Global Rail Services has successfully completed a complex and challenging Enabling Works Contract for Irish Rail for a new Greenway link between Malahide Demesne and Newbridge Demesne over the local estuary.
Global Rail Services’ multi-disciplinary enabling works involved the strengthening of the existing OHLE mast. The strengthening works involved the installation of 33No self-drilling, micro piles, through rock armour, sand and clay 12m deep, the construction of pad foundations, and disconnection and subsequent reconnection of the cables stays.
All works were completed in close proximity to the OHLE line, under TSC protection. Track monitoring, vibration monitoring and tilt monitoring were implemented throughout the project to always maintain the safe running of the lines and trains as well as the safety and wellbeing of the passengers.
The works were completed in a SAC (Special Area of Conservation). Suitable environmental protection and control was implemented throughout the project to protect the area and remove any impact on the inherent wildlife.
Significant challenges were faced throughout the construction due to unforeseen ground conditions, but with constant collaboration between Irish Rail and Global Rail Services’ colleagues, together, we were able to successfully solve the issues and maintain program in order to allow the main works to commence on time.
The overall project is being funded by the NTA and led by Fingal County Council and our successful rail systems works proceed the new link being completed by Jons Civil Engineering Company Ltd., which has just commenced and is due to be completed in 2026.
The Greenway will be comprised of new and existing sections of pathways and roads in both Malahide and Donabate, with new infrastructure also extending across agricultural lands to link with the Donabate Distributor Road and Corballis East land to the South. The Estuary itself will be bridged alongside the existing rail line by a new 180m long, 12-span bridge constructed on piers which were placed by Fingal County Council to facilitate this future development. The scheme will provide a vital and highly anticipated connection between Malahide and Donabate, offering an alternative to car or public transport travel between the two locations, opening up greater access to the region.
Following 18 months of efficient planning and effective delivery, Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has supported client and Principal Contractor Atkins, with the successful commissioning of Feltham to Wokingham Phases 3&4. The sheer scale of this achievement can be seen in the blockade numbers: GRCL deployed 64No RRV’s, 32No MEWP’s and 24No Scrap Train Shifts. In total 1,356 staff supported the blockade across 17 miles of track, downloads from step counters were in the region of 12-14 kilometres per day – an incredible effort!!
GRCL’s significant rail systems sub-contract, encompassed Civil and Structural Engineering including temporary works, E&P, Telecoms and Signalling installation works on Network Rail’s Wessex Route – part of their Southern Region. All existing lineside signalling infrastructure has been replaced with new equipment including all cabling, Location Case suites, Signal Structures. AWS and TPWS, and existing AC track circuit train detection replaced by the Frauscher Advanced Counter (FAdC) Axle Counter system. A total of 7No controlled Level Crossings have been renewed to interface with the new ElectroLogIXS lineside equipment with the decommissioning and replacement of the booms, barrier machines, road traffic lights (RTLs), and changing from incandescent bulbs to white light LEDs. This included all road re-surfacing works including yellow and white lining. Our pre-commissioning works enabled our teams to cover multiple sites over the two-week blockade closure of some the busiest lines in the region, including the full telecoms Installation works resulting in a total of 88 SPT’s and 12 Substation phones entered in service.
Our GRCL team has consistently demonstrated a collaborative approach throughout this sizeable multi-disciplinary project. Led by Project Manager Barry Smith, the entire workforce including our supply chain partners, deserve huge praise for the impressive result, resulting in timely culmination and successful commissioning of these newly signalled areas.
Our Dublin based Global Rail Services Ltd team is delighted to announce the promotion of Donal Kelly to Senior MEP Manager.
The promotion is validation of the expertise and dedication Donal has provided over the last 10 years – support that has been instrumental in the success across the rail, mechanical and electrical operations in Ireland.
His role going forward will involve project tendering, project team organisation and project managing key contracts throughout Ireland, supporting staff, and acting as senior liaison for clients.
Donal will be supporting MEP Director Aidan Kelly, to deliver sustainable MEP management solutions in line with both client and business requirements.
Aidan Kelly, MEP Director for Global Rail Services Limited said:
“Donal is a high calibre Senior Project Manager. We are delighted to promote him and look forward to his support of Global Rail Services’ future growth and prosperity.”
Mechanical & 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
On behalf of Ericsson, our GRA Networks Australia team is contracted to upgrade the existing 3G/4G network and install new 5G technology for both Optus and Vodafone (eJV).
The suburb for this upgrade is Delahey North, where there is an existing Broadcast Australia 30m high Rocla concrete monopole, with Optus, Vodafone and Telstra antennas mounts present.
GRA Networks Australia is supporting all aspects of these upgrade works supplying staff including Riggers, Technicians, Electricians and Civil Engineers. Also liaising with Broadcast Australia’s (BAI) communication management team, Melbourne DMC’s team, and the security to plan and coordinate this upgrade work, which is a very important element of eJV’s remit.
The broad scope included, delivering materials including all necessary approvals from Broadcast Australia, working at heights, removing and installation of new steelwork, compound extension works and electrical upgrades.
This was a very demanding site which required a high level of stakeholder liaison and management to ensure it ran as smoothly as possible, in accordance with strict site access protocols and process requirements. The project team also had very challenging weather conditions during these works.
The works were also performed under an SLO (Single Long Outage), meaning the duration of the time both Vodafone and Optus were off air was minimised, whilst upgrading the site.
In completion of this project, the team at GRA Networks Australia completed all works to a high-quality standard, with high levels of professionalism and no reported safety concerns.
The project involved:
GRA Networks Australia’s scope included:
GRA Networks Australia’s Electrical department has completed SEQUENCE-A of its Electrical and Data scope of works at Belmore Special School, as part of the Victorian School Building Authority, ‘Better Schools Project’ for builder S.J Higgins.
The works at Belmore Special School are being conducted in two sequences, which shall enable the normal operation of the school, throughout the entire building process.
The successful completion of SEQUENCE-A comprised of a renovation of the senior staff offices and school administration area and one new building consisting of:
GRA Networks Australia’s Electrical department started SEQUENCE-B in May 2023, with the anticipated delivery completion date in July 2023.
Global Rail Australia has again achieved its accreditation for HSEQ – Occupational Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental Management – through completion of their triennial audit in compliance with:
ISO 45001:2018, (Occupational Health and Safety Management System);
ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) and
ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System)
This great result was accomplished with no non-conformances, no observations or improvements raised. A great success from all concerned.
As Australian businesses, we aim to comply with all relevant legislation as a minimum and works towards recognised good practice in sustainability and corporate responsibility.
We are committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for our employees in which to work through the implementation of an effective occupational health and safety management system.
Quality is built into our projects and we carry out a review of the initial requirements to determine the impact of our operations, and also the selection of materials and waste management.
We recognise and respond to the challenges and opportunities that are presented by climate change and we aim to manage our environmental footprint and enhance our performance in areas where we operate. We also look to maximise the benefits to local communities in areas where we operate.
Global Rail Australia always looks to develop internal and external awareness of our corporate responsibility and continue to recruit, train, develop and retain the best available workforce.
As part of a competitive tendering process and through its house resources & design capabilities from both civil and electrical perspective, Global Rail Services Ltd were awarded a contract for the design and build of 150kW charge points at five Irish Rail Stations, Sallins/Nass, Tralee, Dundalk, Westport and Bray.
With the previous successful D&B delivery of EV fast chargers for taxis on a previous contract for Irish Rail at three separate locations, Global Rail Services are becoming a supplier of choice for Irish Rail in its expansion of EV charging capabilities.
The works are in support of the Irish government through its state body, the NTA (National Transport Authority) to expand the growth of electric vehicles (EV).
