A report on Winter diversions for Avanti’s bi-mode trains, originally published in the February issue of Rail Express Magazine.
For two weeks between January 1 to 14, the West Coast Main Line was closed for through traffic north of Preston to allow Network Rail to replace the life-expired Clifton Viaduct spanning the M6 motorway just south of Penrith.
When news broke last summer that the line would be closed, there were concerns over moving high numbers of passengers using rail replacement coaches, many travelling with families and luggage after New Year Celebrations.
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With spare capacity on the Settle & Carlisle line (S&C), a collaborative approach was adopted between Network Rail, National Highways and Avanti West Coast resulting in two weeks of planned diversions using Class 805 ‘Evero’ bi-mode units.
In September, a trial run over the diversionary route took place, with a pair of Class 805s running from Stafford to Carlisle via Preston. Timings were validated and a timetable planned for around six working in each direction. Journey times between Preston and Carlisle were around double that via the normal WCML route.
Copyright Photograph Robin Stewart-Smith – All Rights Reserved
In preparation for the new viaduct, Network Rail created a work compound adjacent to the WCML and the M6, constructing the replacement 130 metre, 4200 tonne structure on site.
Then over the weekend of January 3-4, with the M6 closed, the old viaduct was demolished using excavators to slowly nibble away at the steel-reinforced concrete, before removing the debris, leaving the WCML severed. Over the following weekend during another 57 hour closure of the M6, the new viaduct was moved into place using a Self-Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT), with track and catenary reinstalled and signalling recommissioned and tested.
Network Rail’s contractor, Skanska, said it was ‘technically a complex operation which was managed with great precision and care’. The closure for the viaduct replacement and over Christmas and New Year allowed other vital work on the WCML to be carried out including a £16m investment into Preston station’s signalling system and a rolling £61m programme of signalling works at Kingmoor, North of Carlisle.
This feature originally appeared in Rail Express Magazine. To subscribe, please visit https://www.classicmagazines.co.uk/rail-express
