Tunnel Workers Protected from Harmful Dust & Exhaust Fumes

Project Overview

Network Rail’s £40 billion Railway Upgrade Plan is in full force across the country, with the goal of providing faster, more reliable, greener rail travel for its passengers.

One line benefitting from this upgrade is the Great Western main line (GWML) that connects South Wales to the British Capital. Electrification of this line is expected to see a major economic boost for the region due to improved accessibility.

However, to carry out the necessary Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) installation that enables the line to be electrified, it was necessary to close the South Wales Main Line for six weeks during September and October 2017, allowing the Orange Army to work 24/7 in the Severn Tunnel and adjacent 130-year-old Patchway Tunnels.

Challenge

As part of this electrification, the Patchway Tunnels needed their tracks lowering to make space for the overhead line equipment, which would allow sufficient clearance between the 25Kv wires and the trains themselves. A job of this magnitude presented many challenges, not least the machinery being used, the dust and fumes being generated, and the environment in which the work was being carried out.

Solution

With the main hazard being the restricted space and lack of fresh air, the number one priority for RVT Group was to ensure that the health of the entire workforce was protected at all times.

This required an effective ventilation system. But getting the ventilation system in place was a challenge in itself. Working within a single-track tunnel means space is severely lacking, which makes even the simple tasks more time consuming. Key equipment needs to be shuttled in and out, and due to the limited space, machinery is unable to turn around normally, so reversing out is a frustrating necessity.

The system RVT provided had to take into account the limited space around the machinery, and the need to maintain constant access to both ends of the tunnel.

“RVT were professional from the start to the end of this very challenging project. No matter what was requested of them, they responded quickly and safely, delivering to our every need. From the team on the ground to the team in the office, I fully recommend using RVT and look forward to working with them again in the future.” - Steve Eastment, Project Manager, Babcock International Group