MML Electrification: progress updates

[GRALISTAIR]

Will the piles be driven deeper or stay as they are?

 

[380DC]

Will the piles be driven deeper or stay as they are?

They'll be driven deeper unless the ground conditions don't allow for it

 

[PJM]

They'll be driven deeper unless the ground conditions don't allow for it

Do they then cut to size?

 

[380DC]

Do they then cut to size?

Generally not, as the pile is designed to be a certain depth in the ground. Additionally, the top of the pile includes the fixing arrangements for attaching the masts, so that ideally wouldn't be cut off. There are ways to cut the piles down and utilise a pile cap, but usually a concrete collar will be used to ensure enough non-effective depth. If this isn't viable then the structure position will have to be redesigned. If the whole area has awkward ground conditions that don't allow for deep piling, a gravity pad can be used instead

 

[PJM]

Generally not, as the top of the pile includes the fixing arrangements for attaching the masts, so that can't be cut off.

Usually a concrete collar will be used to ensure enough non-effective depth. If this isn't viable then the structure position will have to be redesigned. If the whole area has awkward ground conditions that don't allow for deep piling, a gravity pad can be used instead

Interesting, thank you.

 

[Edvid]

Found some more pictures on Twitter (taken by Derek Carruthers yesterday). Looks like the masts are now within a mile of Kilby Bridge Jn.

Large concrete foundation being constructed at Wigston Sth guess for a TSC

Which side of the B582 bridge - north or south?

 

[snowball]

Which side of the B582 bridge - north or south?

I would expect north. Where there's a Y-shaped junction like Wigston South, I would expect to see a TSC placed so that (in an idealised future situation where all routes are electrified) either arm of the Y can be switched off, leaving the other arm and the stem still live.

 

[PJM]

No worries.

Elsewhere, on a more OLE-related front, I did a bit of a photo reccy yesterday morning and can report the following:

• The "Desborough Gap" has been properly closed now with the installation of the boom on the mid-point anchor portal.
• An additional mast (possibly for AT feeding) has gone up south of the cluster of 4 already in Braybrooke ATFS compound.
• The ATF anchor south of Little Bowden FB (SPC3-31AA) on the UM has now been installed; its number is SPC3/132.596/UM. No brackets on it yet except for the ATF anchor itself.
• Not much of a change in the Kibworth area, except for the installation of more vehicle barriers next to the piles.
• Most masts (except for some near the old station) are up in the Gt Glen area.
• Piles are now up near Kilby Bridge Jn!

Photos to follow.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Generally not, as the pile is designed to be a certain depth in the ground. Additionally, the top of the pile includes the fixing arrangements for attaching the masts, so that can't be cut off.

Usually a concrete collar will be used to ensure enough non-effective depth. If this isn't viable then the structure position will have to be redesigned. If the whole area has awkward ground conditions that don't allow for deep piling, a gravity pad can be used instead

But as we saw on Manchester to Preston, that starts putting up cost very quickly.

 

[Flying Phil]

Still masts not up north of the Braybrooke supply site, but there was a lot of activity just to the South of the foot overbridge and North of the Braybrooke work compound.

 

[Snow1964]

As offshoot of HS2 thread and Infrastructure & Projects Authority giving it a red for phases 1 and 2a, thought I would comment on Midland Main Line

Per page 55 MML upgrade last two years has been green, following 5 ambers from 2016

Per page 54 MML3 (electrification of Midland from Wigston to Sheffield and Nottingham) is Amber for 2 years (I realise not yet definitely going through to Sheffield, but that is way it is described in Government document, which also mentions MML3 connected to HS2 east), there are only 2 years assessment history for this project.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1171218/IPA-Annual-report-2022-2023.pdf

 

[59CosG95]

As promised, some photo updates from last week (which might now be out of date!)
First off - the boom going on this mid-point anchor portal here means that in terms of main part steel, the Desboro' Gap has been plugged. This is SPC3/125.805/DM+UM.


Secondly, the cantilevers around the powerline crossing east of Desborough have been installed, with both Earth Wires and the DM ATF now run. (Here, the DM EW & ATF were temporarily hung at the time; this is likely to have been remedied in the week since I took the picture.)


Not much change in the Kibworths, but every DM TTC pile west of bridge SPC3-18 now seems to have sprouted a vehicle (Armco) barrier next to it.


And now to Kilby Bridge Jn - 4 piles next to the Up & Down Slow Line (UDSL) have gone in east of the footbridge. I checked the chalk on the rails for each of them and we have numbers (all prefixed SPC3/): 150.738/UDSL, 150.743/UDSL, 150.777/UDSL and 150.782/UDSL.


