MML Electrification: progress updates

[Nottingham59]

There’s been several mentions of it

NR's "Leicester Area Strategic Advice" dated July 2020 recommended that:
"Recommendation 1: Four tracking between Wigston
North Junction and Leicester Station is progressed to
Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) immediately
with a view to delivering benefits as soon as practicable."
I don't remember seeing anything public since then.

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Leicester-Area-Strategic-Advice-2021.pdf

 

[InTheEastMids]

Just a reminder of the planned possessions between Kettering & Leicester (and other points on the electrified MML):

• 7-10 June, nights: Kettering - Leicester closed (KO1a work?)
• 13 June all day: some lines closed between St P & Bedford (Brent Cross?)
• 15-18 June, nights: some lines closed between St P & Luton (Brent Cross?); Kettering - Leicester closed (KO1a work?)
• 19, 20, 26 & 27 June all day: some lines closed between St P & Luton (Brent Cross?); Kettering - Leicester closed (KO1a work?)
• 28 June - 2 July, nights: Kettering - Leicester closed (KO1a work?)
• 19-23 July, nights: Kettering - Leicester closed (KO1a work?)
• 31 July night - 1 August morning: some lines closed between St P & Luton (Brent Cross?)
• 9-13 August, nights: Kettering - Leicester closed (KO1a work?)

At least some of the overnight works in June/July are vegetation and cabling around Market Harborough.

 

[59CosG95]

At least some of the overnight works in June/July are vegetation and cabling around Market Harborough.

Thanks for the update @InTheEastMids - wonder how long it'll be before the piles reach MKH.

Anyone have any updates around Kettering North Jn? Haven't seen any shots around there in a fortnight and am wondering when the last pile there is due to be sunk...

Unrelated to the above, but possibly related to MML OLE works, some piles are due to be sunk north of Hendon station this weekend. This could be related to work at Brent Cross (as it isn't very far away), but could easily be electrification related work as I can't think of any resignalling work going on along the MML at the moment...

 

[59CosG95]

Bidders day for £500m Midland Mainline electrification

Phase 3 will run for 155km from Market Harborough to Sheffield

www.constructionenquirer.com

STOP PRESS. It's happening.

 

[Domh245]

Woo hoo!

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Bidders day for £500m Midland Mainline electrification

Phase 3 will run for 155km from Market Harborough to Sheffield

www.constructionenquirer.com

STOP PRESS. It's happening.

The disappointment is that the last line says it only goes out to tender September 2022. So no boots on the ground until early 2023 best I would assume.

 

[zwk500]

I'm a little confused about this quote:

The route has around 113 structures and works will include Overhead Line Equipment extension to Sheffield and Nottingham, route clearance to accommodate OLE extension, and increased power supply to support electric passenger services to Sheffield and Nottingham.

Does this suggest that the Erewash will not be being wired, only the route via Derby? Is this possibly to avoid having to redo the lot when (if) HS2 comes around to Toton? Or are they going to include Sheffield-Moorthorpe and Swinton-Doncaster in the works but not wires?

 

[Domh245]

I'm a little confused about this quote:

Does this suggest that the Erewash will not be being wired, only the route via Derby? Is this possibly to avoid having to redo the lot when (if) HS2 comes around to Toton? Or are they going to include Sheffield-Moorthorpe and Swinton-Doncaster in the works but not wires?

Perhaps not surprising if they don't do Erewash, there won't be any electric flows over it, nor anything likely to go over soon. Any EMR intercity services over it will still be possible as I'm expecting the 810s to still remain partly bimode (either the entire fleet at say half the number of engines, or a subfleet - they've still got to serve Melton & other extensions (Lincoln!). Hopefully they'll at least get to Toton, enabling some electric freight (unlikely as it may be for any FOC to then take it up)

 

[59CosG95]

Perhaps not surprising if they don't do Erewash, there won't be any electric flows over it, nor anything likely to go over soon. Any EMR intercity services over it will still be possible as I'm expecting the 810s to still remain partly bimode (either the entire fleet at say half the number of engines, or a subfleet - they've still got to serve Melton & other extensions (Lincoln!). Hopefully they'll at least get to Toton, enabling some electric freight (unlikely as it may be for any FOC to then take it up)

It'd be an act of near-insanity not to extend beyond Sheffield to both Doncaster & Moorthorpe; the benefits of turning the local services (as well as EMR intercity services) would be humongous, and a game changer for South Yorks.
Additionally, Toton is due to be RBAR'd (Remodelled Beyond All Recognition) for HS2 Phase 2b, which means DBC et al will have to up sticks for their main Midlands base (AFAIK).

