Principal Contractor Global Rail Construction Successfully Completes Feltham Phase 1

We are delighted to announce the successful completion of our Feltham Phase 1 PC contract on behalf Network Rail. Click here to read the full project case study.

Having commenced works in July 2017, our Rail South Project Team led by PM Patrick Rouse, have completed the design and construction of civil engineering works, which form part of a major Re-Signalling project to renew life expired signalling, telecoms and power assets for Network Rail covering 80 track miles, comprising the renewal of 538 Signalling Equivalent Units (SEUs).

Global Rail Construction has worked collaboratively with Network Rail throughout the project and this has led to the delivery of an exemplary project, one which has an outstanding approach to safety and the environment, been fully compliant and shared in lessons learnt across the entire project team.

This is echoed by Global Rail Construction’s PRISM scorecard – Network Rail’s assessment tool, which is used to gauge contract performance of both the client and PC contractors teams during large rail infrastructure projects – the last PRISM score for the project showed an average score of 4.43 out of 5.

Throughout the project, Global Rail Construction’s in-house design and construction teams have sought to deliver solutions to challenges, working closely with their NR counterparts to ensure a high quality service. This can be verified by the fact that all handback works and snagging have been completed and that all as-built records and H&S File documentation has been submitted.

Global Rail Construction has always sought to provide a positive approach in supporting Network Rail throughout the contract. The final completion date was ensured through close liaison and management of workload priorities during possession planning and a pro-active approach to achieving the very best solution for all parties. The entire project team, with head office support as required, worked hard to fully understand all lineside and neighbour issues and always sought the fullest mitigation measures at all times – this included pro-active management of intrusive works such as noise notification works throughout the project lifecycle.

The team developed several processes to aid its HSE performance too, enhancing behaviours through an open, learning culture and providing an overall positive approach to safety from all levels of staff, including supply chain partners. During the project, there was some great collaboration between GRCL and NR for joint safety engagement through Safety Stand Downs, which provided a vehicle for positive participation by the whole team. Close call innovation in the form of a ‘WhatsApp’ Group was also fully embraced during the project and is now very much part of business as usual for the entire GRCL operation.

Global Rail Construction’s Managing Director, Marco Lombardelli also added:

“I am truly delighted with the outcome of this significant railway civil engineering project. This 21 month project required great expertise and a meticulous approach to worksite planning from an experienced civil engineering team, in order to keep the project on track. To then complete this snag free was an incredible effort.

“Having an in-house team of design engineers, project managers and civils installers, coupled with a dedicated supply chain, without doubt enabled solutions to be quickly and effectively formed – providing programme and cost surety.”

Global Rail Australia Launches New Rail Division for Track Construction and Welding

Global Rail Australia Pty Limited is pleased to announce the launch of its new Track Construction Division. The division will be managed by the company’s latest team member – Richard Needham – who has joined the business in the role of Rail Manager.

This exciting new division, will specialise in aluminothermic welding, track construction and maintenance, including the delivery of safe working services, inspection and track handback.

Global Rail Australia have a number of in-house experts, that are able to cover every aspect of track construction maintenance and renewals from component exchange through to major re-railing activities. These teams have proven project delivery for a vast range of rail clients; providing bespoke solutions to meet their requirements.

You can learn more by clicking this web-link and reading our service offering:

Global Rail Australia is part of the Global Infrastructure Group and is a household name in Australia, as a provider of design, construct and commission services for clients across a wide range of engineering and infrastructure industries including Mainline, Metro and Light Rail Systems and Utilities, whilst also offering general contracting and building services in the commercial and industrial sectors.

The company already operates across a number of disciplines, which include civil and structural engineering incorporating maintenance and renewal, building, mechanical, electrical and power; now adding track construction to its suite of services, and provides a full test and commission service, for rail and wider infrastructure industry clients.

Global Rail Australia is able to offer either divisional specific disciplines, or a fully managed turnkey solution across its range of activities including design and specialise in the installation, commissioning and testing of critical rail infrastructure.

Global Rail Australia’s in house expertise and flexible management approach, based on decades of engineering and delivering solutions has resulted in us providing a value added service. We have successfully delivered a range of projects for a variety of clients in both the public and private sectors, including rail network operators through to major infrastructure organisations.

A delighted CEO Ivan Holloway, also added:

“The addition of a track construction division, allows us to provide a more comprehensive and effective delivery model to the Australian railway sector. To do this, Global Rail Australia has secured the necessary expertise, to be able to provide the essential know-how to deliver track construction works either as a standalone discipline, or as part of a wider multi-disciplinary contract.

