"Intelligent electrification".. re-opening Dartmoor railway as a Dawlish alternative.. Vossloh reorganizing..."the certainty" attached to UK infrastructure projects, including HS2....Scarborough rail bridge refurbishment....DB Schenker and the airline cartel negotiations...UK House of Lords Economic Committee seeks evidence from London Midland, Virgin and TfL.....and more..
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UK
Birmingham Curzon HS2 Masterplan wins planning award (Birmingham Post)
Network Rail
Find out more about the major refurbishment of Scarborough rail bridge
Network Rail Picture.
Residents, businesses and passengers can find out more about the refurbishment of Scarborough rail bridge (York) this week, as the team behind the work holds an open day.
On Thursday, 4 December, between 10am and 7pm, at the site offices in Marygate car park, Frederic Street (YO30 7DT), anyone who is interested in the work is encouraged to come along, ask questions and find out more. Attendees can speak to the people running this major project about the plans, the work being undertaken and how long it’s going to take.
The £6m investment is the most significant since the bridge was built in 1875 and, once complete, will mean that the bridge is fit for another 120 years’ service. Work will involve replacing bridge decks, track and installing a new walkway for railway workers. The project is due to complete in April 2015.
Network Rail and City of York Council are also exploring potentially redesigning the public footbridge – which is next to Scarborough Bridge - and are working to make sure the newly-refurbished rail bridge takes account of these possible redesigns.
However, any work to the footbridge will not take place at the same time of the rail bridge refurbishment. This is because they are independent structures, and the work programme for the rail bridge is complex and already underway.
Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: “The Scarborough Bridge has given good service for 140 years but is now due refurbishment. Once these improvements are complete, many parts of the bridge will not need any further work for decades. We will have people working on site every day to get this work finished.
“This is a complex project as the bridge spans the River Ouse and is in the middle of a residential area with narrow streets as well as being close to several important rail lines. We have worked very closely with City of York Council and First TransPennine Express to minimise the impact of the work on both local residents and the travelling public. I thank them for their patience while we undertake these essential works.”
When the bridge’s decks are replaced in February 2015, trains will not be able to run over the bridge. The new decks will be installed from Marygate car park using a large crawler crane.
This is being carefully managed between Network Rail and First TransPennine Express, and buses will replace trains between York and Scarborough from 14 to 22 February 2015; during the school half-term holidays. More detailed information will be issued over the coming weeks.
Anna-Jane Hunter, from First TransPennine Express, said: “We are working with Network Rail to minimise the disruption caused by the improvement works and put in place the best possible journey options for customers.
"Express coaches will replace rail services between York and Scarborough and we will shortly be issuing updated timetables and customer information posters.
"We would advise customers to check before they travel and allow extra time to complete their journey. Full details of the improvements works and alternative arrangements will be available from National Rail Enquiries."
As part of the work, it was necessary to remove some trees and vegetation from the railway embankment immediately north east of the bridge, but these will be replaced with a replanting scheme after the work finishes in the spring of 2015, which has been approved by the Bootham 2025 project. A full ecological study has been carried out.
Network Rail has planned this work closely with the Canal and Rivers Trust, Natural England and Environment Agency, securing the necessary permissions. This is because the River Ouse will need to be closed to river traffic for certain times while the works are undertaken.
The footpaths under the bridge and footbridge which is attached to the rail bridge will need to be closed at various times next February for safety purposes. This will be kept to a minimum where possible.
This is the first reconstruction of Scarborough Bridge for more than 140 years. The bridge is life-expired and needs to be replaced.
Once completed the bridge deck:
The work will mean that the bridge is capable of carrying heavy steam services, such as the Flying Scotsman
Half term is quietest period for FTPE which is why the removal and replacement of the deck has been scheduled for then
Network Rail’s 24-hour, helpline is available for anyone to report any issues with the rail infrastructures on 08457 11 41 41
08457 11 41 41
GOV.UK
Lord Deighton: National Infrastructure Plan 2014
Lord Deighton spoke to conference delegates about infrastructure in the UK.
I came into government two years ago to help this country build the infrastructure we need. It clearly can’t have been an accident that we had Isambard Kingdom Brunel – as portrayed by Kenneth Branagh – as one of the stars in that spectacular first scene in the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
My mandate from the PM and Chancellor was 3-fold: “Delivery, delivery, delivery.”
