s electrification – to work more closely with contractors and stakeholders to deliver in the most efficient, cost-effective way for passengers.”
Invitations to tender for the £400m project, which is part of the Scottish Government’s £650m Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme, have now been issued for return by September.
The project will include156 single track kilometres of electrification works and remodelling and platform extension work at Waverley, Queen St, Croy, Falkirk High, Polmont and Linlithgow.
A new Edinburgh Gateway interchange station will also be constructed at Gogar as part of the project and a new depot created at Millerhill in Edinburgh.
Contracts will be awarded in early 2014 with construction expected to commence next summer. Network Rail is committed to completing the main E-G electrification works in 2016.
Once complete, EGIP will cut journey times and increase capacity on the route between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “I welcome today’s announcement which is further evidence of our commitment to the realisation of the Scottish Government’s ambitious rail electrification programme.
“The electrification of our busiest route will deliver significant improvements in rail journey times and train capacity. EGIP represents a £650 million investment in Scotland’s railway which will create hundreds of jobs providing a major boost to the wealth of Scotland and its long-term economic sustainability.”
David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said: “The EGIP programme is a unique chance to modernise and enhance our railway and transform rail services across the central belt.”
Roger Dickinson, regional director for Network Rail Infrastructure Projects in Scotland and North East England, added: “The tendering process currently underway also offers us an opportunity to continue to develop our new alliancing approach to infrastructure projects – which was recently successfully applied to the Paisley Canal line’s electrification – to work more closely with contractors and stakeholders to deliver in the most efficient, cost-effective way for passengers.”
Improving level crossing safety at Four Ends Lane
Pedestrians and motorists using Four Ends Lane level crossing near Hoscar, Lancashire now have safer journeys after an upgrade to the level crossing in the village.
The old crossing design dated from the 1980s and was designed for much lower usage than experienced today with no signal protection and barriers operated by a crossing attendant.
Following a near miss between a train and a vehicle in September 2012, Network Rail obtained a temporary closure of the crossing while improvement works that had already been designed were implemented.
The new full barrier crossing opened in June and benefits from automatic protection and obstacle detection, substantially reducing the risk for crossing users.
Network Rail route managing director Dyan Crowther said: “Where a road or footpath meets the railway there will always be a risk – tragically, for a few people every year, this results in injury or loss of life.
“The surest way to reduce risk at a level crossing is to close it. If this isn’t possible, then we need to make sure the right safety measures are in place. I’d like to thank local people for their understanding and patience while we worked to complete the upgrade at Four Ends Lane.”
Two south London road bridges to be improved
Work is to take place on two south London bridges which will extend their working life and reduce the need for future maintenance.
Network Rail will strengthen one and replace the other over the next two years as both bridges approach the end of their life expectancy.
Penge Road bridge, near Norwood Junction station, dates back to the early 1850s and needs to be strengthened to meet modern weight limits for buses and heavy vehicles.
Tennison Road bridge, which dates back to the 1920s, will be replaced with a new structure which is expected to last at least 120 years.
Both improvements will reduce the amount of maintenance required in the future, meaning less disruption for passengers and local residents.
Network Rail is working closely with the London Borough of Croydon to accommodate both bridge works and to carefully plan the shortest possible diversions to minimise disruption in the surrounding area.
Tim Robinson, Network Rail’s route managing director for the Sussex route, said: “Modern bridges have to be stronger and more resilient than ever and these improvement works will strengthen one bridge and replace another, greatly reducing the need for further maintenance work.
“Work of this nature is always difficult to carry out without causing some disruption but in busy residential areas it is even more of a challenge. Residents and businesses can be assured we are working closely with the local authority and TfL to minimise this as much as possible.”
Councillor Jason Perry, cabinet member for planning, regeneration and transport, said: “This is a significant investment in Croydon’s transport network and will provide long-term benefits to drivers and local residents. We’ll be working closely with TfL throughout these projects to keep them on time so as to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience. While we appreciate this may cause disruption, these works will reduce the amount of maintenance required in the future.”
The Penge Road bridge strengthening is being funded by the London Borough of Croydon and Network Rail.
