VolkerRail

Last updated

VolkerRail Group
Type Private
IndustryRailway Infrastructure Contractor
Founded1935
Headquarters Doncaster, England
Key people
Steve Cocliff (Managing Director)
Parent VolkerWessels
Subsidiaries VolkerRail Signalling
VolkerRail
VolkerMatrix
VolkerRail Plant
VolkerRail Welding
Website http://www.VolkerRail.co.uk

VolkerRail is a specialist railway infrastructure services company based in Doncaster, England, providing services across the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is wholly owned by Netherlands-based VolkerWessels, a multi-disciplinary construction and civil engineering group.

Contents

History

VolkerRail began life as a British Steel subsidiary known as Grant Lyon Eagre Ltd. The company can trace their roots as a contractor in the industry right back to 1935. In 1996 Grant Lyon Eagre Ltd teamed up with Railbouw, based on their existing partnerships, specifically the track renewal works for the London Underground, and became GrantRail. [1]

The company continued to expand and formed various subsidiaries; GrantPlant Ltd, GrantRail Signalling Ltd, GrantRail Power Ltd, ALH Rail Coatings Ltd, and GrantWeld Ltd established in 2002. In September 2006 GrantRail also acquired Matrix Power Ltd, which specialised in electrical and power sectors and could privde support for the Power side of the business. [2]

In late 2008 VolkerWessels bought Corus' half to take full ownership of the company. Following this, the company became VolkerRail on Monday 2 March 2009. Similarly all the divisions were also renamed to reflect the new order. [3]

In February 2010 Gren Edwards stepped down after 18 years at the helm. [4]

Notable VolkerRail Contracts

Nuneaton Remodelling and Resignalling

In June 2006 GrantRail won the contract to complete the £20 million upgrade of the Network Rail track in the Nuneaton area. This was the final conclusion of a three-stage development that began in 2002. The project was set for 24 months and required the installation of 36 new point ends of switches and crossings, the recovery and plain lining of 37 switch and crossings units, installation of significant lengths of plain line track, signalling mechanical installations, design and erection of 100 new overhead line (OLE) structures, and 19 kilometres (12 mi) of new OLE conductors. This new upgrade would allow Network Rail to increase its line speeds and capacity enhancements between Euston and Glasgow. The project was completed in 2008. [5]

Bicester DSDA

GrantRail Projects undertook major works at the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) Bicester Modernisation project in Oxfordshire. The project began in late 2007, with the aim of bringing the east sidings up to modern standards. The 1940s 75 lb flatbottom rail placed on light weight concrete sleepers would be taken out and replaced with 1st generation steel sleepers bedded in ash ballast. The project took place in Bicester MoDs’ Barracks, which operates a non-explosive military storage and distribution hub. This meant that any member of staff that was working on the project had to be security vetted by the MoD before they would be issued the permits to access the site. Members of staff were also subjected to the strict security requirements of working in an operating barracks, however there was the added benefit of being protected by armed guards! The project was completed in 2008. [6]

Nottingham NET project

VolkerRail has been involved in five of the six projects in the UK. One of these was the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) project. This is the transit system that supports the largest city in the East Midlands. VolkerRail were responsible for track installation in both on and off street allowing them to use the embedded rail products of their subsidiary company ALH Rail Coatings. They completed 7.5 kilometres (4.7 mi) of on street track and 15.4 kilometres (10 mi) of off street track, of many various types, from ballasted track to direct fix track. Also in the project there were multiple crossovers, crossings, and turnouts. The project was completed in 53 weeks and had a value of £10 million. The project was completed in 2004. [7]

Hull Docks

GrantRail reinstating the double junction at Hessle Road, Christmas 2007 Hessle Road Junction Work Christmas 2007.jpg
GrantRail reinstating the double junction at Hessle Road, Christmas 2007
The swingbridge built by the Hull and Barnsley Railway to cross the River Hull. Hull & Barnsley Swing Bridge.JPG
The swingbridge built by the Hull and Barnsley Railway to cross the River Hull.