You can’t have a successful 21st century economy without 21st century infrastructure.
Infrastructure is vital to improving the productivity of this country – and it is at the heart of ensuring the UK’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Continue reading...
Improving Victoria Tube Station. (TfL on YouTube)
The £6m investment is the most significant since the bridge was built in 1875 and, once complete, will mean that the bridge is fit for another 120 years’ service. Work will involve replacing bridge decks, track and installing a new walkway for railway workers. The project is due to complete in April 2015.
Network Rail and City of York Council are also exploring potentially redesigning the public footbridge – which is next to Scarborough Bridge - and are working to make sure the newly-refurbished rail bridge takes account of these possible redesigns.
However, any work to the footbridge will not take place at the same time of the rail bridge refurbishment. This is because they are independent structures, and the work programme for the rail bridge is complex and already underway.
Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: “The Scarborough Bridge has given good service for 140 years but is now due refurbishment. Once these improvements are complete, many parts of the bridge will not need any further work for decades. We will have people working on site every day to get this work finished.
“This is a complex project as the bridge spans the River Ouse and is in the middle of a residential area with narrow streets as well as being close to several important rail lines. We have worked very closely with City of York Council and First TransPennine Express to minimise the impact of the work on both local residents and the travelling public. I thank them for their patience while we undertake these essential works.”
When the bridge’s decks are replaced in February 2015, trains will not be able to run over the bridge. The new decks will be installed from Marygate car park using a large crawler crane.
This is being carefully managed between Network Rail and First TransPennine Express, and buses will replace trains between York and Scarborough from 14 to 22 February 2015; during the school half-term holidays. More detailed information will be issued over the coming weeks.
Anna-Jane Hunter, from First TransPennine Express, said: “We are working with Network Rail to minimise the disruption caused by the improvement works and put in place the best possible journey options for customers.
"Express coaches will replace rail services between York and Scarborough and we will shortly be issuing updated timetables and customer information posters.
"We would advise customers to check before they travel and allow extra time to complete their journey. Full details of the improvements works and alternative arrangements will be available from National Rail Enquiries."
As part of the work, it was necessary to remove some trees and vegetation from the railway embankment immediately north east of the bridge, but these will be replaced with a replanting scheme after the work finishes in the spring of 2015, which has been approved by the Bootham 2025 project. A full ecological study has been carried out.
Network Rail has planned this work closely with the Canal and Rivers Trust, Natural England and Environment Agency, securing the necessary permissions. This is because the River Ouse will need to be closed to river traffic for certain times while the works are undertaken.
The footpaths under the bridge and footbridge which is attached to the rail bridge will need to be closed at various times next February for safety purposes. This will be kept to a minimum where possible.
Notes:
Scarborough bridge was originally built in 1845, and was rebuilt in 1875This is the first reconstruction of Scarborough Bridge for more than 140 years. The bridge is life-expired and needs to be replaced.
Once completed the bridge deck:
- Won’t have to be replaced for 120 years
- Won’t need painting for 25 years
- Will have improved track drainage
- Will have a safe walking route for our engineers to use
The work will mean that the bridge is capable of carrying heavy steam services, such as the Flying Scotsman
Half term is quietest period for FTPE which is why the removal and replacement of the deck has been scheduled for then
Network Rail’s 24-hour, helpline is available for anyone to report any issues with the rail infrastructures on 08457 11 41 41
GOV.UK
Lord Deighton: National Infrastructure Plan 2014
Lord Deighton spoke to conference delegates about infrastructure in the UK.
I came into government two years ago to help this country build the infrastructure we need. It clearly can’t have been an accident that we had Isambard Kingdom Brunel – as portrayed by Kenneth Branagh – as one of the stars in that spectacular first scene in the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
My mandate from the PM and Chancellor was 3-fold: “Delivery, delivery, delivery.”
You can’t have a successful 21st century economy without 21st century infrastructure.
Infrastructure is vital to improving the productivity of this country – and it is at the heart of ensuring the UK’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Continue reading...
Improving Victoria Tube Station. (TfL on YouTube)
GBRF Press Release
GB Railfreight calls for “intelligent electrification” at Transport Select Committee inquiry hearing
John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight, yesterday called for “intelligent electrification” at the Transport Select Committee’s future of rail freight oral evidence session.
