en.Wedoany.com Reported - Train services have resumed through the Severn Tunnel following the completion of a £23 million upgrade project. Led by Network Rail, the upgrade aims to improve the reliability of this crucial cross-border railway linking South Wales and England.
The 7-kilometer Severn Tunnel is one of the most challenging environments on the UK rail network. The unique combination of seawater and moisture has long caused bimetallic corrosion (accelerated degradation of different metals in damp, salty conditions), leading to increased wear on overhead line equipment. To address this, Network Rail developed a bespoke overhead line system specifically designed for the tunnel's harsh conditions.
The upgrade began on May 23 and the railway reopened on June 9, spanning 16 days. During this period, Network Rail and its contractor ARQ (a consortium of AmcoGiffen, REL, and QTS) mobilized around 250 engineers working around the clock. The core of the project included replacing 838 overhead line support arms, installing 14,000 meters of new wiring, and removing and replacing 7,200 meters of aging equipment within the tunnel. Additionally, the team installed over 7 kilometers of single copper contact wire, supported by modified bridge arms.
Nick Millington, Network Rail's Wales and Borders Route Director, stated that following a successful trial last year, this project delivered a world-first engineering solution on a large scale. By using modified bridge arms and continuous copper contact wire, the solution aims to create a more resilient and reliable railway structure while reducing future maintenance needs. Vinny O'Holloran, Operations Director at ARQ, praised the resilience, skills, and professionalism of the 250-strong engineering team, who worked safely and efficiently under extreme heat and the unique challenging conditions of the tunnel to complete this critical project.
Taking advantage of the railway closure window, engineers also carried out a series of major improvements between Patchway and Pilning in the Bristol area. These included a major drainage improvement replacing nearly 200 meters of pipework, refurbishing another 700 meters of pipework and upgrading 18 inspection chambers, as well as renewing over 1.5 kilometers of track. This upgrade will help improve the reliability of passenger and freight services passing through the tunnel, strengthening the vital rail link between South Wales and England for years to come.
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