Another pile is visible in the undergrowth here - this is SPC3/150.837/UDSL.

 

[John Webb]

As promised, some photo updates from last week (which might now be out of date!)....

Secondly, the cantilevers around the powerline crossing east of Desborough have been installed, with both Earth Wires and the DM ATF now run. (Here, the DM EW & ATF were temporarily hung at the time; this is likely to have been remedied in the week since I took the picture.)
View attachment 140020

At one time, in the days of the old 'Pole routes' for telegraph, block instruments and the like, quite elaborate precautions were taken where high-voltage power lines crossed the railway, with additional earth wires or even earthed metal mesh over the pole route to protect it from contact with any HV cable that broke.
I've never seen any similar protection in recent years where a high-voltage crosses a railway line, electrified or not. Are the power lines more reliable, or does improved fault detection mean that such protection is not considered to be needed?

 

[59CosG95]

At one time, in the days of the old 'Pole routes' for telegraph, block instruments and the like, quite elaborate precautions were taken where high-voltage power lines crossed the railway, with additional earth wires or even earthed metal mesh over the pole route to protect it from contact with any HV cable that broke.
I've never seen any similar protection in recent years where a high-voltage crosses a railway line, electrified or not. Are the power lines more reliable, or does improved fault detection mean that such protection is not considered to be needed?

Think it's the improved fault detection. A lot of the time now the ATFs go to ground (in the most literal sense) and run as cables in troughs beneath powerline crossings, which minimises the number of conductors having to be repaired.

 

[stuving]

Think it's the improved fault detection. A lot of the time now the ATFs go to ground (in the most literal sense) and run as cables in troughs beneath powerline crossings, which minimises the number of conductors having to be repaired.

Isn't there a big difference between power wiring, which is designed to cope with high fault currents and to protect itself from further damage away from the site of the accident, and bare signal wires that can carry very dangerous voltages into a little box with people in it?

 

[John Webb]

Think it's the improved fault detection. A lot of the time now the ATFs go to ground (in the most literal sense) and run as cables in troughs beneath powerline crossings, which minimises the number of conductors having to be repaired.

Isn't there a big difference between power wiring, which is designed to cope with high fault currents and to protect itself from further damage away from the site of the accident, and bare signal wires that can carry very dangerous voltages into a little box with people in it?

Thanks for the comments. Telephones, block instruments and the like were, in many cases, fitted with 'lightening arresters' to earth any major voltage surge. Presumably modern and probably screened cables in troughing is less likely to be affected.

 

[AM9]

Thanks for the comments. Telephones, block instruments and the like were, in many cases, fitted with 'lightening arresters' to earth any major voltage surge. Presumably modern and probably screened cables in troughing is less likely to be affected.

Yes, added to the fact that increasingly, the majority of telecom lines away from the immediate vicinity of the end users use fibre cabling, which is virtually immune from high voltage/current discharges to ground.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jul 2023 ==

Think it's the improved fault detection. A lot of the time now the ATFs go to ground (in the most literal sense) and run as cables in troughs beneath powerline crossings, which minimises the number of conductors having to be repaired.

I've also heard that high voltage national grid power lines can have fault detection that senses a massive phase imbalance, such as would be when an overhead cable breaks. Given the height above ground that they are suspended, high speed breakers could probably remove the power before the cable actually hits the ground.

 

[Peter Sarf]

Yes, added to the fact that increasingly, the majority of telecom lines away from the immediate vicinity of the end users use fibre cabling, which is virtually immune from high voltage/current discharges to ground.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jul 2023 ==

You make me think, another advantage is not attractive to cable thieves.

I've also heard that high voltage national grid power lines can have fault detection that senses a massive phase imbalance, such as would be when an overhead cable breaks. Given the height above ground that they are suspended, high speed breakers could probably remove the power before the cable actually hits the ground.

 

[zwk500]

You make me think, another advantage is not attractive to cable thieves.

Sadly, cable thieves tend not to know which are the valuable cables and which aren't until after they've sliced through the whole lot to get at them.

 

[Peter Sarf]

Sadly, cable thieves tend not to know which are the valuable cables and which aren't until after they've sliced through the whole lot to get at them.

Ah, of course. Not really interested in carrying out the least possibly intrusive investigation are they I suppose. The higher the voltage the better would be a solution - they would only cut wires once........

 

[Bryson]

Ah, of course. Not really interested in carrying out the least possibly intrusive investigation are they I suppose. The higher the voltage the better would be a solution - they would only cut wires once........