Pedestrian access over the railway will be maintained at Tennison Road at all times and for the majority of the time at Penge Road - however there may be occasions when a temporary complete, short-term closure is required to carry out certain work.
Anyone wanting further information about the work can contact Network Rail on 08457 114141
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Penge Road bridge, near Norwood Junction station, dates back to the early 1850s and needs to be strengthened to meet modern weight limits for buses and heavy vehicles.
Tennison Road bridge, which dates back to the 1920s, will be replaced with a new structure which is expected to last at least 120 years.
Both improvements will reduce the amount of maintenance required in the future, meaning less disruption for passengers and local residents.
Network Rail is working closely with the London Borough of Croydon to accommodate both bridge works and to carefully plan the shortest possible diversions to minimise disruption in the surrounding area.
Tim Robinson, Network Rail’s route managing director for the Sussex route, said: “Modern bridges have to be stronger and more resilient than ever and these improvement works will strengthen one bridge and replace another, greatly reducing the need for further maintenance work.
“Work of this nature is always difficult to carry out without causing some disruption but in busy residential areas it is even more of a challenge. Residents and businesses can be assured we are working closely with the local authority and TfL to minimise this as much as possible.”
Councillor Jason Perry, cabinet member for planning, regeneration and transport, said: “This is a significant investment in Croydon’s transport network and will provide long-term benefits to drivers and local residents. We’ll be working closely with TfL throughout these projects to keep them on time so as to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience. While we appreciate this may cause disruption, these works will reduce the amount of maintenance required in the future.”
The Penge Road bridge strengthening is being funded by the London Borough of Croydon and Network Rail.
Transport for London (TfL) is providing funding for the new Tennison Road bridge to make wider than the current structure. This will make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians with a wider carriageway and wider footpaths. The current three tonne weight restriction will be lifted which could improve local transport links as buses will be able to use the bridge.
Preliminary work at Penge Road is due to start in August 2013, with the main project getting underway in November, to be completed in February 2014.
Preliminary work at Tennison Road will start from January 2014, with the main work starting in September 2014, finishing in spring 2015. The bridge carries a number of utilities across the railway and utility companies will be carrying out investigations in advance of the work so they can be safely rerouted.
Anyone wanting further information about the work can contact Network Rail on 08457 114141
A BILL TO
Make provision authorising expenditure in preparation for a high speed
railway transport network.
railway transport network.
Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and
consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present
Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present
Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
1. Preparatory expenditure
(1)The Secretary of State may, with the approval of the Treasury, incur expenditure in
preparation for a high speed railway transport network.
preparation for a high speed railway transport network.
(2)The network referred to in subsection (1) is a network which—
(a)5involves the construction of railway lines connecting at least—
- London,
- Birmingham,
- the East Midlands,
- Sheffield,
- Leeds, and
- Manchester, and
(b)connects with the existing railway transport network.
(3)The expenditure which may be incurred under subsection (1) includes
expenditure on—
expenditure on—
(a)15preparation for the construction of any railway line and any other
infrastructure proposed to be included at any time in the network
referred to in subsection (1), and
infrastructure proposed to be included at any time in the network
referred to in subsection (1), and
(b)preparation for the provision of services as part of that network.
(4)The expenditure mentioned in subsection (3) includes expenditure incurred—
(a)20on pre-construction activity (such as surveying and design),
(b)in acquiring property, and
(c)in providing compensation in respect of property likely to be affected.
(5)In this Act, references to incurring expenditure include incurring liabilities.
High Speed Rail (Preparation) BillPage 2
(6)Expenditure incurred under this section is to be defrayed out of money provided by
Parliament.
Parliament.
2. Financial reports
(1)The Secretary of State must prepare a report on expenditure under section 1 in
5relation to each financial year.
5relation to each financial year.
(2)Each report must contain details of—
(a)expenditure incurred under section 1 during the financial year to which
the report relates;
the report relates;
(b)total expenditure incurred under section 1 up to the end of that year;
(c)10sums or assets received in that year in connection with expenditure
incurred under section 1.
incurred under section 1.