“Over the years, I have seen Global Rail Australia grow into a partner of choice in the rail market. I want it to be seen as an innovative business that invests in both its technology and its people for the future.

I believe that our lasting relationships and the diverse, yet flexible multi-disciplinary offering of Global Rail Australia, will continue to underpin the company’s growth and provide the very best value for money service for our clients.”

Global Rail Construction Passes OHSAS 18001 Audit With Flying Colours

Global Rail Construction has successfully completed this year’s 3-day OHSAS 18001 [surveillance] audit of our Health and Safety management system.

We are pleased to note that we did not receive any non-compliances. During the audit an opportunity for improvement (OFI) was identified, this will be addressed going forward as part of our continuously improving culture.

Furthermore, the auditor recognised the work we do as a company, our Health and Safety programmes and approach to delivering our safety vision that ‘everyone arrives for work healthy and leaves for home safely every day.’

A special thank you to Peter Coleman, Head of Compliance, for his hard work and dedication and to the rest of our teams for their continued support of our management systems.

Global Rail Construction is committed to complying with legislation to ensure the highest standards of safety are achieved and maintained. Health and well-being is central to our approach. Global Rail Construction’s safety management ethos is based on risk assessment and control throughout our operations. We constantly endeavour to provide a safe place of work, with safe and maintained plant, equipment and systems of work. This approach is enhanced through the provision of appropriate information, instruction and training on and off site, ensuring safe use of materials and substances and by diligently working to prevent accidents.

Global Rail Services Successfully Installs 20m Long PCC Footbridge at Limerick Junction Station

Global Rail Services are delighted to announce their successful installation of a new Precast Concrete Footbridge at Limerick Junction Station.

The footbridge is a staggering 20m long and weighs in at nearly 100 tonnes and was installed utilising 1nr 500 tonne crane and 1nr 300 tonne crane lifting in tandem, in order to install the structure to its final resting place.

The works were safely completed on Wednesday Night 10th April 2019, during a mid-week night TIII possession of the railway between 11pm to 5am.

The footbridge installation works were fully managed and co-ordinated by Global Rail Services’ Project and Site Management Team in conjunction with supply chain partners, Shay Murtagh Precast, who supplied the bridge and Kavanagh Crane Hire.

Global Rail Services are managing and delivering these works as part of a new €2.5m project at Limerick Junction on behalf of Irish Rail. The complete rail project involves construction of a new 260m precast concrete platform, the production, delivery and installation of the new Precast Concrete footbridge, stairs and lift shafts on piled foundations including all associated structural steelwork and all associated electrical and station/platform infrastructure.

The overall objective via the implementation of this scheme is to deliver improved journey times and provide timetable enhancements on the Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Limerick lines, which are currently restricted by a platform conflict at Limerick Junction.

Works are being completed both between trains and during railway possessions and are due to continue until June 2019.

Congratulations and a very big thanks to all involved for their dedication and many months of hard work, to ensure the safe and successful completion of this very important project milestone.

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Global Rail Construction Secure E&P and Civils Works on Barking Riverside Extension

Global Rail Construction Limited are delighted to announce their award of the E&P and ancillary Civil Engineering works for the joint venture of Volker Fitzpatrick and Morgan Sindall (VFMS), who were successful with the award for the construction of the 4.5 km extension to the Gospel Oak to Barking line.

Works include the modification of the existing railway lines from Barking station over a stretch of 3km with a new 1.5km railway viaduct extension from Renwick Road overbridge to the new terminus station. This will involve constructing an embankment ramp up to the new concrete viaduct supporting a 2-track railway extension into the heart of a new residential development at Barking Riverside.

In addition to the civils and E&P scope of works, GRCL will also be supplying all materials handling and logistics management for their works, RRV’s as required, site haulage and the provision of all HV comps and assessors including all necessary SMTH testing staff to support the works and enhance their self-delivery capability.

GRCL’s Operations Director, Sean Donaghey, who played a large part in the successful bid, added:

“This is great news for GRCL and shows the continued growth of our multi-disciplinary offering.  This is a prestigious contract for the company and we look forward to working collaboratively with VFMS to deliver a safe, high quality service, in order to meet the project timeframe.  Many thanks to all of the GRCL team for their efforts in securing these works.”