On completion, each station will be equipped with a 150kW rapid charge point and all necessary site infrastructure to provide a seamless charging experience for EV drivers. This investment in EV charging infrastructure, is an important step towards making Ireland’s fleet greener and more sustainable.
The design and installation of these fast-charging stations involves the detailed design of duct routes and chambers in roadways, pathways, and car parks. Electrical works, including the provision and installation of electrical charging units and ESB units.
The works at each railway station include:
• 150kW DC rapid charge point
• Electrical supply equipment
• Groundworks and trenching of roadway
• Construction of ESBN substation reinforced concrete bases
• Signposts and safety bollards
• Car space painting
The individual charge points will include a dual outlet with the charging output shared between one CHAdeMO and one CCS connector, with the option to upgrade to CCS in the future if requirements change. These charging points will also have the ability to load share across the two sockets.
Progress to date the civil works are complete in four of the five sites with Tralee being almost complete. Cable installation has been completed in four of the five sites also, with Tralee the only site remaining. Line marking has been carried out at two of the five sites with the three remaining sites anticipated to be completed in the next two weeks. Commissioning of each unit will take place as soon as the ESB Networks metering team installs 3 phase meters and energises each metering cabinet, this is due to be completed within the next 4 weeks. The project is on track to be finished by the end of May. This is great news for EV taxi drivers who will soon have access to fast-charging stations at key locations throughout the country.
Global Rail Services is committed to supporting the transition to clean energy and reducing the country’s carbon footprint. The installation of these rapid charge points is just the beginning of a larger effort to make Ireland’s public transportation system more environmentally friendly.
In conclusion, the government’s provision for new EV fast-charging stations and Irish Rail’s partnership with Global Rail Services is a positive step towards a cleaner, greener future for Ireland.
Global Rail Services Ltd in Ireland, has completed civil and electrical works in support of the installation of the new radiation monitoring equipment at Malin Head, Met Eireann, County Donegal and aerosol measurement units at Johnstown Castle EPA Headquarters, County Wexford.
At both locations, we constructed two concrete plinths and connected them to each other and to the office building via new ducting. We then delivered and installed a new mini pillar to connect the cabling to the new cabinets. This weighed 500kg and was lifted onto the larger concrete plinth using Global Rail Services Hiab lorry and secured in position using M12 bolts.
The team the installed 30m of electrical cable at Malin Head and 100m at Johnstown Castle from the office to the mini pillar. Inside the mini pillar, we mounted a small sub-distribution fuse board to supply local power. All electrical connections to switches and boards were carefully made with suitable materials. Furthermore, all external steelwork was correctly bonded to local earth electrodes.
This successful project illustrates Global Rail Services Ltd internal capabilities as a turnkey solution provider for multi-disciplinary civil and electrical projects on behalf of the EPA.
There were also a few minor additions that took place on this project for which Global Rail Services’ team seamlessly integrated in their role as both PSCS and PSDP.
The successful execution of this project is testament to Global Rail Services Ltd’s expertise, dedication and quality of workmanship.
Our Irish business Global Rail Services Ltd (GRSL), is thrilled to announce its successful involvement in a crucial element of the drainage and water distribution improvement project in Wicklow County, Ireland. Their contribution to this project will soon benefit many residents in the area, and the company take great pride in having played a role in its development.
Over the Easter holiday period, Global Rail Services collaborated with Wicklow Council and Irish Rail to install new drainage and watermain distribution pipes through the level crossing at Bray Dart Station. Teams worked around the clock for 72 hours during the TIII possession over the cross-levelling lines at Bray Station, ensuring a seamless removal of track and existing watermains, installation of the services, reinstatement of track, renewal of tarmac and line marking.
Prior to the weekend taking place, numerous stakeholder meetings were held with Irish Rail, Irish Water, the Gas board and ESB to identify services, reduce risk and minimise impact on residents. Irish Rail commenced their works first to remove the track panels. Global Rail Services were up next in conjunction with Irish Water to excavate a 35m trench 2.5m deep and 1.2m wide. A trench box support system was used during the construction in accordance with the temporary works design.
The existing water main was cast iron, shallow, and had to be removed to allow the installation of the 450mm of surface water drainage below. Existing Gas mains and ESB cables provided an extremely narrow window of installation. Even with pre-planning, radar scaning, and surveys, additional unchartered ESB services were uncovered during the works. Rapid intervention from the Global Rail Services site team supported by the ESB, led to a fast resolution which allowed works to continue. On completion of the surface water drainage, the watermain was reinstated to the required separation distance.
Irish Water returned to renew and reinstate all track panels and points that had been removed after which GRSL could complete 450m2 of tarmac reinstatement and line mark the entire area.
Global Rail Services Ltd would like to extend its gratitude to their dedicated staff who have shown exceptional commitment throughout this intense and challenging project. Their tireless efforts and professionalism have been instrumental in bringing these upgrades to fruition.
UK Rail Infrastructure Contractor – Global Rail Construction Limited – has been awarded a new contract on behalf of its long-term partner and Principal Contractor Atkins Global, covering the upgrade of 2No Level Crossings at Coltishall Lane and Belaugh Lane, which are situated northeast of Norwich in the district of North Norfolk.
The project has been commissioned to satisfy an ORR improvement notice and a future prediction that there will be an increase in usage of both these Level Crossings.
Coltishall and Belaugh Level Crossings are currently User Worked Crossings (UWC) and the proposal is to upgrade them to Automatic Half Barrier (AHB) crossings.
Atkins will be providing all necessary design, for the telecoms, civils and electrification and plant (E&P) scope, whilst Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) will be delivering the civil engineering, signalling, telecoms and electrification and plant (E&P) installation scope of works.
GRCL will provide a fully project managed installation service with all necessary site and traffic management, as well as all necessary security and welfare facilities for the duration of the works.
Specific project deliverables include:
A new accessibility footbridge at Gormanston Railway Station has been opened to the public on the 27th February 2023.
The project teams from both Irish Rail and Global Rail Services are to be praised for the safe project execution and high-quality result, particularly as all works were completed on or adjacent to an existing high speed railway line with minimal disruption to passengers or trains.
The substructure works included the installation of 10m deep SFA, nominal 350mm diameter piles, in situ reinforced concrete retaining walls and foundations and below ground utilities to tie the new facility into existing, drainage, lighting, power, CCTV and fire systems. The ESB power supply also had to upgraded due to limited capacity and for future proofing purposes.
The superstructure installation covered new precast concrete lift shafts, stairs, and bridges, the erection of structural steel cladding, a roof, glazing and handrails. The lift shafts were additionally encapsulated using a ‘euro brick’ cladding system.
Upon completion of the main works, Global Rail Services in-house teams, managed the Mechanical and Electrical installations including new platform lighting, re-wiring of the station CCTV system, new PA systems and power.
The success of this high-profile project highlights the multi-disciplinary rail engineering prowess of the Global Rail Services team, offering infrastructure clients a capable, one-stop turnkey service for managed Civil and Structural Engineering, Building, Mechanical and Electrical rail engineering projects.
We would like to send a huge thank you to all those involved for this incredibly impressive effort. As a team, we have delivered with a high level of diligence in order to make this project a success for Irish Rail and the local community.
Owners Ivan Holloway and Marco Lombardelli are delighted to announce that Stephen O’Brien has been appointed Managing Director of their Irish businesses. Stephen, who joined Global Rail Services Limited and GRA Networks Ireland as General Manager and Director of Telecoms respectively, has overseen a period of outstanding growth.
This is even more impressive, as much of his tenure to date has been following the aftermath of a global pandemic, where his resilience, dedication and innovative approaches have enhanced the businesses and delivered fantastic results, with the help and support of his Senior Leadership and the wider team in Ireland. The companies are highly regarded by clients as respected rail and infrastructure and telecoms contracting entities.