Hull Docks has been an ongoing project to upgrade the Hull Docks Branch (Engineers' Line Reference HJS) to treble the lines capacity as the amount of rail traffic through ABP's Hull Docks site increases. The branch is part of the old Hull and Barnsley Railway and was originally built, primarily, for the export of coal via the docks in Hull. Much of the increased rail traffic is, ironically, imported coal. Work also saw many structures along the line upgraded to cater for heavier trains. Included in this part of the project is Hull Bridge, the former Hull and Barnsley swingbridge, known officially as HJS-22. The structure dates from 1885 when the line originally opened. Other work has included multiple earth works and a greatly improved and upgraded signalling system to cope with the increased traffic. [8]

The upgraded line was formally opened in June 2008 by the transport minister Rosie Winterton. [9] [10] [11] Work continued on the line after the official opening; the upgraded signalling system began use in September 2008. [12]

Maintenance at Tata Scunthorpe

Locomotive 51 at Scunthorpe steelworks Industrial Diesel at Corus Scunthorpe.JPG
Locomotive 51 at Scunthorpe steelworks

VolkerRail also undertake the Permanment Way maintenance at Tata's Scunthorpe works. This is a very long standing contract and is a legacy of British Steel's ownership of Grant Lyon Eagre and subsequently Corus' part ownership of GrantRail. Work undertaken encompasses all aspects of permanent way work. As well as usual maintenance tasks VolkerRail also undertake renewals and some small scale new build work - larger scale projects are put out to tender although the largest rail project, The Rail Service Centre for handling Continuous Welded Rail trains, was also undertaken VolkerRail (though as GrantRail at the time). As rail is now produced on site Tata supply this for renewals work and it allows rails of 120', rather than the usual 60' lengths, to be used and reduce the number of rail joints. Due to the changing nature of a steel works and the traffic requirements there is a small amount of recovery work for sections which are no longer in use. [13]

Maintenance in Sheffield

VolkerRail have been selected to take part in the maintenance of the Sheffield Supertram network. The work, which is the largest investment programme in the tram system since it began running, involves replacing 5,450 metres (17,880 ft) of the tram track, which was originally laid around 20 years ago and is now experiencing wear. During the project, harder wearing steel will be installed to ensure a longer lifespan, estimated at 25–30 years. Supertram has operated the system since 1997 and has turned it into a successful tram network which is now used by around 15 million people every year. [14]

Joint ventures

VolkerRail's joint ventures include work on the west coast mainline, major involvement in WARM (West Anglia Route Modernization), and the switches and crossing for NET (Nottingham Express Transit). At present VolkerRail are still extending their partnerships and are currently involved in many joint ventures.

London Underground (GTJV)

GTJV was a joint venture between VolkerRail and Trackwork. The joint venture (JV) was awarded a £150 million contract from Tube Lines in 2003 to provide track renewal for 155 kilometres (96 mi) of line. This was the largest contract awarded by Tube Lines and a further £55 million was provided for plant, materials, and Tube Lines' management support. Tube Lines were committed to investing a billion pounds into London Underground and this was the first contract. GTJV beat its main rival Jarvis in order to win this contract. Jarvis themselves were a shareholder in Tube Lines Company. A spokeswoman from Tube Lines said there was no pressure to award the contract to one of its own shareholders. "The bid process is independent and transparent. GrantRail-Trackwork was chosen because it was the best tender." GTJV will be responsible for replacing or refurbishing 35 kilometres (22 mi) of track on the Jubilee line and 60 kilometres (37 mi) of track on the Northern and Piccadilly Lines. The replacement of around 50% of the track will make the lines more reliable, faster, and smoother. The project lasted for seven and a half years and ended in 2010. [15]

Docklands Light Rail (DLR) (SGRJV)

VolkerRail is also involved in a joint venture with Skanska known as the Skanska GrantRail Joint Venture (SGRJV). The JV has been awarded the two main construction contracts; Package 8, January 2007, and Package 6, June 2007, of the DLR extension to Stratford International. These two packages are part of the expansion of the DLR for the 2012 Olympic Games. SGRJV was chosen over Hochtief, Carillion and Amec to win the package 8 contract. The £39 million project involves the construction of two platforms on the north bound of Stratford station, the shell and foundations of the new DLR station at Stratford International, and track alignment work for the new rail link. The expansion package should be completed by 2009. Package 6, worth £67 million, will provide the Stratford International extension, which will run to Canning Town and be connected to the Beckton and future Woolwich Arsenal DLR routes. The work will include the conversion of the line between Canning Town and Stratford to Docklands Light Rail Operation, upgrading existing stations to DLR standards, construction of four new stations, and interface with new signalling installation construction. The project was completed in 2010. [16]

M-Pact Thales Consortium

In June 2008 the M-Pact Thales consortium was awarded Greater Manchester's Metrolink phase 3a extension project contract, worth over £350 million. This consortium is composed of VolkerRail, Laing O’Rourke, and Thales. This major expansion scheme will input almost 32 kilometres (20 mi) of new Metrolink tram lines with new routes and stops. The consortium is currently carrying out preparatory surveys, exploratory works, and detailed civil engineering for the project. This extension takes five million car journeys off the local roads each year, with the number of tram passengers increasing to more than 90,000 a year. The project was completed in spring 2011. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Docklands Light Railway</span> Automated light metro system in the Docklands area of London, England