Global Rail Construction’s scope includes delivery of the following Railway Ancillary Civil Engineering Works:

  • Demolition works
  • Construction of Distribution Network Operator (DNO) bases
  • Installation of Points Heating Control Cubicle (PHCC) precast foundations
  • Installation of Points Heating Transformer precast bases
  • Installation of TCB precast bases
  • Lighting Column foundation bases
  • Lighting Control Cubicle (LCC) foundations
  • Alterations to LV Compound Layout
  • Construction of bases for L.V panels
  • Alterations to Hard landscaping areas
  • Fencing works and gates
  • Vegetation Clearance
  • Roadways and Vehicular Access areas
  • Troughing works – new installation
  • Troughing works – Lift & Shift to refurbished & upgraded elevated route
  • PSP bases
  • FSP’s foundation bases
  • 9No 9-way UTX’s
  • 1No 6-way URX
  • Safe Walkways
  • Signage bases
  • Construction of Single location Bases and hardstand areas
  • Construction of Half location Bases and hardstand areas
  • Construction of signal support structures and foundations
  • Construction of concrete foundations for hinged single posts
  • Installation of Structural steel staging platforms incl foundations

Global Rail Construction’s E&P scope of works includes the following deliverables and includes the Completion of all NICEIC Certification, As Built record drawings, O&M’s and Completion and delivery of Ellipse data.

Lighting

  • Installation of new L.V Submain supplies for the new lighting installations
  • Installation of Staircase Lighting Control Panel
  • LED Bulkhead Luminaires
  • Lighting Control Switches complete with enclosure & associated equipment cabling
  • Installation of containment associated with staircase lighting
  • Modifications to existing L.V Distribution equipment
  • Disconnection and removal of existing REB supply
  • DNO earthing and bonding to trackside Spider Plate
  • Install all associated cabling and containment
  • Management and installation of all associated cabling for the works

L.V Power Distribution

  • 3 new DNO Cubicles including all associated equipment & control
  • New L.V Sub main installations to supply L.V power requirements for all E&P Rail Systems

OLE Systems – L.V power

  • V Submain Cabling for trackside Motorised Operating Switches (MOS)
  • Supply and Installation of MOS distribution cubicles including 230/120v transformer for Scada

Points Heating

  • Installation of 3 new Points Heating Control Cubicles
  • Installation of Point Heating Transformers (10Kva)
  • Installation of Point Heating Transformers (5Kva)
  • Installation of Post Mounted Trackside Connection Boxes (GRP)
  • Installation of Points heaters for 18 Point ends
    • Installation of Hot and Cold Temperature Probes
    • Weather Monitoring Equipment
    • Installation of Remote Conditioning Unit Cabling
    • Installation of Trackside point heating cabling
  • Installation of L.V Sub main supplies for new Points Heating Control Cubicles
  • Installation of L.V supplies to Point Heating Transformers

Signalling Power

  • Installation of 37 new Function Supply Points (FSP’s) for new 650v Signalling feeders
    • Viaduct Feeder B installation 2c 50mm² XLPE/FGT/PVC Enhanced unarmoured
    • West Feeder 2A & 2B installation 2c 95mm² XLPE/FGT/PVC Enhanced unarmoured
    • West Feeder 1A & 1B installation 2c 95mm² XLPE/FGT/PVC Enhanced unarmoured
    • Reconfiguration of existing Signalling feeders at Barking and Dagenham Dock
    • Migration of Signalling power from existing Signalling LOC’s to new FSP Feeders
  • Installation of New Sub-distribution cubicle to power new Signalling Feeders
  • Install 3 new sub-distribution cubicles and associated equipment and carry out modifications to existing
  • New insulation monitoring device with connections to the existing CDS
  • Management of all existing trackside cabling – Lift & shift
  • Tag and Trace identification of all existing trackside cabling

Principle Supply Points (PSP)

  • Modifications and reconfiguration of existing PSP’s
  • Testing & Commission on completion of the works
  • Recovery of all redundant 650v Feeder cables
  • Recalibration of PSP Bender units

Train Power Systems (RSC)

  • Installation of 8,500m new return screen conductor cabling 19/4.22
  • Supply and installation of bonding connections to 37 FSP’s to RSC
  • Supply and installation of bonding connection to 24 Signalling LOC’s
  • Structural Bonding connections of new viaduct to RSC

Global Rail Construction Welcome a New Apprentice Civil Engineer

Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) are delighted to introduce our latest Apprentice, Charlie Rice, who joins our Global Family. Charlie will be based within our in-house design team where he will be taught by our experienced team of Draughtsman and Civil Engineers to give him the skills to progress. Alongside this in-house training, in September he will attend college one day a week, studying towards a BTEC HNC in Civil Engineering. Charlie has already achieved a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Civil Engineering with City & Guild.