Stephen has three decades of experience in the management and delivery of projects for the construction and professional services industries, previously holding senior management positions at Morrison Telecom Services and Obelisk. With an MBA and degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from Trinity College, Dublin and UCD respectively, Stephen is a professionally affiliated leader, holding memberships of both the Irish Management Institute (MIMI) and the Institute of Engineers of Ireland (MIEI).
Stephen commented on this news, saying:
“I’m proud to have become the Managing Director of both Global Rail Services Limited and GRA Networks Ireland and will continue to do my best to ensure the businesses remain successful, innovative, and great places to work. I am also grateful to my entire team in Ireland for their support. Your skills, wisdom, and experience has been a vital ingredient to our successes.”
Ivan Holloway, Part Owner of the Global Infrastructure Group of Companies added:
“I’m delighted that Stephen will be taking on the role of MD for our Irish businesses. He’s done a fantastic job of improving performance of the businesses and has proven to be an excellent leader. We’ve found the ideal person to take our interests forward and support the long-term objectives of the shareholders.”
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Brenton Judge as Electrical Manager to head up Global Rail Australia Pty Limited’s Electrical Division and take responsibility for its development and projects.
Brenton is a dynamic and skilled Electrical professional with a proven track record of high-quality delivery, acquired through a decade of managing construction, electrical, audio and telecommunications projects.
Electrical Services deployed by Global Rail Australia include design, project management and delivery for a wide range of clients in the rail, utilities and energy sectors.
These specialist services are constantly upgraded through training and development by the company at its HQ in Melbourne and are consistently delivered safely and to the highest specification.
Global Rail Australia undertake a full turnkey service on a wide range of projects including:
Learn more about our company: https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/global-rail-australia/what-we-do/electrical/
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) is delighted to announce the award of a prestigious civil and structural engineering design contract for valued client Alstom, which forms part of the Arundel, Littlehampton, and Ford Signalling Contract.
The project will replace life expired signalling and other supporting equipment with new modern equivalent. The interlockings impacted are Arundel, Ford, and Littlehampton with fringe alterations to Lancing, Horsham and Barnham. The improvements will support mainly passenger trains, with services operated by GTR Southern, GTR Thameslink and the Great Western Railway. There are three level crossings and several under worked crossings within this geographical area.
GRCL’s scope covers a PACE 2/GRIP 4 turn-key civil and structural engineering design service and includes arranging and facilitating all design workshops and necessary trackside topographical and ground investigation surveys covering new signal locations, PSP’s, UTX’s, station platform cable routes, and signal post telephones.
This will also comprise a review of PACE 1/GRIP 3 and any pre-GRIP 4 deliverables, to propose where survey requirements can be removed based upon the existing information available. The required output from this phase will be:
GRCL will provide all necessary design and survey resources as well as all design and project management staff and associated administrative support for the works and supply all necessary manuals, drawings, and design data to support the development of a single option solution in compliance with all applicable Network Rail standards and UK and European legislative requirements.
The design team will work in accordance with the requirements of the Southern Capital Delivery Programme integrated operating environment that defines safety, engineering, sustainability, and project controls for the delivery of projects. The team will also support information management procedures through use of the Bentley eB document control process.
GRCL will also obtain the required design checks and third-party technical approvals before submitting their design particulars and shall ensure that design checks are undertaken by their suitably qualified and persons in accordance with the appropriate standards according to asset type: NR/L2/CIV/003.
MD Marco Lombardelli commented on this success, saying:
“We are delighted with this award, which is testament to previous design and survey success with Alstom. Our philosophy will be to adopt a system engineering approach to all design integration and engineering work to deliver right first time, safe and sustainable solutions.”
GRCL’s design and consultancy team constantly adapts to new technology and innovation. State-of-the-art computer-aided design and simulation systems are used to assist with analysis and design, providing significant advantages for clients by lowering project costs and reducing programmes timescales.
In-house activities include:
Global Rail Construction Limited is delighted to have been awarded a 3-year sub-contract programme of GRIP 6-8 railway civil engineering works, directly on behalf of valued client and Cambridge Resignalling Principal Contractor and Designer, Alstom.
The scheme is a condition led renewal, where a significant number of level crossings will be either renewed or modified as part of the project. The scope covers the following areas, controlled by Cambridge, Dullingham, Chippenham Junction, Bury St Edmunds, and Colchester signal boxes.
This prestigious civils project has been awarded to our UK team, following previous successful delivery by the company of both GRIP 4 Surveys and GRIP 5 Advanced Civils Works.
The GRIP 6-8 installation activities include:
The programme covers 4-key commissioning stages leading to completion in December 2024 and will require Global Rail Construction to interface with Alstom’s Lead Engineer and provide input into other disciplines requirements/deliverables. GRCL will provide competent management and staff to ensure that the works meet the required Network Rail standards and meet the expected level of quality, to assist Alstom with the production and verification enabling the sign off of the Engineering Completion Certificates for all works.
Global Rail Construction Limited provide UK civil and structural design and build engineering solutions from initial project planning and design, to enabling works covering site surveys, hazard and environmental assessments, procurement, onsite construction, and equipment installation, through to final commissioning.
The company is flexible in its approach and can undertake civil engineering projects on a turnkey, consultancy, main contract, sub-contract, or resource supply basis to meet each individual client’s requirement.
Skills are applied to new build, refurbishment, and maintenance projects – activities include:
Our UK team has been awarded a fully managed, turnkey M&E design and installation project for Transport for London (TfL) at South Harrow Depot. The scope of works consists of the following items:
South Harrow Sidings is being remodelled as part of the Deep Tube Upgrade Programme (DTUP), Piccadilly Line Upgrade Project (PLU), from 6 No. to 12 No. siding roads. To accommodate the revised stabling capacity and associated remodelling requirement, GRCL will deliver a revised LVAC and Site Wide Lighting supply to power new assets and illuminate walkways, assets and Driver Access Platform (DAPS) as well as install, test and commission a new LVAC panel, lighting control system, power supply to point motors and point heating system.
Global Rail Services has been commissioned by Irish Rail to complete the installation of telecoms towers and monopoles including associated civils and electrical works to facilitate the roll out of the GSM-R project as part of the GSMR 3A Civils works package 2 on the Dublin to Cork railway line for Irish Rail. 19No sites in total were completed by Global Rail Services.
As part of this major program of the works, the team at Global Rail Services has recently completed a complex 15m monopole tower project in Cork.
Due to the limited area on site, a large bulk excavation was completed, which then required an engineering retaining support system to be installed prior to commencement of the Mast base location works at this site. This consisted of a large gabion basket structure to retain the existing ground profile prior to the start of the excavation.
The 1.5m excavation was completed adjacent to the rail line under lookout protection, 3m away from the running rail. Global Rail Services installed a 300mm lean mix layer below the base. The steel reinforced foundation cage was installed on site – 3.5m x 3.5m and 1.2m deep. Peri shutters were used to cast the foundation base. All concrete on site was pumped.
All associated ducting for ESB and fibre works were completed as per specification. Fibre works were completed at night under T111 possessions, road railers and rail dumpers were used to install 2No precast JB4A manholes and 45m of ducting over existing fibre, which was completed to connect to the Irish Rail network based in NTCC in Dublin.
Palisade fencing and gates were also completed to create a standalone Telecoms compound.
A crane hard standing area was then constructed to lift the new Monopole into location. Our rigging team completed installation of the 15-metre monopole, which due to the proximity of the track and the requirements for safe working was installed during a TIII absolute possession of line. This element of the project was completed by sister company GRA Networks Ireland (GSMR crews) under the supervision of Michael Ging.
As the team exited the site, they undertook landscaping works, which included planting trees, topsoiling, and seeding.
The works were delivered by our team which included David Byrne and Ger Delaney and were expertly organised, planned and coordinated by Senior Project Manager Damien Carroll.