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is an automated light metro system serving the redeveloped Docklands area of London, England and provides a direct connection between London's two major financial districts, Canary Wharf and the City of London. First opened on 31 August 1987, the DLR has been extended multiple times, giving a total route length of 38 km. Lines now reach north to Stratford, south to Lewisham, west to Tower Gateway and Bank in the City of London financial district, and east to Beckton, London City Airport and Woolwich Arsenal. Further extensions are being considered.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North London line</span> Railway line in London

The North London line (NLL) is a railway line which passes through the inner suburbs of west, north-west, north, and east London, England between Richmond in the south-west and Stratford in the east, avoiding central London. Its route is a rough semicircle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Midlands Metro</span> Light rail system in the West Midlands, England

The West Midlands Metro is a light-rail/tram system in the county of West Midlands, England. Opened on 30 May 1999, it currently consists of a single route, Line 1, which operates between the cities of Birmingham and Wolverhampton via the towns of Bilston, West Bromwich and Wednesbury, running on a mixture of reopened disused railway line and on-street running in urban areas. The line originally terminated at Birmingham Snow Hill station but, with extensions opened in 2015, 2019 and 2022, now runs via Birmingham city centre to terminate at Edgbaston. A further extension in Wolverhampton was scheduled to open in 2022, but has been pushed back to 2023, although this date seems unlikely.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canary Wharf tube station</span> London Underground station

Canary Wharf is a London Underground station at Canary Wharf and is on the Jubilee line, between Canada Water and North Greenwich stations. The station is located in Travelcard Zone 2 and was opened on 17 September 1999 as part of the Jubilee Line Extension. Over 40 million people pass through the station each year, making it second busiest on the London Underground outside Central London after Stratford, and also the busiest that serves only a single line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sheffield Supertram</span> Light rail system in South Yorkshire, England

The Sheffield Supertram is a tram and tram-train network covering Sheffield and Rotherham in South Yorkshire, England. The infrastructure is owned by the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), with Stagecoach responsible for the operation and maintenance of rolling stock under a concession until 2024, under the brand name Stagecoach Supertram.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Custom House station</span> Railway and DLR station in London

Custom House is a railway station on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) – on which it is branded Custom House for ExCeL – and on the Elizabeth line, by the Royal Docks, in Custom House in the London Borough of Newham, London, England. It is situated in Travelcard Zone 3. It takes its name from the old Custom House, which formerly stood nearby, and ExCeL London which it serves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hope Valley line</span> Trans-Pennine railway line in Northern England

The Hope Valley line is a trans-Pennine railway line in Northern England, linking Manchester with Sheffield. It was completed in 1894.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mile End tube station</span> London Underground station

Mile End is a London Underground station in Mile End, London. It is served by the Hammersmith & City, District and Central lines. This station features a cross-platform interchange in both directions, District and Hammersmith & City lines stopping on the inside tracks and the Central line stopping on the outside tracks. It is in Travelcard Zone 2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hull and Barnsley Railway</span> British pre-grouping railway company

The Hull Barnsley & West Riding Junction Railway and Dock Company (HB&WRJR&DCo.) was opened on 20 July 1885. It had a total projected length of 66 miles but never reached Barnsley, stopping a few miles short at Stairfoot. The name was changed to The Hull and Barnsley Railway (H&BR) in 1905. Its Alexandra Dock in Hull opened 16 July 1885.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">London Rail</span> Directorate of Transport for London

London Rail is a directorate of Transport for London (TfL), involved in the relationship with the National Rail network within Greater London, UK which manages TfL's non-London Underground train services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dearne Valley line</span> Railway line in Yorkshire, England

The Dearne Valley line is the name given to a railway line in the north of England running from York to Sheffield via Pontefract Baghill and Moorthorpe. The route was built over several years and consists of lines built by several railway companies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leeds Supertram</span> Proposed transit system in Leeds, England

The Leeds Supertram was a proposed light rail/tram system in Leeds and West Yorkshire in England. It would have been a three-line, 17-mile (27 km) system with 50 stations. It received provisional government approval in 2001, and was specifically for corridors ill-served by the existing heavy rail network. Supertram would have been 75% funded from the public sector, with final contracts for construction and a 27-year operating concession due to have been awarded in 2003. By 2004, disquiet about rising costs had caused the scheme to be scaled back, and it was finally cancelled in 2005 by the Transport Secretary, Alistair Darling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LRT Line 1 (Metro Manila)</span> Metro rail line in Manila