Having arrived at work one morning to find a hacksaw buried in the insulation of one of our 11,000 volt cables I can confirm that this does happen. Fortunately (or unfortunately) the saw had got stuck in the insulation. A couple more strokes and the toe rag would have been up for a Darwin award.

 

[Elecman]

That’s happens !!

 

[londonmidland]

I notice next weekend there is engineering works between Kettering and Leicester, with Market Harborough not being served. Is this when the gantries will be installed at Kilby Bridge I wonder?

 

[PJM]

I notice next weekend there is engineering works between Kettering and Leicester, with Market Harborough not being served. Is this when the gantries will be installed at Kilby Bridge I wonder?

According to Network Rail this is what is planned for next weekend.

Market Harborough to Great Bowden
description
SPC3 83m 0ch - 85m 0ch

What we will be doing:
We will be installing trackside posts and overhead wires

When will we be working day and night between:
Fri 4 August 2023 - Mon 7 August 2023

---------

Newton Harcourt to Wigston
description
Ref No: SPC3 92m 20ch - 95m 20ch

What we will be doing:
We will be carrying out piling work to install
foundations in the ground to support new
overhead line equipment (OLE). Piling involves
driving the piles deep into the ground.

Our specialist teams will be working between day and night shifts between:
Fri 4 August 2023 - Mon 7 August.

-------

Kibworth
description
SPC3 86m 0ch - 90m 0ch

What we will be doing:
We will be installing trackside posts and overhead wires

When will we be working:
22:00 Fri 4 August 2023 - 08:00 Mon 7 August 2023

--------

Market Harborough to Kibworth
description
SPC3 80m 10ch - 90m 0ch

What we will be doing:
We will be installing trackside posts and overhead wires

When will we be working day and night from:
Fri 4 August 2023 - Mon 7 August 2023

 

[59CosG95]

According to Network Rail this is what is planned for next weekend.

Market Harborough to Great Bowden
description
SPC3 83m 0ch - 85m 0ch

What we will be doing:
We will be installing trackside posts and overhead wires

When will we be working day and night between:
Fri 4 August 2023 - Mon 7 August 2023

---------

Newton Harcourt to Wigston
description
Ref No: SPC3 92m 20ch - 95m 20ch

What we will be doing:
We will be carrying out piling work to install
foundations in the ground to support new
overhead line equipment (OLE). Piling involves
driving the piles deep into the ground.

Our specialist teams will be working between day and night shifts between:
Fri 4 August 2023 - Mon 7 August.

-------

Kibworth
description
SPC3 86m 0ch - 90m 0ch

What we will be doing:
We will be installing trackside posts and overhead wires

When will we be working:
22:00 Fri 4 August 2023 - 08:00 Mon 7 August 2023

--------

Market Harborough to Kibworth
description
SPC3 80m 10ch - 90m 0ch

What we will be doing:
We will be installing trackside posts and overhead wires

When will we be working day and night from:
Fri 4 August 2023 - Mon 7 August 2023

Well, I've noticed that on the full weekend closures, bridges tend to be demolished, so it could be:

• SPC3-25;
• SPC3-24;
• SPC3-9; or
• SPC3-7.

ISTR that track lowering is due to take place in the Desborough area (underneath SPC3-40 and/or SPC3-39) in August, so that might be starting.
Work on SPC3-28 is due to start in August, however the demolition date isn't until November.
SPC3-18 will be having a temporary bridge installed next to it to maintain pedestrian/cycle access (after local residents and the Rt Hon Member of Parliament for Harborough kicked up a fuss), so it could also be related to that.

 

[snowball]

An item on page 13 of the August Modern Railways says that the government has committed itself to MML electrification, dismissing the recently discussed threat that it might stop at Wigston in order to fund HS2.

When I posted this I hadn't noticed that there's another item on page 15 saying it came down to spending money on either MML or the Ely enhancement. I'll post more in an Ely thread.

Meanwhile there's this press release:

Work to build Leicestershire temporary footbridge begins as current bridge is transformed

Construction of a temporary bridge in Kibworth has begun whilst essential work to adapt the existing bridge takes place, paving the way for a fully electrified railway between Kettering and Wigston.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Construction of a temporary bridge in Kibworth has begun whilst essential work to adapt the existing bridge takes place, paving the way for a fully electrified railway between Kettering and Wigston.

School Road bridge will be demolished this Autumn, before being reconstructed to provide the clearance needed for overhead wires to pass underneath.

The wires will eventually power electric and bi-mode trains through the East Midlands as part of the Midland Main Line upgrade. The multi-million-pound programme supports the Government’s ambitions for decarbonisation and will offer more reliable journeys for passengers.

