Building resilience in the railways ahead of potential winter ..and other..weather events, as at Dawlish..
Building for the future... the Crossrail project and the possibility of an extension to Hertfordshire...
.. and building a skills legacy with the announcement of the 100th apprentice..
But according to George Osborne, regarding northern projects, its a case of welfare or big transport projects.....
And the issue of driverless trains.........
Click on the links....
Headlines
UK
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin visit to new Crossrail station
(transportgov.uk on YouTube)
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin visited the site of the new Crossrail station at Farringdon on 7 August 2014 to hear how it will transform travel across London and meet with apprentices and staff working on the project.
Press Release
Crossrail contractor Bam Ferrovial Kier appoints its 100th apprentice
· A century of apprenticeships notched up as Transport Secretary visits Crossrail Farringdon station
· Crossrail’s successful apprenticeship programme could be rolled out to future infrastructure projects and other sectors
Bam Ferrovial Kier (BFK), one of the major contractors delivering Crossrail, has appointed its 100th apprentice.
The appointment of Jordan Malcolm-Taylor, 20, from Haringey, was celebrated by Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport, when he visited the Farringdon Crossrail site earlier today.
Jordan joined the team working on the Farringdon Crossrail station in May. Previously unemployed, he was recruited from Crossrail’s Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy in Ilford and works on the team as an apprentice carpenter.
In total, Crossrail and its primary contractors have now employed 360 apprentices in support of the Mayor of London’s campaign to create 250,000 apprenticeship roles by 2016. BFK has taken on more apprentices than any other company working on Europe’s largest construction project. Almost one in two Crossrail apprenticeship roles have been filled by those previously not in work. Crossrail is on track to deliver 400 apprentices by the end of the project.
Patrick McLoughlin, Transport Secretary said: “Crossrail is leading the way in developing a new generation of skilled workers, and it is great to see young people like Jordan embrace the opportunities on offer.
“By investing record amounts in the rail network, we are not only transforming journeys for millions of passengers, we are also creating a skills legacy that will boost our construction and engineering industries for decades to come. Today’s announcement is proof that our long-term plan to create jobs, invest in young people and secure lasting economic growth is firmly on track.”
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said: “It is fantastic that so many young people have been given the opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, learning valuable, transferable skills along the way. I would encourage other employers to follow BFK’s lead and offer apprenticeships, giving this eager, enthusiastic workforce the chance to drive forward London’s vibrant economy.”
Jordan Malcolm-Taylor, Carpenter Apprentice for BFK at Crossrail Farringdon said: “I enjoy being a Bam Ferrovial Kier apprentice; I always wanted to get into learning the construction trade. I chose carpentry as I like being creative and working with my hands. This apprenticeship has influenced me to be more independent and is preparing me to take on new responsibilities.”
Luis Amorim, BFK Joint Venture Managing Director said: “The construction industry needs 120,000 apprentices over the next five years to fill an emerging skills gap. Although employing our 100th apprentice may feel like a ‘drop in the ocean’ against this challenging background, we are very proud of having trained one in every four apprentices across the whole of the Crossrail programme. And we will not stop at our 100th apprentice; Bam Ferrovial Kier JV is fully committed to engaging with young people in our local communities from all walks of life, to develop them through their vocational choices, for as long as we are jointly delivering this exciting Crossrail programme."
Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail Chief Executive said: “We set ambitious targets for ourselves and our contractors to employ apprentices. The response has been phenomenal. BFK deserves special commendation for taking on their 100th apprentice. Every apprentice employed on Crossrail has developed new skills, helping their careers, but also improving the UK’s skills base too. We want our approach to apprentices to be adopted by future infrastructure projects, helping with youth unemployment and filling skill gaps in the industry.”
BFK has built the two railway tunnels that run between Paddington and the new Farringdon Crossrail station. It is also building the station tunnel caverns at Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road and all the works at Farringdon.
From 2018 Farringdon will become one of the UK’s best connected train stations, linking Thameslink, London Underground and Crossrail. More than 140 trains will pass through the station every hour including 24 Crossrail trains an hour in each direction during peak times; 16 Thameslink trains per hour to London Bridge and 24 trains an hour to St Pancras and Blackfriars. Farringdon will directly link to three of London’s five airports and to St Pancras International for Eurostar services.
Since 2009, TfL and its supply chain have created over 5,000 apprenticeship roles in support of the Mayor’s campaign. The apprentices are making a vital contribution to London’s economy supporting the investment and improvement of London’s transport network.