The BTEC HNC qualification comprises ten core units studied over a two year period, covering a range of subjects such as Applied Mathematics, Construction and the Built Environment, Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics and Structural Analysis, Design and Site Surveying culminating in a Group design project that involves putting these learned skills into practice in a real world scenario.

We asked Charlie why he wanted to join GRCL he said:

“I was keen to join a primary contractor with multi-disciplinary experience, to give me a broader experience whilst I am learning.”

Hiring Apprentices is part of GRCL’s policy to build for the future and we are delighted to welcome Charlie and wish him every success.

If you are interested in joining us as an apprentice, please send your CV plus a covering letter to careers@grcl.co.uk

Framework Contract Successes for Global Rail Australia

Global Rail Australia is pleased to announce it has had further successes with the award of a number of high profile frameworks:

VicTrack – Metropolitan Mobile Radio

Global Rail Australia and Dali Wireless have entered into a 4 year agreement to provide equipment and technical support services to VicTrack for their Metropolitan Mobile Radio (MMR) network, which includes safety critical equipment for the rail protection officers.

Global Rail are delighted to enter into this exciting partnership with Dali Wireless and their foray into the Australian marketplace – we hope to build on this relationship.

Dali Wireless Inc. is headquartered in Silicon Valley, USA and in Vancouver, Canada, and is a privately held company. Dali products are based on patented technology developed by a team of seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in wireless telecommunications. Dali‘s software configurable digital Distributed Antenna System (DAS) provides seamless mobile coverage and capacity for today’s high-speed voice and data wireless networks. Dali has a game-changing flexible DAS network architecture, resulting in exceptionally low total cost of ownership: simple installation, lower maintenance cost and seamless network upgrade and expansion.

Sydney Metro Northwest Project

Global Rail Australia have been awarded a contract to support THALES on the Sydney Metro Northwest Project.  The Sydney Metro Northwest is a heavy rail link to the north-western suburbs of Sydney, the project comprises:

  • approximately 13 km of existing Epping to Chatswood Railway Link, including 5 existing stations;
  • an extension of approximately 23 km with 8 new stations;
  • a new dedicated Operations Control Centre (OCC); and
  • a new Rapid Transit Rail Facility (RTRF)

Global Rail Australia has been engaged to install the Communications Systems at Epping and Chatswood Station. The project is scheduled for completion in March 2019.

Metro Trains Melbourne – Facilities Maintenance, Low Voltage Works and OCS – Electrical Systems and Maintenance

Global Rail Australia has been working with Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) since early 2013, we are delighted to have been awarded three further frameworks for Facilities Maintenance, Low Voltage Works and OCS – Electrical & Electrical Systems and Maintenance.  We delighted to continue and build upon our well established relationship with MTM, with the addition of these new frameworks, which enables us to further extend and enhance the services we provide to MTM.

Railway Civil Engineering and Maintenance Works – Victoria

Global Rail Australia has been awarded a three year framework with VLine to undertake Civil Engineering and Maintenance works across the VLine Network in Victoria. Global Rail Australia has been working with VLine for a number of years and have carried out diverse range of projects including bridge replacements, culvert installation, station upgrades and systems installation works.

We are delighted to have secured this framework and look forward to growing our relationship with VLine, particularly at this exciting time for rail infrastructure projects in Victoria.

ARTC – Australian Rail Track Corporation – Provision of Civil Engineering Construction and Maintenance Services

We have been awarded a framework for the provision of Civil Engineering, Construction and Maintenance Services for the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).  ARTC operates the largest freight Network in Australia with over 11,000Km of Freight Networks and are about to embark on a $9 Billion Dollar investment on the Network over the next 5 Years.  Global Rail Australia are delighted to partner with ARTC in delivery of their exciting network improvement plans.

Learn all about what we do here: https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/global-rail-australia/what-we-do/

UK’s Global Rail Construction Recognised for Safety Excellence

The health and safety of our employees and others who may be affected by our activities has always been of paramount importance to Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL).

This can be evidenced by a recent safety commendation at the S&C South Alliance, where the company were ranked in the top 3 for Period 10 in respect of their Signalling and Telecommunications (S&T) work. This is a monthly forum, where all supply chain partners attend, so it is great for GRCL to be recognised for its excellence in safety amongst our peers.

Safety and well-being is central to GRCL’s approach. The continuous improvement in occupational health and safety management and performance is achieved through the implementation and maintenance of an occupational health and safety management system (SMS), which meets the requirements of OHSAS 18001:2007.
Global Rail Construction’s safety management ethos is based on risk assessment and control throughout its operations. The company constantly endeavours to provide a safe place of work, with safe and maintained plant, equipment and systems of work.