Our Irish business – Global Rail Services – has completed its ballast containment works contract at Underbridge UBC161 in Portlaoise, for client Iarnród Éireann – successfully meeting the desired program and project outcome. The project was completed under a TIII absolute possession over an intense 4-week period – based out of Kilbricken Depot.
The significant ground engineering scope included installation of 77No Ischebeck Titan mini piles followed by 80m of galvanised ballast retention units and guard rails. During the project Irish Rail implemented a speed restriction, reducing the 100km/hr line down to 50km/hr during the day – enabling one line to be completed at a time.
This successful project was a real team effort, with Irish Rail staff working collaboratively with Global Rail Services teams to complete these works on an extremely busy line. Global Rail Services were ably supported by supply chain partners Mannings Engineering, MDH and Breffini/Dixon Bros.
Special thanks also to Stefan Aspatartei and Stelian Poiana who delivered the project from start to finish, helped by Ger Delaney, David Byrne, Ollie Brenan and Mario Baciu.
Learn more about our railway civil engineering capabilities here.
GRA Networks Ireland as a multi-disciplined provider of telecoms contracting services including design, construction, installation, commissioning and maintenance of both fixed line and mobile communications networks has successfully completed its latest telecoms contract with Irish Rail.
The 4-year Mast and Tower Services program for Iarnrod Eireann included the provision of maintenance services for 140No radio and 140No CCTV masts and towers including climbable, cantilever and fixed masts and towers on their rail infrastructure.
GRA Networks provided a fully managed service completing all necessary site surveys, providing certification, structural wind analysis, providing full photographic records, labelling of assets, and supplying supporting handover documentation for the maintenance of Irish Rail’s Asset Management System.
The detailed scope of works on the masts and towers covered emergency callout rigging support throughout and included:
GRA Networks Ireland’s team of highly skilled telecommunications professionals includes project managers, telecommunications engineers, telecommunications riggers, fibre splicers, electricians, and technicians. The range of services on offer include:
GRA Networks Ireland has completed a series of tower remedial works at the Rosslare Europort Terminal for Irish Rail.
GRA Networks Ireland were initially engaged to survey five existing towers at the terminal. Surveys and climbdowns were carried out to determine the general condition of each tower and to identify remedial works that should be undertaken to preserve the longevity of each tower.
During the survey, towers 2 and 5 were found to have excessive corrosion and would likely require a major intervention, or be replaced with new tower structures.
Towers 1, 3 and 4 were found to have medium levels of corrosion, however would require bolt replacement, descaling, painting and earthing.
GRA Networks Ireland used Jotamastic 90 as the paint coating, specially designed for areas where optimum surface preparation is not possible. The paint provides long lasting protection in environments with high corrosivity such as Rosslare Europort with a high level of exposure to weather conditions and the proximity of the towers to the sea.
The remedial works to towers 1, 3 and 5 were successfully completed and delivered to meet the outcomes of Irish Rail and the Rosslare Europort Terminal.
GRA Networks is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a four-year, multi-million euro contract with Iarnrod Eireann for the provision of maintenance services for approximately 204No radio masts, monopoles, and towers and 200No CCTV masts and towers including climbable, cantilever and fixed on the Irish Rail Network.
The program also includes the rigging and cabling services to install GSM-R antennas and equipment on new towers and monopoles on the rail network.
Irish Rail were impressed with GRA Networks Ireland, considering that the company demonstrated a full understanding of the duties and procedures of a contractor working rail side and who could combine an end-to-end service for the SE&T department.
GRA Networks Ireland has a previous track record of delivering competitive rigging maintenance services for Irish Rail and has also delivered extensive civil engineering and M&E projects for the Chief Engineers office.
The team at GRA Networks Ireland also offer a dedicated, in-house structural engineering team and to support the understanding and subsequent analysis of the towers and masts that underpinned 3rd party mobile and wireless broadband rollout programs on Irish Rail network.
GRA Networks will provide a fully project managed service including health and safety management covering the following items of work:
GRA Networks Ireland has completed abseiling contracts for three clients – namely Iarnrod Eireann, Imagine Networks and Vodafone. The company uses IRATA trained operatives to deliver this work.
Iarnrod Eireann – Drogheda Viaduct
Iarnrod Eireann required abseilers to install LED systems on Drogheda Viaduct. GRA Networks Ireland completed these works at night with a River Rescue boat in place for emergency recovery. Heavy LED lights were installed below the bridge which could only be done using an abseiling technique with the use of ropes. GRA then completed a second visit to replace faulty lights with the same scenario for a rescue boat. Faulty lights removed and hauled up to the top of bridge. New light lowered and installed. All works done at night.
Iarnrod Eireann – Drogheda Viaduct
GRA Networks supplied abseilers to complete the successful installation of a new lighting system on Athlone Railway Bridge for Irish Rail. Structural steel on the bridge was assessed for suitability prior to carrying out the works on a live railway during night-time hours under track possession. GRA Networks Ireland liaised closely with Irish Rail and Waterways Ireland to complete the works. A rescue boat was in place on the River Shannon for the duration of the works.
Vodafone Ireland – Minch Norton
Vodafone contracted the GRA Networks Ireland team to install Antennaes and RRU’s at the Minch Norton grain silo site. GRA were required to rig and abseil off the side of a grain silo building to install Vodafone antennas and RRU.
To accomplish this, GRA Networks installed stand-off steelwork on the side of building and created a safe work/drop zone below all works areas to ensure the wellbeing of staff and satisfactory completion.
Imagine Networks – Royal Hotel Bray
Imagine Networks engaged the GRA team in Ireland for the decommissioning of an antenna, RRU and cabling from the side of the Royal Bray Hotel building. A secure drop zone was initially erected below the area of the hotel. The area was very busy, so pedestrians were re-routed during the works. All works completed safely and efficiently and with minimal disruption to hotel.
Imagine Networks – RTE Donnybrook
Imagine required GRA Networks Ireland’s abseiling team to decommission and remove all antennas, cable management and cables from the Donnybrook Tower. All Imagine equipment was located 60 meters from ground level. GRA Networks set up the site and delivered an abseil solution that met the requirements without incident or accident and to meet the desired program.
GRA Networks Ireland deliver abseiling projects across a diverse range of industries. We offer a safe, secure, and competitive service, with a commitment to technical excellence and our worldwide reputation in telecoms contracting, we can work with clients to develop bespoke rope solutions that meet every requirement.
Global Rail Services were contracted by ESB Telecoms to undertake remedial works on the boundary wall of their mast location in Mullingar.
The project consisted of removing and relocating the existing power supply to the Vodafone cabin on site, demolishing the existing boundary wall and rebuilding the wall in-situ.
This site was complex due to access constraints and limited space – Global Rail Services also had to maintain parking for the adjacent businesses during the construction works.
The existing wall had extensive cracks leading to structural failure of the drystone section. The failure was ultimately due to the internal compound level, which had been approximately 1 metre above the carpark level, and exerting pressure over time on to the base of the existing wall.
This project was successfully completed on time by the Global Rail Services engineering team to meet the clients expectations in terms of program, cost and quality.
Global Rail Services civil and structural engineering capabilities take full project responsibility and offer a fully managed and integrated service for Irish clients within the built environment.
The company provide civil and structural engineering solutions from initial project planning and design, to enabling works covering site surveys, hazard and environmental assessments, procurement, onsite construction and equipment installation, through to final commissioning.
The business has a flexible approach and can undertake civil engineering projects on a turnkey, consultancy, main contract, sub-contract or resource supply basis to meet each individual client’s requirement. Skills are applied to new build, refurbishment and maintenance projects.
GRA Networks Ireland has been awarded and successfully completed a 3-year, major 4G rollout project for Imagine Telecom between 2018 and 2021.