Ends
GOV.UK
Government launches study into potential Crossrail extension
Plans would see faster rail services for Hertfordshire passengers and pave the way for a more ambitious redevelopment of Euston station.
Rail passengers in Hertfordshire could benefit from quicker services that are more direct into central London.
In a move that would boost ambitious plans to redevelop Euston station for HS2, a feasibility study will look at how passengers from key commuter towns such as Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Harrow and Watford could save up to 15 minutes on their journey times via a new rail link between Old Oak Common and the West Coast Main Line.
The proposed changes would see Crossrail services extended to the county, providing direct journeys into the City and the West End. It would mean passengers would no longer have to change at Euston, making it easier to get on with the massive job of rebuilding the station so it matches the standard of Kings Cross and St Pancras.
The announcement came as Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin visited Farringdon station today (7 August 2014), where he met with the 100th apprentice appointed by Crossrail contractor Bam Ferrovial Kier to work on Europe’s largest infrastructure project.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:
We are investing record amounts to build a world-class railway, so it is vital we seize every opportunity to make the most of these once in a generation schemes. That is why I have asked HS2 Limited to work closely with the Crossrail sponsors to look at extending Crossrail services to key destinations in Hertfordshire. Not only would this be a huge boost to passengers and the local economy, it would also provide flexibility when building HS2 into Euston, making sure we create a lasting legacy for the station.
Initial analysis suggests 40% of passengers travelling into London from these locations finish their journeys within 1 kilometre of a Crossrail station, compared to just 10% within 1km of Euston. The link would have the added benefit of reducing congestion at the station, specifically for passengers using the southbound Northern and Victoria lines.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:
More than 11,000 people are currently working on Crossrail at more than 40 sites. The new route will provide a major boost for commuters, providing a 10% increase in capacity for rail in London. Farringdon will be at the heart of that transformation with more than 150,000 people a day using the interchange to access Thameslink, Tube and Crossrail services.I have always maintained that the renaissance of Euston is a fantastic opportunity for regeneration in our city and one we should not miss. Providing a new rail route into the capital for passengers from Hertfordshire will be vital for Euston to be properly redeveloped to accommodate HS2 and to maximise the delivery of new homes and jobs in London and beyond.
On his visit to the site, the Transport Secretary outlined the government’s work in improving infrastructure with more than £70 billion earmarked for transport over the next Parliament. This will include the biggest programme of road investment since the 1970s and the largest investment in rail since the Victorian era.
The government is also forging ahead with its plans for HS2. The new north to south railway is vital to rebalancing the economy of the country and will provide more than double the number of seats between London and Birmingham, transporting the equivalent of the population of Nottingham every day.
It will also release space on the existing railway which has huge potential for increased freight services - meaning fewer cars and lorries on our roads, cutting congestion and carbon.
ENDS
From the Archives: More details from the New Economics Foundation report.(StopHS2)
Rail industry reviews prospects for driverless trains.(FT.com)
Proposals to extend Crossrail to Hertfordshire to be announced.(BBC News)
A BBC report says that proposals to extend Crossrail to Hertfordshire are being considered by the government,which the transport secretary is expected to announce later.
Mr McLoughlin is expected to say that the proposals would take the pressure off the Tube's busiest sections and make it easier to improve Euston, with stations likely to get Crossrail services including Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford Junction, Berkhamsted and Harrow and Wealdstone.
Debate over rail or tram system for south Wales.(BBC News)
Rail service ‘not fit for purpose’ (The Yorkshire Post)
Union protest planned at Sheffield railway station.(The Star)
Shadow Minister slams Todmorden Curve trains delay.(Burnley Express)
London gets 24 times as much spent on infrastructure per resident than north-east England.(The Guardian)
Osborne warns of choice between welfare and big transport projects.(herald scotland)
Network Rail ramps up weather resilience following UK floods.(ediewater)
Network Rail
'Orange army' continues its work at Dawlish
Network Rail’s ‘orange army’ is continuing to work hard at Dawlish to repair the damage caused by the storms at the beginning of the year and to put in place measures to protect the area against any future extreme weather.
Since the reopening of the railway line on 4 April, engineers have been working round-the-clock to repair the damage caused to the sea wall and walkways. This has increasingly involved working during the night and at weekends, as staff work around train services.
While the work to repair the damage is nearing completion, further work is ongoing to prevent future closures caused by extreme weather. This work will continue until early next year and involves stabilising parts of the cliff between Teignmouth and Dawlish by removing slipped material, and adding netting and nailing to prevent any movement towards the track.
