Serco begins repair works on Old Dalby test track

Serco begins repair works on Old Dalby test track

Date : 18 July 2008

Serco and prime contractor Balfour Beatty Rail Projects Ltd have started a £3m programme of works on the Old Dalby Test Track on behalf of Metronet Rail.

The works, being carried out by Serco Rail Operations (SRO), will prepare the track for testing operations for the next generation of London Underground trains, scheduled to enter service on the Metropolitan Line in 2009. The 21km track, owned by the British Rail Board, was leased to Metronet in 2006 after being put out of use when Alstom relinquished their lease a year earlier, having completed testing on the Pendolino fleet.

The programme, due to be completed in November 2008, comprises eighteen individual packages including installation of heavy drainage, piling works, embankment rebuilding, track repairs, track renewals and building repairs.

Conductor rails will also be installed along a 4km section of track to allow testing of underground trains. A further 2.5km of track will be completely renewed and sleepers will be replaced on other designated sections.

The majority of the track, however, will be deliberately kept in a used and worn condition to allow realistic endurance testing of new trains.

The works commenced with the repair of a major embankment landslip (pictured) on the “up” reversible line north of Underbridge 47 which occurred in June 2007. The damaged track will be replaced and a large retaining wall will be constructed.

Dave Hooper, managing director of Serco Rail Operations, said: “This multi-discipline project is a significant addition to Serco’s offering to rail market clients demonstrating our ability to deliver major infrastructure projects as well delivering specialist train operations and maintenance contracts.”