This multi-million euro, fully managed project involves the 4G upgrade of equipment on new and existing sites throughout the 26 counties in Ireland. GRA Networks were contracted to deliver a managed service including initial site condition surveys and reporting, providing all necessary materials and logistics management and QA audit and handover at each location.
The project required telecoms rigging (copper feeders and Fibre/RRU solutions), maintenance and remedial works, Installation, commissioning, and integration. During the project GRA Networks Ireland provided a 24/7 emergency response service. The full scope included:
• 4G equipment installation, commissioning, and integration
• Transmission microwave links installation and commissioning
• Earthing systems & feeder installation and testing
• Copper/fibre/coaxial networks
• SDH backbone – installation and upgrade
• Tower construction, retro fit, maintenance, and inspection
• Cabinet installations
• In conduit installation
• Operations and maintenance services
• Fibre Transmission Services
GRA Networks Ireland has successfully completed climbdowns and maintenance on several Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) telecoms structures in January 2022.
The works undertaken cover maintenance and repairs on IAA site compounds incorporating site activities including weeding, painting, fence repairs, building repairs and resolving access issues.
As the sites were near airports and aircraft, GRA Networks Ireland’s experienced team completed the necessary site access forms and method statements for IAA’s approval. Access and supervision were then arranged by IAA – the supervision required due to the dangers imposed by the working environment.
These fully managed sites included the following delivery activities by GRA Networks Ireland:
• Project and health and safety management
• Maintenance and repairs
• Earthing and lightning protection system installation and testing
• Certification of equipment on the tower
• Inspection and climbdown including torque tests
• Reporting any installation issues/snags
• Site maintenance completion documents
• Site compound maintenance and repair
GRA Networks Ireland has completed a telecoms tower build on behalf of the Irish Aviation Authority, Shannon. The fully managed, site build covered all necessary groundworks, foundations and included design and build of the twin timber stayed poles and an VHF antennae installation and commissioning.
The project required GRA Networks to undertake the initial condition surveying and reporting, provide materials management and logistics services and undertake a full QA audit and handover. The full scope included:
Global Rail Australia Pty Limited’s Track Construction Division has completed their awarded contract with partner Gradco, for 2No 1 in 10 Turnouts and 200 meters of plain line track installation in Railton, North West Tasmania, on behalf of rail operator Tasrail, in Tasmania.
The team at Global Rail Australia pre-built the 2No turnouts in 4 days prior to a 3-day railway occupation. During the occupation Gradco carried out all formation works in readiness for Global Rail’s installation of the turnouts and track.
Impressively, Global Rail Australia successfully installed all the new points, track and new Racor lever boxes ahead of time in the occupation. Global Rail’s welding teams completed 45 welds during this time, which all passed NDT (non-destructive testing) inspection.
Global Rail Australia Pty Limited has in-house specialist teams that deliver individual track projects for a vast range of clients, providing bespoke solutions to meet their requirements.
Services include:
Global Rail Australia also provide a 24/7 emergency response service for all track construction works.
Learn more: https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/global-rail-australia/what-we-do/track-construction/
GRA Networks Australia has completed its 5G upgrade at this first eJV site in just 4-weeks. The site is at the corner of a busy metro area, so stakeholder management was key to its success, with the GRA Networks team liaising with the Town Council, Tram company, Power Authority, Crane Operator and Welding and Traffic Management teams respectively each day. A pre-start meeting was held each morning across all stakeholders, to ensure everyone was working safely and collaboratively.
GRA Networks Australia’s project deliverables included:
GRA Networks Australia is a multi-disciplined provider offering a comprehensive suite of services including design, construction, installation, commissioning and maintenance of both fixed line and mobile communications networks. As a full service telecommunications contractor, GRA Networks provides a comprehensive range of services from upgrading existing infrastructure, to building new mobile phone towers and other wireless network infrastructure.
GRA Networks Australia is delighted to have been selected as telecoms build partner for the award of a contract for SMR work, to swap out old “end of life” Siemens BTS hardware and install new Nokia Flexiedge BTS hardware within a new Eltek BTS.
There are 109No sites in the program, which will run over the next eight months and the cutovers are limited to a 2-hour window either within ALBF or under occupation of the line. Works include:
GRA Networks Australia has a team of highly skilled telecommunications professionals includes project managers, telecommunications engineers, telecommunications riggers, fibre splicers, electricians and technicians.
The range of services GRA Networks Australia offer includes:
Global Rail Australia’s Track Construction Division has completed a track occupation on the Warranmbool line for V/Line Corporation, as part of their valued customers rail infrastructure upgrade program. Global Rail Australia has successfully delivered a track drainage remediation – through the installation of a new drainage system adjacent to Terang Station.
In overview, the project involved the construction of 3No new precast concrete culverts, installation of new precast concrete drainage pipe and pits and new slotted drains and construction of open shaped earth drains. Global Rail Australia’s methodology supported the delivery of all the culvert works under the tracks without the need for removal of the track. Upon installation and alignment of the culvert sections, sleepers were then installed and compacted using the excavator tamping head to achieve the line speed.
A more detailed scope of works is as follows:
Works were completed during challenging weather conditions and within a narrow occupation period, with heavy wintery conditions and continuous rainy days during the track occupation, hampering Global’s team of track experts at every opportunity.
High levels of management were therefore key, with Global Rail Australia able to call upon its multiple experienced supervisors and track engineer to plan and deliver the works and ensure the project was executed within its 12-day occupation. The project was also resourced heavily, with Global Rail Australia needing to assemble three large crews, each crew having a supervisor, with multiple labourer’s, plant operators, excavators, dumpers, small plant, and tools.
All works were satisfactorily completed in a live operational environment with no reports or incidents raised.
Global Rail Australia is delighted to have V/Line as one of its valued rail clients, is pleased to have completed this important project and look forward to more collaborative success in the future.
Global Rail Australia has completed a railway civils project to refurbish the waiting area at Broadmeadows Train Station – on the Craigieburn line in Victoria – which is managed by rail operator Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM). Global Rail Australia were contracted by valued client – MTM – to remove the existing tiles, remove existing seating, prepare, and paint the walls, install new tiling, install new seating, and install new wire mesh fencing. Most of the work was completed at night with no trains running on an ALBF (after last before first) basis, in order to minimise the disruption and impact to rail passengers and MTM staff. The full scope of works included:
The team at Global Rail Australia provided a detailed staging program and procurement plan for MTM, which were the keys to the success of the project. This resulted in no reports being raised by the public or client and furthermore, no industrial relations being encountered. By providing the necessary pre-planning and project management expertise to succeed on this project, Global Rail Australia delivered it in a timely manner, with no incidents or safety concerns.
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has secured a rail contract on behalf of HS2 Principal Contractor Skanska. The main contract for Network Rail will replace the existing SAS 13 Bridge in Birmingham, which will facilitate an increased lateral clearance below the structure to enable the construction of HS2’s new up, down and depot access lines. Additionally, the new structure will allow for a road access to a new train depot and maintenance facility used by HS2.
Global Rail Construction Limited’s contract covers the removal, installation, testing and commissioning of the Cable Route Management System (CRMS) and High Voltage (HV) cabling to allow for cable diversions to enable the bridge jacking to proceed. The contract for the High Voltage Route and Cable Installation works will need to be completed well in advance of the May 2022 blockade.
The full scope of works covers:
High Voltage Cable Route
HV Cable Installation
GRCL will provide adequate management and supervision to deliver this contract. Resources will be controlled to maximise collaboration with Skanska’s team, and achieve agreed outcomes in terms of quality, health, safety, and environmental performance. GRCL’s team will also provide daily input to support co-ordination meetings and deliver any necessary technical and programming information along with any other assistance to ensure the full integration of the work of all parties involved.
