VolkerRail wins £15.5m Acton freight yard remodelling

VolkerRail will work with the rail division of sister company VolkerFitzpatrick to remodel Acton freight yard. Work includes plain line track renewals, installation of new switches and crossings, associated switch operating mechanisms and modification to the overhead line system on the main line.

These advanced works are scheduled to be completed by early 2013, with the remaining programme of work for Acton, including a diveunder, due for completion in 2016.

More capacity is needed to accommodate the extra trains on the Great Western main line when Crossrail services begin in 2018. Acton freight yard is a significant part of the network but to enter and leave the yard, trains currently have to cross main line passenger tracks.

These modifications, and the new diveunder that is currently out for tender, will enable freight trains to leave the yard without affecting passenger trains and provide increased capacity for freight.

Network Rail’s Crossrail programme director Jorge Mendonca said: “The work at Acton is an important step in delivering a more reliable service for passengers while providing more capacity in the Paddington approaches area. Network Rail is transforming the railway to make Crossrail a success and is working with many partners, including VolkerRail and VolkerFitzpatrick, to produce something that is safe, efficient and cost-effective.”

VolkerRail major projects director Stuart Birch said: “After completing the early works for Acton, we are delighted to have won this contract, which will result in our involvement to completion. This is a great opportunity for us to work together with our sister company VolkerFitzpatrick to demonstrate our complementary capabilities and experiences. Together VolkerRail and VolkerFitzpatrick are a strong force; which is further strengthened with the backing of our parent company, VolkerWessels UK. We are sure this strength enables us to deliver a successful project while working collaboratively with Network Rail.”

Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the parts of Crossrail that are on the existing network, covering 43 miles of track and 28 stations from Maidenhead in the west to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east.

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