Whilst recognising that parts of the electric spine are good for rail freight, John Smith called for the prioritisation of certain corridors – such as Birmingham-Nuneaton – in order to encourage the industry to invest in electric locomotives.
The freight-focused evidence session was part of the select committee’s wider inquiry into “Investing in the Railway”, which seeks to scrutinise the impact and deliverability of Network Rail’s current and future investment plans [1].
At the evidence session, GB Railfreight also called for:-
- The Government to reserve capacity for rail freight.
- The industry to continue to work together with Network Rail to drive efficiencies.
- An integrated transport strategy with a long-term vision, rather than piecemeal investments.
- The Government to consider MSRS grants as a tool that could encourage the growth of rail freight.
John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight, said:
“At the moment, the majority of electrification schemes in the UK support the passenger network.
“With freight, there are certain markets that suit electric haulage, such as intermodal, but there is a need to prioritise electrifying the routes that serve them.
“Prioritising the electrification of specific strategic corridors, such as Birmingham to Nuneaton, will help incentivise the industry to invest in electric locomotives.
“Intelligent electrification is important if the Government is to encourage the modal freight shift from road to rail.”
Notes
- The Transport Select Committee launched its inquiry into investing in the railway in May 2014. More details can be found online here and a video recording of the evidence session is available online here.
- GB Railfreight’s written evidence is available online here.
- GB Railfreight is one of the UK's leading rail freight companies. It operates over 1000 trains a week in the UK. It is the main transporter of coal on the rail network and one of only two rail freight companies with regular contracts to move biomass. For further information please click here.
- John Smith is available for interviews. For media enquiries and interview requests, please contact James Clark on 020 3397 0148
.
Europe
Groupe Eurotunnel was awarded a prize for its communications about its 20th Anniversary at the 2014 "Trophées de la Communication"
The Eurotunnel Group received a prize at the 2014 "Trophées de la Communication" for the communication around the events for its 20th Anniversary. At the 13th edition of the "Trophées de la Communication" for private companies and public organisations, held last Friday, communication professionals retained the Eurotunnel Group entry from among 600 applications. The jury of communication specialists rewarded a world first: a charity race open to all Eurotunnel employees and the organization on June 17 of a half-marathon under the sea in the tunnel. This race, unique in the world, which started at the mid-point of the Tunnel 100 meters below sea level and with two simultaneous finishes – UK runners exiting at Folkestone (Great-Britain) whilst French runners exited at Coquelles (France) – required very detailed planning considering the stringent safety standards in the Channel Tunnel and due to the fact the Tunnel remained operational during the race. The funds raised from these races were donated to the Red Cross on the French side and to the Children's Society on the British side.
The creation of a mobile exhibition was also honoured. It was first installed in a Shuttle then at the Passenger terminal and then at the largest Motorway service area in the North of France and is now on display in the heart of the city of Calais1. This exhibition recounts in French and in English the story of Eurotunnel and the challenges faced. The exhibition links the existing infrastructure, operational 24/7 365 days a year, involving around 3,000 people every day and through which 21 million passengers pass each year, to the history of the tunnel that has so marked Europe.
France
Alcatel-lucent Highlights at InnoTrans 2014
Alcatel-lucent Highlights at InnoTrans 2014
A short overview of the 4 innovative demonstrations shown by Alcatel-Lucent at the world’s largest rail exhibition: Converged IP/MPLS Network for Railways, Agile Optical Network for Railways, Long Term Evolution (LTE) ground-to-train communications, and Cloud Connected Passenger.
Germany
Schenker still hopeful of negotiated settlement with cartel carriers (Lloyd's Loading List)
Vossloh
02/12/2014
(C) A Vossloh Picture.
===============================================
India
PM Narendra Modi announces Rs 28,000 crore for new rail projects in Northeast.The Economic Times)
Faulty rail signals put lives at risk.(Deccan Herald)
USA
CTAA
Transportation Secretary: U.S. Needs Major Transportation Bill
Source: USA Today
The nation's transportation system is threatened by short-term federal funding measures and will be "in trouble" unless it gets more money, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx told USA TODAY reporters. Uncertainty resulting from the lack of a long-term transportation bill has cost jobs and has left state and local transportation officials unsure how to finance projects that will take years to complete, he said. "This issue affects every community, every user of our system, whether they're driving, whether they're using transit in some way," Foxx said. "And I don't see how we can get through this in a good way as a country without Congress coming to the table and actually passing a long-term transportation bill."