The "increased power supply" clause, IMHO, gives AT feeding the nod. Good job all the new sectioning sites/feeders have taken AT into account!

 

[Aictos]

I'm a little confused about this quote:

Does this suggest that the Erewash will not be being wired, only the route via Derby? Is this possibly to avoid having to redo the lot when (if) HS2 comes around to Toton? Or are they going to include Sheffield-Moorthorpe and Swinton-Doncaster in the works but not wires?

What about the route from Nottingham that goes North towards Sheffield? I'm not familiar with route geography sadly.

 

[LowLevel]

Perhaps not surprising if they don't do Erewash, there won't be any electric flows over it, nor anything likely to go over soon. Any EMR intercity services over it will still be possible as I'm expecting the 810s to still remain partly bimode (either the entire fleet at say half the number of engines, or a subfleet - they've still got to serve Melton & other extensions (Lincoln!). Hopefully they'll at least get to Toton, enabling some electric freight (unlikely as it may be for any FOC to then take it up)

Unless things progress much further I'd expect them all to remain as "bimode" given the regular weekend diversions via Melton Mowbray will no doubt continue to be a requirement.

 

[Mikey C]

Bidders day for £500m Midland Mainline electrification

Phase 3 will run for 155km from Market Harborough to Sheffield

www.constructionenquirer.com

STOP PRESS. It's happening.

Great news, though strange that it's "leaked out" this way rather than a major statement

I suppose isn't an actual commitment, but getting information to prepare the case

 

[zwk500]

Great news, though strange that it's "leaked out" this way rather than a major statement

I suppose isn't an actual commitment, but getting information to prepare the case

It isn't being leaked, really, given there's a NR contact email at the bottom of the article! As you say, it's about letting potential bidders know that they need to dust off their presentations.

 

[Domh245]

It'd be an act of near-insanity not to extend beyond Sheffield to both Doncaster & Moorthorpe; the benefits of turning the local services (as well as EMR intercity services) would be humongous, and a game changer for South Yorks.
Additionally, Toton is due to be RBAR'd (Remodelled Beyond All Recognition) for HS2 Phase 2b, which means DBC et al will have to up sticks for their main Midlands base (AFAIK).

Agreed on the extensions beyond Sheffield, but those aren't in the (to be) quoted for package. I expect that Erewash would fall under the same package of works but even then you're not enabling any pure EMU running through Erewash? I suppose it's possible to rejig the Nottingham - Leeds service?

Toton is due to be RBAR'd but is still waiting on the go-ahead, and indeed may not even happen. Even if it is eventually RBAR'd the potential for freight flows from the North to change to Electric (at least as far as Cricklewood(?) if not beyond) would have environmental and pathing benefits too. It's top-drawer wishful thinking though, given the dearth of electric locos (or suitable bimodes) in the country, and apparent lack of willingness by FOCs to do loco swaps

Unless things progress much further I'd expect them all to remain as "bimode" given the regular weekend diversions via Melton Mowbray will no doubt continue to be a requirement.

I expect so too, the interesting thing will be if they're able to reduce the number of engines underneath the things. Without the need for 125mph running on diesel I'd hope they could drop some of the engines, reducing emissions and wear on the track

 

[zwk500]

Toton is due to be RBAR'd but is still waiting on the go-ahead, and indeed may not even happen. Even if it is eventually RBAR'd the potential for freight flows from the North to change to Electric (at least as far as Cricklewood(?) if not beyond) would have environmental and pathing benefits too. It's top-drawer wishful thinking though, given the dearth of electric locos (or suitable bimodes) in the country, and apparent lack of willingness by FOCs to do loco swaps.

