Work begins at Old Dalby

摘要

Serco Rail Operations and prime contractor Balfour Beatty Rail Projects have started a ￡3m programme of works on the 21 km Old Dalby Test Track, reports Tony Miles. Being undertaken on behalf of Metronet Rail, the works will prepare the track for testing and commissioning the London Underground SSL trains, which are scheduled to start entering service on the Metropolitan Line in 2009. Metronet leased the Old Dalby test track in 2006, a year after Alstom relinquished its lease following the completion of commissioning for the Pendolino fleet. Due for completion in November 2008, the programme comprises 18 individual packages including the installation of heavy drainage, piling and embankment rebuild- ing, track renewals, and building repairs. Conductor rails will be installed on a 4 km section. While 2.5 km of track will be completely renewed, and sleepers replaced elsewhere, the majority of the track will be deliberately kept in a worn condition to allow realistic endurance testing. The work will start with repairs to a major embankment slip which occurred in June 2007. Damaged track on the reversible Up line will be replaced and a large retaining wall constructed.