www.progressiverailroading.com
CSX's Mills to succeed Hoback as Indiana Rail Road's leader
AMT launches commuter-rail service to Montreal suburb
Alabama, Houston port authorities award rail project contracts
Amtrak appoints Learner to blue ribbon panel studying Chicago traffic congestion
Dougherty to head sales, marketing for Chicago South Shore and South Bend
Santa Clara transit agency hosts meetings on BART Silicon Valley extension
Concept plan in place for Port of Anchorage modernization project
Rail supplier news from Crystal Mover, GE, Alstom, Express Rail, Trimble and Thales (Dec. 2)
SmartRail World
Industry Insights: The (wood) ties that help bind our growing industry.
On This Day
1/12/1886:
The Severn Railway Tunnel under the Bristol Channel was opened to trains, making it the longest railway tunnel in Britain.
1/12/1990
Channel Tunnel breakthrough....
Read more»
======================================================================
Other Railway Press
www.railway-technology.com
Bombardier to supply 156 low-floor trams for Vienna's Wiener Linien
Train manufacturer Bombardier has secured an €562m order from Vienna's public transport operator Wiener Linien to supply up to 156 low-floor trams.
US railway solutions provider Trimble acquires Nexala
US railway solutions provider Trimble has acquired Dublin-based Nexala, a provider of enterprise solutions for the rail transport sector, in a bid to expand its role in the industry.
Alstom and OHL to deliver metro system for Mexico's Guadalajara Line 3
The Mexican Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT) has awarded a €380m contract to French train manufacturer Alstom and OHL Group subsidiary CPVM to deliver a full metro system for Guadalajara Line 3 in Mexico.
Korea develops new vertically movable unmanned mini-tram
The Korea Railroad Research Institute has introduced a new unmanned mini-tram that can be moved vertically with the help of an elevator.
=============================================================
Parliament.TV
TFL, Virgin Trains and London Midland are questioned on HS2
The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee will take evidence from train operators, Virgin Trains and London Midland, as well as Transport for London as part of its inquiry into the economic case for HS2.
Economic Case for HS2Witnesses
In the session with Virgin Trains and London Midland the Committee will explore a range of issues including the extent of overcrowding on the West Coast Main Line and whether HS2 will solve this problem. The Committee will ask whether train operators believe they should be given greater flexibility by the Government to manage demand and overcrowding by using differential pricing to encourage customers to travel at less busy times. The Committee will also ask the witnesses whether, if they were awarded the franchise to run HS2, they would seek to charge higher prices than on existing routes and what impact HS2 will have on existing services on the West Coast Main Line.
Germany
Schenker still hopeful of negotiated settlement with cartel carriers (Lloyd's Loading List)
Vossloh
02/12/2014
Board approves new Vossloh strategy
The Supervisory Board of Vossloh AG has today decided the key points of the Vossloh Group's new strategy. Thus, as a result of a detailed review of all the partial products of the Group's existing Rail Infrastructure in three new areas - Core Components, Customized Modules and Lifecycle Solutions - divided. These three new infrastructure areas form the future core business of the Group during the previous Transportation division Although no longer defined as a core business, as the fourth arm of the Group remains in place first. The Transportation division is expected to contribute around € 500 million to Group sales in 2014. The goal is to provide the Transportation division for Sale in total or in part, depending on the progress of the currently implemented restructuring and repositioning of the Vossloh Group until 2017 at the latest or to convert it into a partnership but is no longer controlled by Vossloh. Thus, the long-term restructuring of the group is introduced into a new company of railway infrastructure. As part of this realignment is also provided to reinforce the three new core areas, where appropriate, through acquisitions. The Board of Vossloh AG has decided these essential elements of the elaborated in June 2014 new Vossloh Group strategy, they presented yesterday and today, the Supervisory Board and discussed in detail and assessed him. Similarly, the medium-term planning of Vossloh Board and Supervisory Board was discussed, evaluated and adopted. For the current fiscal year, Vossloh expects sales of approximately € 1.34 billion and confirmed the previously announced EBIT forecast of € -150 million to -180 € million. Adjusted for special items, EBIT in 2014 is expected to be around € 30 million, thus the EBIT margin in 2014 to be around 2%. Based on the current portfolio structure, the Board expects 2015 with an increase in sales of 3% to 4% and an increase in the EBIT margin to around 3% to 4%. Also in 2016, the EBIT of the ongoing restructuring and realignment of the Group and the planned expenditures for the enhanced promotion of innovation will remain below the projected 2017 EBIT margin target. This should be about 5% in 2017 to 6% based on the existing portfolio structure. Further details on the strategy and planning of the Vossloh Group will be published on December 3, 2014 in a press release.(C) A Vossloh Picture.