This approach is enhanced through the provision of appropriate information, instruction and training on and off site, ensuring safe use of materials and substances and by diligently working to prevent accidents.

Mick Walsh, GRCL’s Head of Resource, attended the day and added:

“It was great to receive such praise and this has been duly acknowledged by our client Colas, through a further extension of our current contract with them. What a fantastic effort from our Southern based teams”.

Heuston no longer has a problem as GRSL replaces M&E systems at its valeting plant

The M&E Division of Global Rail Services Ltd (GRSL) has been awarded a contract with Irish Rail, to replace the existing life expired Mechanical and Electrical systems in Heuston Valeting Plant (HVP).

HVP is a currently unused facility within the confines of Heuston Station, Dublin. However, the site and its surrounding areas are busy at all times, especially in peak hours from 07.00 to 10.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00. GRSL has put forward a 24 hour – 7 day a week contract programme of works, which takes cognisance of this, particularly in relation to the delivery and movement of materials and the licenced disposal of waste. Normal access to HVP is via a subway.

GRSL has also been appointed to the role of Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS) for the project, complying with the Safety, Health & Welfare At Work Act, and all legislation appropriate to the work in question including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction Regulations) 2006 and any subsequent amendments.

The project scope of works includes:

1. Surveying the building, to confirm the dimensions of area/rooms, confirm the proposed routes and issue design proposals;

2. The safe removal and disposal of any residual Mechanical and Electrical systems and hazardous substances;

3. The design and installation of new high efficiency modulating boilers, connectivity to a new oil storage tank and the provision of new pumps, valves etc;

4. The fabrication and installation of new connective pipes, air ducts, cable containment and cabling;

5. The fabrication and installation of Form 4 type 2 electrical switch panels, BMS control equipment and panels, cable containment and cabling;

6. All Electrical services, BMS heating controls, Fire Detection and remote fault monitoring;

7. All builders’ works in conjunction with coring walls, installing fire sheathing, fire doors and with the clearing of waste and discarded materials

Mechanical and Electrical services provided by Global Rail Services are constantly upgraded through training and development and are consistently delivered to the highest specification. Design and project management of these specialist services are deployed on a wide range of rail, utilities and energy projects including:

  • Commercial and industrial
  • Private domestic
  • Bespoke installations
  • Site enabling field works
  • Fibre splicing & copper jointing
  • Clean earth systems
  • Telecom and signalling room fit outs
  • Electrical maintenance
  • Access and security systems including CCTV
  • Fire alarms
  • Lighting control systems
  • Building management & control

Another Successful Weekend at Feltham for Global Rail Construction

Global Rail Construction Ltd had another busy and successful weekend on their Feltham Resignalling Works (Week 42), completing and handing over another 6 signal structures.

Having previously designed and installed the piled foundations, the company successfully installed 3 of the signal structures – including 1 gantry type – and undertook works to 3 other signal structures too.

The team also installed ductwork at Norbiton Station, delivered materials to the PSP site and the Loc area at Norbiton, delivered troughing route materials between Hampton Wick and Shaklegate and installed ballast boarding and troughing route at a number of other locations.

UK Rail infrastructure contractor and Principal Licence Holder, Global Rail Construction Ltd, are delivering the full GRIP 5-8 design and construct contract directly for Network Rail.  The scope of work covers civil and structural engineering works on Network Rail’s Wessex Route and specifically covers: Area 1a – Shepperton Branch; Area 1b – Norbiton Sub Station to Fulwell Jct and Area 2 – Barnes to Whitton Jct, Hounslow Sub Station.

The Feltham resignalling project forms part of the signalling renewals/National Operating Strategy (NOS) scheme, which is intending to renew the life-expired signalling infrastructure in Feltham and Wokingham areas to the modern equivalent form. The total scheme covers the renewal of 538 Signalling Equivalent Units (SEUs). The full geographical workscope, which covers over 80 miles of railway lines also included, for the first time, the introduction of Atkins’ brand-new signalling system – Elix.

Global Rail Construction Ltd (GRCL) is part of the Global Infrastructure Group and is a leading UK provider of design and build services to clients in the rail and transportation sector. The company is a principal contractor for UK mainline and metro railways across a number of disciplines, which include signalling, mechanical, electrical and power (MEP), telecoms, civil and structural engineering, maintenance, renewal, providing a fully tested and commissioned service, on both Network Rail and Transport for London controlled infrastructure. You can read more about what GRCL does by clicking here.