(3)In this section, “financial year” means—
(a)the period beginning with the day on which this Act is passed and
ending with 31 March 2015, and
ending with 31 March 2015, and
(b)15each subsequent period of 12 months.
(4)The Secretary of State must lay each report under this section before
Parliament as soon as is reasonably practicable after the end of the financial
year to which it relates.
Parliament as soon as is reasonably practicable after the end of the financial
year to which it relates.
(5)No report is required in relation to a financial year in which there is nothing to
20record under subsection (2)(a) and (c).
20record under subsection (2)(a) and (c).
3. Extent, commencement and short title
(1)This Act extends to England and Wales and to Scotland.
(2)This Act comes into force on the day on which it is passed.
(3)This Act may be cited as the High Speed Rail (Preparation) Act 2013.
View more HERE
==================================================
30742 charters
20 Portia Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands. B90 2NW. E-mail mail.30742@BTinternet.com
Monday 16th September 2013
Middleton Railway – featuring Slough Estates No.3 and Manning Wardle Matthew Murray
Three years on from our highly successful Manchester Ship Canal Days at the Middleton I’m pleased to announce a return visit which will feature both HUDSWELL CLARKE 1544 OF 1921 – “Slough Estates No.3” and MANNING WARDLE 1601 OF 1903 “Matthew Murray” . The timing of the event is particularly pertinent as the boiler ticket of Matthew Murray expires in October and its cylinder block is somewhat fragile so this may be the last opportunity to do a charter with the engine for some time
Charter will commence at 9am and finish around 5pm .
I did look at a weekend but with service trains running and the prospect of being locked in the Balm Road branch for the majority of the day I’ve opted for a Monday when we have full use of the line with no service trains running and will make use of the lines restored goods vehicles in different combinations .
The cost for this is hopefully a very reasonable £45 . The buffet should also be open for the provision of refreshments
Please make cheques payable to 30742 Charters and send to 20 Portia Avenue , Shirley, Solihull , West Midlands B90 2NW or payment via Paypal to martin.creese@btinternet.com paying a friend otherwise unfortunately paypal costs are incurred . Pleas also feel free to e-mail me to secure your place
Please book me ____ places on the Middleton Railway event on the 16th September 2013 at £45 per place
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"American needs a new direction, a new project to work on... building our national high speed rail network is that project!"
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High speed rail = high tech jobs + big construction + real estate development + manufacturing + tourism + speedy efficient transportation for all
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HIGH SPEED RAIL is the nation-building project we need for America right now. All our industries can come together to participate in the transformation of the nation.
This national project will create millions of jobs across all sectors while stimulating every industry with a flood of new business. In addition, HSR delivers the largest, most comprehensive solution to many of the serious problems we face as a nation including our crumbling outdated infrastructure, major congestion in every region, rising energy costs, dependence on foreign oil, climate change, our shaky economy, declining second-tier cities, and loss of manufacturing jobs.
Addressing ALL of these problems simultaneously with high speed rail makes it the bargain of the century, and the smartest thing we can invest in as a nation.
High speed rail is proven successful and profitable everywhere its built, and has nearly a 50 year track record of safe, efficient operations moving billions of people. High speed rail is currently in operation in more than 20 countries, under construction in more than 10 countries, and in development in another 14 countries. It's time for America to be part of this winner's list! More info |
FUTURE OF AMERICAN LEADERSHIP - RAY LAHOOD
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SECRETARY LAHOOD CALLS ON LEADERSOutgoing Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has proven to be a great bipartisan leader with vision and persistence. "We commend Secretary LaHood for his leadership on high speed rail and taking the nation in this exciting new direction," said Andy Kunz, USHSR President. "He will long be remembered as the national champion of high speed rail!"
As the Secretary moves on to the next chapter of his life, he shares some thoughts on American leadership at this critical time in our history:
"Over the course of my career - 17 years as a Capitol Hill aide, 14 years as a congressman, 4 1/2 years as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation - I've seen my mentors, my colleagues and even my rivals come together and solve big problems. Time and time again, the quality they've all shared is leadership. The funny thing about leadership is that while it's hard to define, it's very easy to identify. People know a leader when they see one.