===============================================
India
PM Narendra Modi announces Rs 28,000 crore for new rail projects in Northeast.The Economic Times)
Faulty rail signals put lives at risk.(Deccan Herald)
USA
CTAA
Transportation Secretary: U.S. Needs Major Transportation Bill
Source: USA Today
The nation's transportation system is threatened by short-term federal funding measures and will be "in trouble" unless it gets more money, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx told USA TODAY reporters. Uncertainty resulting from the lack of a long-term transportation bill has cost jobs and has left state and local transportation officials unsure how to finance projects that will take years to complete, he said. "This issue affects every community, every user of our system, whether they're driving, whether they're using transit in some way," Foxx said. "And I don't see how we can get through this in a good way as a country without Congress coming to the table and actually passing a long-term transportation bill."
www.progressiverailroading.com
SmartRail World
Industry Insights: The (wood) ties that help bind our growing industry.
On This Day
2/12/1955
13 people die and 41 are injured in an
accident at Barnes Station caused by a signalling error.
Video1/12/1886:
The Severn Railway Tunnel under the Bristol Channel was opened to trains, making it the longest railway tunnel in Britain.
1/12/1990
Channel Tunnel breakthrough....
Win a pair of First Class Global InterRail passes to discover Europe
Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail have two First Class Global InterRail Passes to give away to one lucky winner and their friend before the end of the year.
Each Pass is worth up to €1,050 and is valid for one month’s rail travel in 30 countries across Europe – for further information on InterRail check out www.interrail.eu
Competition closes at 12:00hrs on Monday 8th December 2014. Winners must be able to commence travel before March 31st 2015 and be able to confirm their date of departure before December 30th 2014.
 |
======================================================================
Other Railway Press
www.railway-technology.com
Bombardier to supply 156 low-floor trams for Vienna's Wiener Linien
Train manufacturer Bombardier has secured an €562m order from Vienna's public transport operator Wiener Linien to supply up to 156 low-floor trams.
US railway solutions provider Trimble acquires Nexala
US railway solutions provider Trimble has acquired Dublin-based Nexala, a provider of enterprise solutions for the rail transport sector, in a bid to expand its role in the industry.
Alstom and OHL to deliver metro system for Mexico's Guadalajara Line 3
The Mexican Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT) has awarded a €380m contract to French train manufacturer Alstom and OHL Group subsidiary CPVM to deliver a full metro system for Guadalajara Line 3 in Mexico.
Korea develops new vertically movable unmanned mini-tram
The Korea Railroad Research Institute has introduced a new unmanned mini-tram that can be moved vertically with the help of an elevator.
=============================================================
Parliament.TV
TFL, Virgin Trains and London Midland are questioned on HS2
The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee will take evidence from train operators, Virgin Trains and London Midland, as well as Transport for London as part of its inquiry into the economic case for HS2.
Economic Case for HS2Witnesses
- Michele Dix, Managing Director of Planning, TfL
- Richard Scott, Director of Corporate Affairs, Virgin Trains; and Richard Brooks, Commercial Director, London Midland.
Questions
In the first session with Michele Dix the Committee’s questions will focus on reports that plans to base the London HS2 terminus at Euston has been abandoned, whether Euston has sufficient London Underground capacity to serve as the HS2 hub without Crossrail 2 and whether the budgeted £2bn to rebuild Euston is realistic. The session will also explore that economic impact HS2 could have on London.In the session with Virgin Trains and London Midland the Committee will explore a range of issues including the extent of overcrowding on the West Coast Main Line and whether HS2 will solve this problem. The Committee will ask whether train operators believe they should be given greater flexibility by the Government to manage demand and overcrowding by using differential pricing to encourage customers to travel at less busy times. The Committee will also ask the witnesses whether, if they were awarded the franchise to run HS2, they would seek to charge higher prices than on existing routes and what impact HS2 will have on existing services on the West Coast Main Line.
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