Tom Kirkham, Project Manager at Network Rail, said: “The reopening of the railway at Dawlish was just the start of a long process, not only to repair the damage caused by the storms but to make the area more weatherproof for the future.
“We understand that local residents are keen that this work be completed as soon as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. I would like to thank the local community for their continued patience and support, and reassure them that our staff are working round-the-clock to complete this essential work as quickly and safely as possible.”
Detailed below are the latest updates on the work being undertaken:
Dawlish Warren to Dawlish
Teignmouth to Smugglers Lane
While the work to repair the damage is nearing completion, further work is ongoing to prevent future closures caused by extreme weather. This work will continue until early next year and involves stabilising parts of the cliff between Teignmouth and Dawlish by removing slipped material, and adding netting and nailing to prevent any movement towards the track.
Tom Kirkham, Project Manager at Network Rail, said: “The reopening of the railway at Dawlish was just the start of a long process, not only to repair the damage caused by the storms but to make the area more weatherproof for the future.
“We understand that local residents are keen that this work be completed as soon as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. I would like to thank the local community for their continued patience and support, and reassure them that our staff are working round-the-clock to complete this essential work as quickly and safely as possible.”
Detailed below are the latest updates on the work being undertaken:
Dawlish Warren to Dawlish
- The section of walkway from Boat Cove to Coast Guard footbridge is open
- The section of walkway from Dawlish Warren to Rockstone footbridge opened on 3 June, two weeks ahead of schedule
- The majority of the overflow car park at Dawlish Warren station is now available again for public use
- Due to essential work being undertaken to raise the lower walkway between Coast Guard and Rockstone Bridge, this section will remain closed until early next year.
- The high tide diversionary route via Exeter Road will remain in place for the duration of this work.
Teignmouth to Smugglers Lane
- It is anticipated that the section of sea wall walkway between Teignmouth and Smugglers Lane will be reopened to the public on 12 August. This follows the challenging work of stabilising parts of the cliff and the extended work to repair Sprey Point ramp.
- In order to accommodate cliff stabilisation work between Teignmouth and Smugglers Lane, the walkway will be closed overnight on Saturdays. Overnight closures may also occur on some mid-week days, but only if it is essential.
Work to repair the sea wall and walkway at Teignmouth (Network Rail Photo)
Sustainability update 2013/14.(Network Rail).
Great Western route modernisation.Network Rail).
International
Australia
With networks and operators facing increased capacity demands and cost reduction targets, proactive asset management is well and truly in the spotlight.
With that in mind, we caught up with several operators from three states to find out how they are driving predictive maintenance. Including:
- Tim Griffin, OAM, Regional Asset Maintenance Superintendent, Aurizon (Queensland)
- Ben Staples, Asset Management Specialist, MTM (Victoria)
- Steve Boshier, Asset Integration Manager, V/Line (Victoria)
- Warwick Talbot, General Manager of Engineering and System Integrity, Sydney Trains (NSW)
In this update you can learn more about:
• Latest efforts in remote condition monitoring
• The use of real-time data to improve operations
• Asset management certification
• Network system interoperability
RAIL SAFETY PARTNERSHIPS LAUNCHED.(TASRAIL)
Rail Safety is an important issue that affects the whole community. Each year, too many Tasmanians indulge in risk-taking behaviour when they choose to ignore level crossing signals, trespass in the rail corridor or take part in dangerous acts near trains and on the tracks. More..
ITALY
Italo: Increasing its high-speed rail market share with quality services.(European Railway Review)
The Brenner Base Tunnel – A railway line for the future(European Railway Review)
Russia
Russian Railways facts (Russian Railways on YouTube)
Russian Railways Commercial produced by CNN and voiced by David Seys
USA
Environmental study begins on possible routes for high-speed rail connecting Houston to Dallas.(Community Impact)
Feds take first step in bringing high speed rail to Amtrak's Northeast Corridor in NJ.(News12)
$11 Billion Later, High-Speed Rail Is Inching Along.(NYTimes)
www.progressiverailroading.com
Other Railway Press Releases
www.railway-technology.com
Jacobs to provide engineering services for light rail systems in Pennsylvania
US-based Jacobs Engineering Group has secured a contract from the Port Authority of Allegheny County in Pennsylvania, US, to offer engineering design services for light rail transit systems.
Alstom and Huawei to test metro LTE technology
French train manufacturer Alstom and Huawei have launched the first live testing of a long-term evolution (LTE) multi-services broadband radio network technology for the metro market.