Changing aggregates to Cricklewood/St Pancras to electric would need to work out a solution to top-loading wagons around the OLE. Loco-mounted batteries may well be the answer.

I expect so too, the interesting thing will be if they're able to reduce the number of engines underneath the things. Without the need for 125mph running on diesel I'd hope they could drop some of the engines, reducing emissions and wear on the track

Agree Melton won't be wired, certainly until Leicester-Nuneaton-Birmingham is done. However by the time it's complete, Corby-Melton-Syston might well be comfortably within battery range, and they'd have a long run either end to charge up for the return pass.

 

[59CosG95]

Agreed on the extensions beyond Sheffield, but those aren't in the (to be) quoted for package. I expect that Erewash would fall under the same package of works but even then you're not enabling any pure EMU running through Erewash? I suppose it's possible to rejig the Nottingham - Leeds service?

Toton is due to be RBAR'd but is still waiting on the go-ahead, and indeed may not even happen. Even if it is eventually RBAR'd the potential for freight flows from the North to change to Electric (at least as far as Cricklewood(?) if not beyond) would have environmental and pathing benefits too. It's top-drawer wishful thinking though, given the dearth of electric locos (or suitable bimodes) in the country, and apparent lack of willingness by FOCs to do loco swaps



I expect so too, the interesting thing will be if they're able to reduce the number of engines underneath the things. Without the need for 125mph running on diesel I'd hope they could drop some of the engines, reducing emissions and wear on the track

Changing the Northern Notts-Leeds service to pure EMU operation would unfortunately require the route via Barnsley, Wakey Kirkgate and Woodlesford wired as well. They would at least be able to use bi-modes/BEMUs (if the CAF units can be upgraded without further cracks!) on the MML 'core' and around Notts.
Re Toton, the provisional HS2 2b plan shows that the depot stays, but the sidings on the east will go - although I'm not sure on the extent of the land grab. It would be immeasurably useful for changeovers, just as Ipswich is now for FL.

 

[zwk500]

Re Toton, the provisional HS2 2b plan shows that the depot stays, but the sidings on the east will go - although I'm not sure on the extent of the land grab. It would be immeasurably useful for changeovers, just as Ipswich is now for FL.

What flows are likely/possible to utilise a traction change at Toton? Probably wrong thread, apologies.

 

[Roast Veg]

Perhaps not surprising if they don't do Erewash, there won't be any electric flows over it, nor anything likely to go over soon. Any EMR intercity services over it will still be possible as I'm expecting the 810s to still remain partly bimode (either the entire fleet at say half the number of engines, or a subfleet - they've still got to serve Melton & other extensions (Lincoln!). Hopefully they'll at least get to Toton, enabling some electric freight (unlikely as it may be for any FOC to then take it up)

But if HS2 2b happens Toton will be ripped up anyway. The north curve at Trent Junction ought to be covered, as should a bit of overlap from Clay Cross. I'd expect the rest of the Erewash to be HS2's juristiction.

 

[Bald Rick]

The disappointment is that the last line says it only goes out to tender September 2022. So no boots on the ground until early 2023 best I would assume.

It needs designing yet! September 2022 is only 60 weeks away...

I'm a little confused about this quote:

Does this suggest that the Erewash will not be being wired, only the route via Derby? Is this possibly to avoid having to redo the lot when (if) HS2 comes around to Toton? Or are they going to include Sheffield-Moorthorpe and Swinton-Doncaster in the works but not wires?

What that quote means is that the proposal is to extend the OLE from Kettering to each of Nottingham and Sheffield; the main works packages look like they will be 1) for the electrification kit, and seperately 2) for the route clearance (ie bridges, tunnels, platform canopies, deveg, etc etc.) That is how most of the Scotland jobs were done. 155km is clearly not via Erewash.

Note that this is not funded for delivery yet, not by a long way. But to be able to inform the decision to proceed, you need to do market engagement and testing to get a feel for their appetite for the job and their key risks, issues and ideas.

 

[Mikey C]

It isn't being leaked, really, given there's a NR contact email at the bottom of the article! As you say, it's about letting potential bidders know that they need to dust off their presentations.

