TPA steps in at short notice for Network Rail

16 Nov

TPA’s Portable Roadways division helps Network Rail with its latest Western Route project.

Work has drawn to a close on Network Rail’s latest project with temporary access solutions supplier TPA.

Network Rail’s refurbishment of one mile of its Western Route at Iron Acton bypass in Frampton, Bristol, became urgent when an emergency speed restriction of 5mph over a six-mile portion of track impacted the numbers of trains that could use it per day.

But at just six weeks’ notice, TPA supplied enough of its 3m-wide heavy-duty aluminium portable roadway panels to create a 1,500m² compound to carry three 14-tonne cranes and approximately 20 other vehicles for the two-week project which completed on September 25^th.

Work involved replenishment of ballast and renewal of sleepers over one mile of track and the replacement of 400ft of rails. The TPA compound, on very soft ground, was used to store materials, plant and for welfare. Installation was completed by HIAB and a crew of two.

Mark Llewellin, supervisor (track) for Network Rail’s construction services, said: “We have been working with TPA for approximately three years on multiple track renewals on the Western Route. Their products and service are excellent.

“We specified their panels for this project as the land is part of a farm used for planting crops, so we required minimal disruption of the temporary roadway when removed. If we had put a stone road in, we would have had to dig it out when the works were complete. The TPA flooring provided us with a good, solid base.”