In the meantime, work to build a temporary footbridge is now underway and is set to be completed by autumn 2023. This will allow residents to access shops and local schools safely whilst work on the permanent bridge takes place.

Network Rail has worked closely with Kibworth Parish Council, Harborough District Council and Leicestershire County Council whilst engaging with the local community. The temporary structure is being erected to allow for the work to be carried out with as little impact on the community as possible.

The new, permanent bridge is due to be completed by spring 2024 and will help to create a cleaner, greener railway for passengers travelling along this section of the Midland Main Line in the future.

-------------- automerge ------------------

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Aug 2023 ==


Press release

Passengers reminded to check before they travel ahead of Midland Main Line Upgrade

Passengers travelling along the Midland Main Line between London St Pancras and the north are being urged to check before they travel as engineering work between Leicester and Kettering will impact on journeys on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Passengers travelling along the Midland Main Line between London St Pancras and the north are being urged to check before they travel as engineering work between Leicester and Kettering will impact on journeys on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August.

Further upgrade work is taking place to deliver the Midland Main Line Upgrade, which will create a more sustainable railway and help to deliver the UK Government’s 2050 target of net zero carbon emissions.

Demolition work on Warners Bridge in Leicestershire will form part of the weekend’s work, allowing for overhead wires to be installed at the correct height for electric and bi-mode trains to eventually run on the line through the East Midlands.

Drainage work will also be taking place on the route in preparation for the track to be lowered to further accommodate overhead electric wires.

A reduced East Midlands Railway service will operate throughout the weekend. Trains from Sheffield and Nottingham to London St Pancras will divert via Corby and will not stop at Market Harborough. A rail replacement bus service will operate between Leicester, Market Harborough, and Kettering.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands Route, said: “This work is essential for us to be able to deliver the next stage of the Midland Main Line Upgrade. The electrification of the line will allow for a more sustainable railway and quieter journeys for passengers and those living nearby.

“We’re encouraging passengers to check before they travel with their train operator or via the National Rail Enquiries website, and we want to thank passengers for their understanding ahead of this work.”

Dave Meredith, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway said: “We are asking any customers planning to travel to or from London this weekend to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete their journey.

“Our trains will be unable to call at Market Harborough station and rail replacement buses will keep passengers moving between Kettering and Market Harborough and Market Harborough and Leicester.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst the engineering work along the Midland Main Line is taking place.”

Elsewhere on Sunday 6 August, track renewal work will take place between Alfreton and Chesterfield. Northern Trains services between Sheffield and Nottingham will be replaced by rail replacement buses which will call at intermediate stations - Dronfield, Chesterfield, Alfreton, Langley Mill, and Ilkeston. EMR services between Sheffield and Nottingham will divert, resulting in no services stopping at Alfreton.

 

[PJM]

Looking north from the bridge near Newton Harcourt SPC7 Leicester Road/Newton Lane



and south and to the left, the compound for the rebuild of the same bridge.


== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Aug 2023 ==

Masts and cantilevers are up north of Market Harborough Station.

Looking north from the road bridge on Station Road Great Bowden. I could see just two masts beyond the foot bridge. I will investigate further during the week.


south back towards the station.

 

[WesternBiker]

Looking north from the bridge near Newton Harcourt SPC7 Leicester Road/Newton Lane

View attachment 140429

and south and to the left, the compound for the rebuild of the same bridge.
View attachment 140430View attachment 140432View attachment 140433

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Aug 2023 ==

Masts and cantilevers are up north of Market Harborough Station.

Looking north from the road bridge on Station Road Great Bowden. I could see just two masts beyond the foot bridge. I will investigate further during the week.
View attachment 140470View attachment 140471

south back towards the station.
View attachment 140472View attachment 140473

That's a great set of photos - thanks for posting.

 

[59CosG95]

LinkedIn update from Mr Skinner, SPL's Engineering head honcho:

#poweringup | Simon Skinner C.Eng FIET FPWI | 19 comments

Sunday trip out to see the site teams on MMLe, SPLs Kettering to Wigston Electrification project. Vasts amount of work over the entire footprint of the scheme including Foundations, Steelwork, SPS, Wiring. Final Reg, and deveg. Sub-Stations coming on nicely at Wigston in readiness for...

www.linkedin.com

A rather all-encompassing post, but the 1000th cantilever has now been hung as part of the project.

 

[londonmidland]

Immediately south of Blaby Road bridge in South Wigston, it looks like a concrete base has been constructed. I assume it’s to support some sort of electrical equipment?