I meant "leaked out" as in a really low profile letter to industry, as opposed to a high profile press release or presentation

 

[zwk500]

What that quote means is that the proposal is to extend the OLE from Kettering to each of Nottingham and Sheffield; the main works packages look like they will be 1) for the electrification kit, and seperately 2) for the route clearance (ie bridges, tunnels, platform canopies, deveg, etc etc.) That is how most of the Scotland jobs were done. 155km is clearly not via Erewash.

Ah, it being tendered in 2 separate parts makes much more sense than some kind of passive provision beyond the scope mentioned. Thanks!

Note that this is not funded for delivery yet, not by a long way. But to be able to inform the decision to proceed, you need to do market engagement and testing to get a feel for their appetite for the job and their key risks, issues and ideas.

Indeed.

I meant "leaked out" as in a really low profile letter to industry, as opposed to a high profile press release or presentation

It's not exactly visible progress, and as @Bald Rick has mentioned it's not funded yet, so they don't really want to make a song and dance about it.

 

[59CosG95]

It needs designing yet! September 2022 is only 60 weeks away...



What that quote means is that the proposal is to extend the OLE from Kettering to each of Nottingham and Sheffield; the main works packages look like they will be 1) for the electrification kit, and seperately 2) for the route clearance (ie bridges, tunnels, platform canopies, deveg, etc etc.) That is how most of the Scotland jobs were done. 155km is clearly not via Erewash.

Note that this is not funded for delivery yet, not by a long way. But to be able to inform the decision to proceed, you need to do market engagement and testing to get a feel for their appetite for the job and their key risks, issues and ideas.

Kettering to Market Harborough's already happening, thankfully! Most of the earlier-stage design decisions (such as where feeders will be positioned) should hopefully still hold water.
On an unrelated note, I've a hunch that NR (or GBR by the time this finishes, potentially) might want to recontrol the MML's Electrical Control to the EMCC at Derby, from its current location at York.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Kettering to Market Harborough's already happening, thankfully!

In fairness the document does say Market Harborough to Sheffield so it is a given.

 

[Bald Rick]

Ah, it being tendered in 2 separate parts makes much more sense than some kind of passive provision beyond the scope mentioned. Thanks!

I’m guessing it will be tendered in more than 2 parts, as there’s lots of other stuff needed to deliver an electric railway. But the electrification and route clearance will be the two main parts.

Kettering to Market Harborough's already happening, thankfully!

Good point, although I’m not sure if even that has full financial authority for delivery.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

1. It needs designing yet! September 2022 is only 60 weeks away...


2. 155km is clearly not via Erewash.

I assumed a huge amount was done before it got Graylinged.

I will take what we can get though I assume it can be added as part of a rolling programme later.

 

[Roast Veg]

I assumed a huge amount was done before it got Graylinged.

I will take what we can get though I assume it can be added as part of a rolling programme later.

No doubt it all needs redesigning based on 12 years of changes to supply and standards.

 

[quantinghome]

It needs designing yet! September 2022 is only 60 weeks away...

Yep. Contracts for ground investigation have actually been going out over the last few months.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

I assume since there were coalfields in the general area that ground surveys will be very thorough to avoid a Manchester to Preston type scenario of horrendous costs per mile incurred due to attempting multiple piling before resorting to gravity pads etc. ?

 

[59CosG95]

No doubt it all needs redesigning based on 12 years of changes to supply and standards.

And the design ranges for the equipment - one big favourable change is that longer span lengths on UKMS125 OLE (74m as opposed to 65m on UKMS100) could result in less steel being required overall, which is a cost saving that really adds up with route length. (Although with the MML's twisty nature north of Derby, this might be wishful thinking)

I assume since there were coalfields in the general area that ground surveys will be very thorough to avoid a Manchester to Preston type scenario of horrendous costs per mile incurred due to attempting multiple piling before resorting to gravity pads etc. ?

I suspect designers might err on the side of caution and go for concrete right off the bat. This won't necessarily require custom foundations, as the design ranges cater for concrete bases - some have been used on the GSW around Crossmyloof. Guess we'll have to hold our breath for the final results though.

 

[Bald Rick]

I assumed a huge amount was done before it got Graylinged.

Unsafe assumption.