The Light Rail Transit Line 1, commonly referred to as LRT Line 1 or LRT-1, is a light rapid transit system line in Metro Manila, Philippines, operated by Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) and owned by the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) as part of the Manila Light Rail Transit System. Originally referred to as Metrorail and the Yellow Line, LRT Line 1 was reclassified to be the Green Line in 2012. It travels in a general north–south direction from Baclaran to Monumento, and then east–west from Monumento to Roosevelt. Currently, the line consists of 20 stations and runs on 19.65 kilometers of fully elevated route. Although it has the characteristics of light rail, such as with the type of rolling stock used, it is more akin to a rapid transit system owing to its total grade separation and high passenger throughput.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Manchester Metrolink</span>

The history of Manchester Metrolink begins with its conception as Greater Manchester's light rail system in 1982 by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, and spans its inauguration in 1992 and the successive phases of expansion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bristol Supertram</span>

Bristol Supertram was a proposed light rail system for the Bristol and South Gloucestershire regions of England. In 2001, the project was given backing from the government to build a line that would link the city centre with the North Bristol region, but the project was cancelled in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aarhus Letbane</span> Light rail line serving Aarhus, Denmark

The Aarhus Letbane is a light rail system in the city of Aarhus, Denmark. It is operated by the company Midttrafik. The first line opened in December 2017, but the system is under continuous development and expansion. Service on the intercity section Odder to Lisbjergskolen opened on August 25, 2018. A third intercity line to Grenå opened on 30 April 2019. More lines are being planned.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">British Rail Class 399</span> Class of tram-train vehicles

The British Rail Class 399 Citylink is a type of rail vehicle built by Vossloh on its Citylink platform for operation by Sheffield Supertram. While it is a low floor tram, it is also capable of being used upon the National Rail network; the Class 399 is the first tram-train to see operational use in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stadler Citylink</span> Tram-train vehicles made since 2003

The Stadler Citylink is a series of tram-trains manufactured by Stadler Rail at its Valencia factory since 2011. The design was introduced by Vossloh España before their takeover by Stadler Rail in 2015. They are currently used in Germany, Hungary, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom, with more on order in Austria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Songjiang Tram</span> Overview of transport in Shanghai

Songjiang Tram is a light rail tramway in Shanghai, China. The system consists of two lines totaling 31 km (19 mi) with 42 stations. Unlike the Zhangjiang Tram, Songjiang trams use centenary power supply and steel-wheeled rail systems. Most of them use independent rights of way. The intersection signal lights were adjusted through the system to make them pass first, and the running speed reaches 25-30km/h. Trains run from 6:00 till 22:00. With further extension of the network public transport modal split in Songjiang is expected from the current 23% to 40%.

References

  1. ↑ "Case No IV/M.797 - GrantRail Limited" (PDF). European Union. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  2. ↑ "Company Overview of Matrix Power Limited". Businessweek. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  3. ↑ "Corus sells its share in rail firm". This is Scunthorpe. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  4. ↑ "Costain signals rail business expansion". Construction Enquirer. 4 December 2010. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  5. ↑ "Network Rail awards GrantRail £16 million West Coast Main Line rail contract". Tata Steel. 28 June 2006. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  6. ↑ "Bicester Ministry of Defence". Volker Rail. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  7. ↑ "Nottingham Express Transit Phase Two - An introduction to Arrow Connect" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 August 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  8. ↑ "GrantRail wins Hull Docks contract". Modern Railways. 30 November 2007. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  9. ↑ "More trains to take freight to Hull docks". This is Hull and East Riding. 11 June 2008. Retrieved 17 March 2013.
  10. ↑ "Minister Sees Rail Freight Funding in Action in Hull". Network Rail. 10 June 2008. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
  11. ↑ "Rail development at Hull Dock" (PDF) (Press release). Freightliner. 12 June 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2013.[ dead link ]
  12. ↑ "GGRM78 Hull Docks Enhancements – F2 Signalling Commissioning" (PDF). www.volkerrail.co.uk. Network Rail. 25 September 2008. ..the Hull Docks branch was signed in to use just before 7:00 on Monday 22nd September 2008[ dead link ]
  13. ↑ "Scunthorpe Steel Works". Volker Rail. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  14. ↑ "VolkerRail awarded £4m contract to upgrade Sheffield's Supertram Rails". 19 June 2013. Archived from the original on 19 May 2014. Retrieved 18 May 2014.
  15. ↑ "GrantRail Trackwork Joint Venture" (PDF). Railpro. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  16. ↑ "Skanska VolkerRail" (PDF). Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  17. ↑ "Manchester Metrolink leads the way for UK's light rail". Infoworks. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.