Here are a few key qualities I've observed in strong leaders: Leaders judge honestly. In politics we are required to make judgments on what people say or do, but we can do that without passing judgment on their character or motivation. Leaders are prudent. They are practical and use common sense. Prudence is a quiet quality and demands long periods of considered judgment rather than catchy speeches
Leaders conduct themselves with civility. - in victory or defeat. They create an atmosphere in which problems can be solved.
Leaders take responsibility for how they conduct themselves and for the decisions they make. People want leaders who answer for their actions.
Successful public service in a democracy does not mean the destruction of one's enemies. If, in the midst of secession and strife, President Abraham Lincoln could say to his countrymen, "We are not enemies, but friends," then surely we can do the same today.
Solving the difficult problems that face our nation has always been hard. It was hard for Lincoln to keep the union together during the Civil War. It was hard for Congress to pass a civil rights bill that ensured equal rights for all Americans. And it was hard for us to balance the budget in the 1990s. But we did it. And we did it together. We certainly can do it again.
The qualities I've laid out may seem less valued in today's Washington, but that is precisely why they are most important. The next generation is counting on us to do more. Let's start by being better leaders, being bipartisan and being willing to compromise." -Secretary Ray LaHood, July 2013. More info
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WELCOME TO WASHINGTON DC SECRETARY FOXX!
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SECRETARY FOXX ARRIVES TO DC!Today Anthony Foxx is sworn in as the new U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary.
As mayor of one of the nation's fastest growing cities, Anthony Foxx has been on the front lines delivering transportation services to the public, boosting economic growth, and creating jobs. Foxx has been the mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina since 2009.
"We congratulate and welcome Secretary Foxx to Washington DC," said USHSR President Andy Kunz. "We look forward to working with him to advance high speed rail and Transit Oriented Development throughout America, across party lines." More info
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NEW Zealand's government says it will pay up to half of the $NZ 2.86bn ($US 2.21bn) cost of constructing the proposed 3.5km underground City Rail Loop in Auckland. However, the timeframe for starting the project has been extended to 2020 with no completion date specified.
NETHERLANDS Railways (NS) has confirmed that it will order Bombardier Traxx locomotives to replace the abandoned V250 high-speed trains manufactured by AnsaldoBreda for Fyra services between Amsterdam and Brussels.
SPANISH operator Renfe last week approved the establishment of four new subsidiaries that will assume responsibility for its passenger and freight operations, rolling stock maintenance, and a new rolling stock leasing division.
Walsh/Shea Corridor Constructors wins $1.27bn Crenshaw/LAX transit corridor project
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) in California, US, has awarded a $1.2bn design-build contract for the Crenshaw/LAX transit corridor project to Walsh/Shea Corridor Constructors. Bombardier Transportation has secured a €327m order from S-Bahn Hamburg, a subsidiary of DB Regio, to supply 60 new single and dual-voltage commuter trains. Systra to assist Danish rail electrification programme Danish railway infrastructure operator Banedanmark has awarded a contract to French firm Systra for advise on its nationwide rail electrification programme. Toshiba to supply electrical equipment for Rio de Janeiro trains Toshiba has secured a JPY6bn ($60m) contract from a consortium of China National Machinery (CMC) and Chinese rolling stock manufacturer Changchun Railway Vehicles (CRC) to supply electrical equipment for trains in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More News... Shedmaster Railway News Fort Wayne passenger train plan released Western Dedicated Freight Corridor contract awarded - Railway Gazette Modernised tram presented to Iaşi - Railway Gazette World Heritage & Railway News GWR - Gloucestershire's mainline heritage railway - The Great Railway Treasure Hunt 2013 BBC News - Magnificent Mallard: The world's fastest steam locomotive How Mallard inspired a nation. Railway Engineering News Talgo signs 603-car Kazakh contract - Railway Gazette Metropolis is up and running in Amsterdam! National adaptation programme: transport - Publications - Inside Government - GOV.UK |
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