We are pleased that following a successful audit, we have been recertificated for ISO 45001: 2018. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the audit was converted into a remote audit, which went well and could also be recommended for future audits. The audit also covered our Principal Contractor SSIP assessment. Thank you to our Auditors for their cooperation and our Compliance team for their support during the audit.
An Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Management System promotes a healthy working environment by providing a framework to identify, control and manage OHS risks and opportunities.
Adopting and implementing an effective OHS Management System addresses legal, ethical, and industrial relations concerns regarding worker safety and our duty of care as an employer.
Implementing an OHS Management System reduces workplace injuries and minimises the associated costs. ISO 45001:2018 also shares common management systems principles with our other accreditations and systems covering ISO 14001 for Environmental Management and ISO 9001 for Quality Management.
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has been awarded a multi-disciplinary contract on behalf of Atkins for the civil and S&T installation works for a new level crossing at Sunningdale, which falls within Feltham Resignalling Phase 2.
The overall Feltham Resignalling Project covers the renewal of all signalling assets. Its area is covered by seven scheme plans, with delivery broken down into six separate Phases that align approximately to the Signalling Scheme Plan boundaries, Feltham ASC Signallers panels and Wokingham Signal Box.
Within the early advanced scope of Phase 2 is Sunningdale MCB-CCTV, which is subject to a full level crossing renewal and is due to be completed in early November 2021. The scope encompasses life extension works with addition of barrier repositioning and narrowing of carriageway.
GRCL’s awarded summary of works for this level crossing renewal includes the full civil engineering scope and trackside signalling equipment installation works, which will be delivered in-house and covers the following:
GRCL will deliver and constructed these works, where possible, in fenced or Site Warden protected areas. However, there will be requirements for certain areas to be constructed during possessions/line blocks.
This level crossing renewal involves several stakeholders including Atkins, Network Rail, and other contracted parties. GRCL will look to work collaboratively with all concerned and use all reasonable endeavours to coordinate and make necessary allowance for working alongside others to deliver this level crossing renewal in accordance with the overall project programme.
The Global Infrastructure Group family is pleased to welcome Damien Galligan.
Many of you will know that Irishman Damien, spent five very successful years working as a Commercial Manager for our Australian business, Global Rail Australia in Melbourne. Damien departed in 2019 to broaden his client-side experience, joining international Cost Consultant Rider Levett Bucknall.
Some 18 months later, we were delighted to be able to offer Damien, a new position worthy of his skills and experience, however, additionally, the opportunity to come back to his roots in Ireland.
Damien will therefore be joining our Irish business, Global Rail Services in Dublin, as Senior Commercial Manager, responsible for all pre and post contract duties covering cost estimating, benchmarking, value engineering, allocation of risk, project tendering, tender reports, contract administration, claims assessment, dispute resolution, negotiations and final account settlements. This covers the entire Irish portfolio, across a range of multi-disciplinary sectors covering rail and transportation, telecommunications, conservation works and new build projects.
Ivan Holloway, CEO of Global Rail Services and Global Rail Australia, added:
“Our businesses in Ireland have recently been bolstered with a number of high calibre senior appointments and promotions and this is another. Having worked with Damien in Australia, I am delighted to have been able to facilitate this senior role in Ireland for him. Welcome home Damien.”
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) are pleased to announce the delivery of our promise to our client Network Rail, with the exciting introduction of a new online digital construction platform for its Feltham Phases 3-4 Advanced Civils Project. Its winning bid was based upon the provision of paperless technology as part of its UK operational drive towards sustainable, carbon neutral contracting.
From a bespoke list of requirements, our partner innDex has taken many of our existing paper-based site processes and procedures from a paper based, manual process and moved them into a real time application, which is now at the fingertips of our whole workforce.
As a rail business, compliance, processes and procedures are at the heart of what GRCL does and crucial to the delivery of our projects to the expected standards of every client. This platform brings together communication and decision making in real time, whereby GRCL will have at their fingertips, the full picture of each and every project delivered and be able to delve into historical projects, to support its continuous improvement drive through lessons learning. Dashboards like the ones shown are ready to help the project monitor and report about its people, health and safety matters and project progress.
Health, safety and wellbeing of our people matters more than ever and the innDex platform will support GRCL, with adherence to project health and safety requirements, allowing the company to address and resolve any issues quickly. It will further enhance GRCL’s site induction process too, reducing induction times by over 75%, with the ability to add videos or slideshows to this process, so that staff can be both briefed and site familiarised prior to even setting foot on site. Other features include real-time submissions of close calls, which can easily be viewed, addressed and closed out by the site team through the live dashboard reports. The innDex platform also supports digital toolbox talks and briefings to ensure that the whole team are up to date with any safety information and are aware of any hazards to watch out for on site.
Furthermore, we are using the application in support of our Covid-19 compliance, through the provision of a digital signing on process with a number of key questions that each member of staff/supply chain partner will need to answer prior to being able to sign into the shift. This goes together with our mandatory policy of testing and taking and recording temperatures for every individual at the start of each shift.
Global Rail Construction Limited’s Managing Director, Marco Lombardelli added:
“This paperless solution supports our UK sustainability objectives and enhances our business operations, to the benefits of both our entire workforce and our clients. By having full visibility of all our employees and supply chain in terms of skills, competence, experience and location, we can plan out and resource our projects in the most sustainable way. We are also able to calculate carbon footprint on our projects and further offset to become carbon neutral, with our business target of all projects to be carbon neutral by 2026.
“innDex have supported GRCL through bringing together processes into a single solution, allowing us to automate and digitalise, in order to improve our efficiency, productivity and health and safety.
“GRCL now have a platform with new, innovative features and functionality and as business are constantly on the lookout for new technology to improve how we operate and how this will benefit the UK rail industry and its passengers.”
Global Rail Australia’s Asset Inspection team has been supporting its customer MTM with a project for High Risk Bush Fire (HBRA) Asset Inspections of various Metro lines, which could have been potentially affected from the devasting bushfires in 2020.
This project involved the visual inspections of the MTM Owned Assets along the rail corridor covering 1800 Electrical Structures, 400 Poles (Lights & CCTV) and 32 Substations. Global Rail Australia’s detailed scope was as follows:
Our Dublin based Global Rail Services team are delighted to announce the promotion of Damien Carroll to Senior Project Manager.
The promotion is testament to the expertise and dedication Damien has provided over the last 4 years – support that has been instrumental in the success of our rail and construction operations in Ireland.
His role going forward will involve project managing key contracts throughout Ireland, supporting staff and acting as senior liaison with clients.
Damien will be supporting Operations Director Eoin Shortt, to deliver sustainable project management solutions in line with both client and business requirements.
Eoin Shortt, Operations Director of Global Rail Services Limited said:
“Damien is a talented Project Manager. We are delighted to promote him and look forward to his support of Global Rail Services’ future growth and prosperity.”
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Ray Collins to Commercial Director for our Irish Operations covering our Construction, Infrastructure and Rail Contracting business Global Rail Services Limited and our telecoms arm GRA Networks Ireland.
The promotion is testament to the dedication Ray has provided over the last 12-years’ – support that has been instrumental in the growth and prosperity of our businesses in Ireland.
His role going forward, will involve directing all commercial aspects of our contracting throughout Ireland, supporting staff – forming part of a new senior management team, with fellow Directors Aidan Kelly and Eoin Short.
Ray will be supporting new General Manager Stephen O’Brien, to further grow and develop these organisations, by providing the necessary commercial governance and structure.
Ivan Holloway, CEO of Global Rail Services Limited said:
“Ray is a consummate professional and a talented commercial leader. We are delighted to promote him to Commercial Director and look forward to his advice and support for many years to come.”
