R&M Assembly Division were tasked by Birse Rail to help develop and assemble equipment for junction lighting to be used in the KO2 (Key Output) Thameslink Rail Project.
The Thameslink rail passenger service is an important north-south link between Bedford and Brighton through the city of London – and makes it possible to cross London without having to transfer to the underground.
The Thameslink Programme’s main objective is to increase accessibility to, from and through the heart of London by improving and expanding the existing service – increasing train service frequency from 16 per hour to 24 per hour.
KO2 was the 3rd stage of the programme and involved major infrastructure works and significant improvements to key stations along the enlarged route.
The Challenge
One of the challenges facing the Programme is the on-going maintenance of the system whilst avoiding line closures and limiting disruption to commuters. Traditionally these works have been carried out during off-peak daylight hours, holiday periods or during the evening utilisng temporary and expensive task lights and has involved the closing of long sections of the line to enable the work to be carried out safely.
The Solution
Woking with Railway Electrical Services Ltd the innovative solution developed by Birse Rail and R&M Assembly Division involved the introduction of permanent lighting at key junctions across the network, thus enabling patrolling, inspection and maintenance to be undertaken in the hours of darkness, avoiding disruptive and expensive daylight closures.
The solution also supports changes to the infrastructure maintenance regime enabling work to be
completed in fewer, shorter blocks of the line, principally during traditionally off-peak periods on the line – midweek nights and Sunday mornings.
The task lighting incorporates new energy efficient, low maintenance technology – reducing maintenance and energy costs, reducing carbon emissions and reducing site construction waste.
Solution Benefits
- Reduces construction costs
- Reduces whole life costs
- Reduces energy consumption
- Safer & quicker to install and maintain
- Non obtrusive – avoiding light pollution and glare to neighbouring properties and minimising environmental impact in rural areas
- Reduces the risk of signal sighting issues