Transmashholding completes TEM35 locomotive testing
Russian rail manufacturer Transmashholding has finished testing its TEM35 shunting diesel locomotive with a hybrid power unit.
Hitachi Rail to equip Class 37 locomotives with ETCS
Hitachi Rail Europe has signed a contract with the UK's Network Rail to install the European train control system (ETCS) on two Class 37 locomotives.
SmartRail World
Project focus: Lone Star Rail District (Texas, USA)
Today SmartRail World travels to Texas to take a look at an exciting new $1.8 billion development in American rail, the Lone Star Rail District and its LSTAR rail service, and speak exclusively to Joseph Black, its Rail Director and expert speaker at SmartRail USA. Lone Star Rail District is an independent public agency focused solely on the mission of providing regional passenger rail service to Central and South Texas along the Austin/San Antonio corridor. The 80-mile Austin-San Antonio corridor is home to more than 4 million people, numerous colleges and universities, and some of Texas’ most dynamic industries and popular destinations. It is also the fastest growing mega-region in the United States. The project is currently undergoing environmental studies with an aim of being operational in 2020.
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The Future of US Rail.(SmartRail World)
Learn more about the rapidly growing opportunities in the USA's rail and metro industry with: The Future of US Rail.
By downloading this e-book, you will:
- Gain insight into the current state of the US rail and metro industry
- Read exclusive interviews with international experts and find out what they see as the future trends and developments within rail and metro
- Find out more about what the future holds for PTC
- Discover how access to transport is key for American millennials when choosing where to live
- Learn more about the gradual rise of metro and rail naming rights sales
Think Railways
Czech Republic: Kapsch finalizes two GSM-R projects
For the railway sections Lanžhot (CZ) – Kúty (SK) and Breclav (CZ) – Hohenau (AT) the European Train Control System (ETCS) is now available. Kapsch, a leading supplier of radio communication systems for railway operators around the world, equipped the two routes with GSM-R (GSM for railways) technology. More
Bulgaria launched signalling and telecommunication systems implementation project worth EUR 39 million
Bulgarian National railway infrastructure company (NRIC) launched the construction of a signaling systems along Plovdiv – Septemvri railway line and telecommunication systems along Sofia – Plovdiv line. The project cost is estimated at BGN 76 million (EUR 39 million. More
Latvian Railways plans EUR 387 million investment in infrastructure for 2014-2015
Latvian Railways (LDz) has planned for this year an investment of EUR 220.15 million in railway infrastructure projects. Along with infrastructure development projects like Construction of the second track in section Skriveri – Krustpils, Reconstruction of marshalling hump in Škirotava station, Construction of Bolderaja 2 station with connecting track to terminals in Krievu, Latvian Railways will launch this year additional projects funded under the EU Cohesion Fund. Among these projects are the modernization of data transmission network, modernization of signaling system and reconstruction of rail tracks in Liepaja station, installation of traffic management system in Riga marshalling yard, the modernisation of 16 railway stations on Jurmala – Jelgava railway line. More
Rolling stock
Belarusian Railways’ TME3 shunting locomotive on display at InnoTrans
Belarusian Railways’ TME3 shunting locomotive will be at InnoTrans. Developed by Czech company CZ LOKO and assembled at Leda Locomotive Depot, the two-axle shunting locomotive TME3 is part of the investment project “Modernization and manufacturing of shunting locomotives in the Republic of Belarus”. More
Uzbekistan Railways to purchase ten O’ZEL electric locomotives by the end of the year
Before the end of this year Uzbekistan Railways plans to purchase another ten O’ZEL electric locomotives, produced by consortium CNRLDC (PRC) and Japanese Toshiba, according to the specifications Uzbek railway experts. The acquisition is part of the project “Uzbekistan Railways locomotive fleet renewal” which provides for more than 20 O’ZEL freight locomotives with participation of China’s Exim Bank. More
Czech Railways purchases 14 EMUs from Skoda Transportation
Czech Railways (CD) and Skoda Transportation signed a CZK 2.6 billion (EUR 96 million) contract for the supply of 14 electric multiple-units, based on the RegioPanter concept line. The units will be manufactured between 2015 and 2016 and will be operated on long-distance routes.More
KVSZ interested in delivering passenger trains to Moldovan Railways
During a meeting with Moldova’s Minister of Economy, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Chisinau stressed the interests of the rolling stock manufacturer Kryukov Railway Car Building Works (KVSZ) to cooperate with Moldovan Railways (CFM), in regarding the supply of passenger cars. More
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