Global Rail Services, our multi-disciplinary rail and infrastructure contracting business based in Dublin, has delivered an exciting project on behalf Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Rail) – an ambitious new lighting system on the White Bridge over the Shannon in Athlone.
The system, which is the latest in LED lighting technology, has been successfully commissioned by the Global Rail Services team and facilitates the illumination of the southern face of the bridge in a variety of colour tones and lighting sequences.
Mayor of Athlone Cllr Aengus O’Rourke has hailed the result of investment by and said: “I had the pleasure of working closely with senior management in the Infrastructure section of Iarnrod Eireann in recent years. And what started out back then as a discussion around the possibility of cleaning and painting the bridge soon developed into a conversation about a much more ambitious lighting project.
“Two years later and I am absolutely delighted with the outcome. I have learned so much in that time about the opportunities and capabilities of new design lighting technologies that will enhance our town.”
The metre-long sections fixed to the southern face of the bridge are capable of illuminating in any colour tone imaginable and can be programmed to flash or run from left to right from middle to edges and in any colour.
Mayor O’Rourke said that there were many trials and demonstrations and the end result is a perfect fit for the bridge and for the town:
“The ‘Instagram moment’ that has been talked about previously on the new bridge as people step from East to West and visa versa, has now been joined by a second ‘Insta moment’ opportunity for those crossing the bridge.
“Every little thing we do to enhance the town and our image is a bonus and feeds into our plan to be a great town to live in, visit, study in and do business in. And, the more positive memories people take with them from Athlone the better.
“The bridge will be lit-up every night 365 days a year and lights will be coloured in keeping with the season or in support of local initiatives.
“This would allow, for example, Christmas lighting, St Patrick’s Day lighting or particular colours to be chosen to coincide with charity events or special occasions.
“My sincere hope as we see out this challenging and difficult year, is that this new vibrant and joyful display of lights will act as a beacon to brighter days ahead for us all and for Athlone.”
Cllr Frankie Keena also welcomed the new lighting and thanked Irish Rail. He said: “It is a really impressive lighting display, which will contribute enormously to the ambiance of the area.”
GRA Networks Australia has begun works after successfully signing a number of framework agreements with Nokia.
The first installation of New 5G Technology has already been completed on behalf of Nokia for the Vodafone Network. This included the RAN upgrade of existing communication sites to support the new 5G technology, with all works conducted under a 7-day SLO (Single Long Outage).
The completed scope included:
Global Rail Australia has commenced a significant civils and structures contract with Development Victoria to upgrade pedestrian access between Spencer and Flinders Street in Docklands, Melbourne. The Rail Undercroft site had been closed off to the public during construction of Lend Lease’s Melbourne Quarter, and includes approximately 1000sq.m of land underneath the rail viaduct between Spencer and Flinders Street, Docklands. It will reopen as part of the upgrade works in early 2021, creating a pedestrian thoroughfare connecting the corner of Spencer Street and Flinders Street to Lendlease’s Melbourne Quarter Plaza.
Global Rail Australia’s pedestrian upgrade works include:
All works are executed during live rail operations above the work location under supervision. Demarcation of the site has been undertaken and will be maintained throughout the works between the Melbourne Quarter apartments and Spencer Street. A Traffic Management Plan was completed which includes a 3-month lane closure and hard barriers along Flinders Street to maintain safe pedestrian access.
Global Rail Australia’s staging program, procedures and procurement plan will play an important part in the success of this project.
Throughout the works, Global Rail Australia’s project team will work in close co-operation with Development Victoria and other key stakeholders to ensure a cohesive and timely delivered project.
The site team are also pro-actively contributing to the discussions on management of COVID-19 and works are proceeding with all necessary measures in place
Please see following link to Development Victoria’s media release for additional background: https://www.development.vic.gov.au/news/work-on-a-new-pedestrian-route-between-docklands-and-the-cbd-begins
Global Rail Services Limited were commissioned to deliver a project to provide for the relocation of the Connolly West Signalling, Electrical & Telecoms (SE&T) department from their existing compound at Connolly Station.
The M3 Parkway Station was identified for the relocation and involved the remodelling of the existing station building at M3 Parkway into maintenance offices for the SE&T Signalling West Department.
The works constituted the refurbishment of the existing station into offices and the construction of 2 no. new storage facilities, one structural steel and one blockwork.
Works also included the renovation of the existing building, removing the old rooflight of the station and installing a new roof covering. The scope also covered the installation and commissioning of a new electrical installation.
The works have been carried out in a manner to cause minimal impact to the safe working of the area and the public in general and with no interference with the operational railway line.
All work has been planned and co-ordinated to cause a minimum disruption to the public as possible for the duration of the works. The site has been fenced off and secured in accordance with both the works and the health and safety requirements. All deliveries were scheduled, and logistics management provided throughout. The implementation of traffic management was continually monitored, reviewed and adjusted as works proceeded.
Our UK team are delighted to announce their award as Principal Contractor for the design and construction of the Advanced Civil Engineering works for Phases 3 & 4 of the Feltham Resignalling Project – having submitted a most detailed and comprehensive offer to do so.
Global Rail Construction Limited will deliver the full GRIP 5-8 design and construct contract, which covers civil and structural engineering works on Network Rail’s Wessex Route.
Managing Director of Global Rail Construction Limited, Marco Lombardelli, was quick to praise his team:
“This is the culmination of a fantastic team effort. We are delighted to be back at Feltham, supporting our partner Network Rail to deliver first-class design and build solutions that put the passenger first.”
The Feltham Re-signalling 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) and the full geographical work-scope covers in excess of eightly miles of railway lines.
Global Rail Construction Limited is part of the worldwide 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 and renewal – providing fully tested and commissioned services on both Network Rail and Transport for London controlled infrastructure.
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Global Rail Services Limited (GRSL) has completed a significant and complex civil engineering project from Drybridge to Drogheda Town Centre, in Co. Louth, on behalf of long-term client ESB Networks.
In their capacity as PSCS for the project, GRSL supplied a secure yard/compound and were responsible for liaison with ESB, Louth County Council and all affected residents and business owners.
Providing a fully managed service including QSE representation for the project duration, the work scope covered the excavation, ducting, backfilling and reinstatement of trenches, including crossing a stream. GRSL also connected two existing ducts that were under the M1 motorway, laid ducts over/under existing services and culverts and installed a 400mm2 XLPE power cable prior to completion of all road and pavement restoration works.
Significant amounts of hand excavation assisted by a vacuum excavator – to help protect existing services – was also undertaken, which were very deep in a number of locations. GRSL were responsible for the design and construction of all temporary works.
Full Traffic Management was provided throughout, which covered 8 different road opening licences and 21 separate traffic management plans.
The project was a necessity for the town of Drogheda; supporting power capacity upgrades to enable future development.
Global Rail Services Limited Project Manager, John Casey added:
“Well done to all concerned for a successful project and with special thanks to supply chain partner Córas Pipeline Services Ltd.”
Irish Rail, on behalf of Rosslare Harbour, has awarded Global Rail Services Limited (GRSL) a contract to repair damage to the Berth 3 linkspan, which caters for the Stena Horizon and Europe ships.
The existing damaged structural steel elements are being replaced in a like for like manner. GRSL have been tasked with the fabrication of steel to an Execution level 3 (EXC3) for the linkspan with an estimated overall tonnage of 10 tonnes.
GRSL have provided a bespoke temporary working platform fixed to the underside of the linkspan structure for safe access to the front face of the linkspan, aided by the deployment of an MSO (Marine Survey Office) licenced safety boat with P4 certification and a competent trained skipper. The temporary platform was designed to be submerged into the sea when contract works are not taking place, so that the linkspan can remain operational for ships to use.
Works are being carefully managed and sequenced to allow ferries to operate normally, while the remedial works are being carried out and due for completion later this year.
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) are delighted to announce the award of a new rail contract for long-term client Alstom, for GRIP4 ECI survey works on the Cambridge Inner and Outer Re-Signalling & Re-Control Project.
The overall project aim is to improve the reliability and performance of the signalling system in the Cambridge interlocking area. As part of the project, the existing assets are to be surveyed and their continued use validated. Geographically the project covers roughly the track on the approaches to a triangle between Cambridge, Ely and Bury St Edmonds.
In summary, GRCL’s survey works include the following items:
Works will be carefully co-ordinated and delivered during Rules of the Route published possessions/line blockages and isolations with safety critical support, during both midweek and weekend days/nights. Additionally, there are a number of longer, disruptive possessions with isolations to be utilised.
There are many risks associated with working on the rail infrastructure. GRCL’s in-house project management team will be responsible for the delivery of this package of works and will seek to carry out a full assessment of the risks in order to feed into the overall design process.
GRCL’s approach is to think about health and safety in terms of buildability, maintainability and usability at all stages of the design process, so it becomes a natural part of the design. At each stage, GRCL’s delivery team will identify and eliminate hazards. They aim to maintain close communication with key project stakeholders, to support the reduction of the risks that may arise during construction work, which will enable the plan to be kept on track without exception.
Following a road traffic collision (RTC) in the early hours of 17/07/2020, where the granite wall of Overbridge 254 was knocked down onto the track below following an impact from a van that struck the wall, Global Rail Services Limited were tasked, by Irish Rail, with removing the debris from the track and repairing the wall.
Global Rail Services’ emergency response unit, swiftly mobilised to site to secure the works area, which was hazardous with a high and open edge over the track, installing traffic management on the road leading to and from the bridge to prevent further incidents. With close collaboration and following an inspection of the wall with Irish Rail’s Structural Engineer and the Local Authority Engineer, it was decided that the wall would need to be immediately repaired and the road surface would need to be cut and excavated to allow the wall to be reconstructed to its original position.
With the Local Authority Engineer granting an immediate 10-day window for the road to be reduced to one lane, the affected area of track was then closed off and removed from use, to prevent trains from entering where loose masonry had the potential to fall and strike a train.
Global Rail Services engaged their established supply chain partner – stonemason Rock Road Stone Company Ltd – to strip down and rebuild the lime mortar granite wall. A Global Rail Services civils team and a responsible Project Manager were also mobilised to both carry out the excavation and assist with the safe execution, co-ordination and management of the works. The works could only be carried out under TIII absolute possession, the hours of possession were 8pm to 5am.
Global Rail Services full scope of works for the emergency repair included:
Despite being given a 10 day window, the team rebuilt the wall over the course of 3 nights and then completed the painting, chevron sign installation and road reinstatement over the following 4 days by the 23/07/2020, thereby completing the works 4 days ahead of schedule.
Irish Rail’s Regional Manager for the area commented about his satisfaction with the completed works, saying: “we should have asked you to repair the rest of the wall, because the repaired wall looks better than the rest of it”. This demonstrates the quality of the work carried out by the entire Global Rail Services team.
Global Rail Services Limited (GRSL) are pleased to confirm that the first passengers were able to use the newly constructed Linkspan Bridge on 3rd July 2020, just 4 weeks after it was taken out of commission, following the successful completion of their contract for the complex replacement of the Berth 1 Linkspan upper deck transition ramp for Irish Rail. Although the works are contracted by Irish Rail, because the location was inside Rosslare Harbour, GRSL were working under the daily jurisdiction of Rosslare Europort.
The works to the upper tier, which were conducted to a demanding berthing schedule, where the lower tier had to remain operational, to enable ferries to operate normally. Activities were planned around a live working International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS), and specifically comprised the removal of the existing and installation of a new transition ramp at Berth 1, on the Upper Tiered Linkspan, to accommodate the new WB Yeats Ferry.
GRSL’s contract, which commenced on 4th June 2020, provided for the following civil works:
Following completion of this contract, GRSL have increased the previous linkspan by 1.6m and in doing so, installed nearly 40 tonnes of heavy structural steel section to an Execution Level of 3 (EXC3) standard.
During the project a number of challenges were encountered and expertly met by GRSL’s team of structural, civil and project managers, whilst still maintaining program, these included:
GRSL Contracts Manager Paul Connell, was closely involved and added:
“This complex, fast-track project has been successfully completed within the allocated shut down. We have worked closely with our sub-contractor JA Engineering, Irish Rail & Rosslare Harbour to deliver these works.
“Despite the unforeseen challenges faced, particularly in the current climate, the works have been completed to the delight of the customer – Irish Rail – and the end user Rosslare Europort. I take my hat off to all those involved in successfully executing a very bespoke project.”
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has been awarded a contract to deliver the Ely to Peterborough Design for both E&P and Civils (GRIP 4) on behalf of our client Atkins Global. The Civils design covers the review of GRIP 3 designs, surveys and Form 001. E&P Design includes surveys, load monitoring and cable calculations, Form A’s for several Level Crossings and power supply schematics.
The Ely to Peterborough scheme is aimed at increasing safety at a number of Level Crossings and increasing the remaining life of the Signalling assets in a number of interlocking areas.
The interlocking areas covered by this project are Downham Market, Kings Dyke, Kings Lynn Junction, Littleport, Magdalen Road, Manea, March East Junction, March South Junction, Stonea and Three Horse Shoes. The Level Crossings to be renewed in this project are Littleport MGH, Magdalen Road MCB, Manea MCB, March East MCB, March South MCB, Whittlesea MGH and Hargham AHB.
Having a multi-disciplinary workforce including design, civil and structural engineering and E&P expertise, along with in-house project management and having previously delivered time-pressurised, highly co-ordinated schemes, allowed Global Rail Construction Limited to provide the necessary solution in order to complete the works to meet the client’s requirements.
Global Rail Australia has undertaken a project to remove and replace worn rail on curves on ballasted track at Queensway St Kilda and we are pleased to confirm that all works have been successfully accomplished within the rail occupation, provided by Yarra Trams, with no technical issues. The project was complicated by remote working; however, this was managed through a meticulously safe approach and a management presence throughout the works.
Works included rerailing both the Up Track and Down track curves, which covered the following managed scope:
All works were completed utilising in-house resources, supervision and plant over a single weekend and supported by a staging program and procurement plan, which were key to the success of the project. We are pleased to say that no reports or incidents were raised by the public or client.
Global Rail Australia has successfully completed a project for Australian Rail Track Corporation for the removal of mud from steel culverts and providing a new bottom concrete layer using the shotcrete process.
The scope covered culvert lining for 24 culverts at 7 different locations in the Geelong and Ararat regions of Victoria. The following activities were undertaken by Global Rail Australia in a live operational railway environment:
All activities were fully coordinated with the client and delivered on time and to budget, aided by a fully sequenced, detailed program and Global Rail’s supervisory team. We are delighted to say that the works were completed to meet the client’s satisfaction.
Global Rail Construction Limited has secured a Points Heating remedial contract with BAM on the Thameslink Project. The E&P design and build package of works, forms part of a requirement to upgrade and rectify the railway systems infrastructure to support the capacity improvements recently made in the London Bridge area.
The 26-week programme, includes an 8-week procurement period in order to secure all necessary RCM equipment and parts for the project and covers the following activities:
The 6-week design and survey period commenced this month, with the remainder of the contract works being completed by late September 2020. Installation works will be undertaken during a standard 5-day working week and activities will be worked concurrently in order to meet the required project milestones.
Mechanical & electrical services provided by Global Rail Construction 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 projects such as sub-station refurbishment and new build, station refurbishment and new build, signalling equipment room fit-outs, station platforms and car park lighting.
GRA Networks Australia has been awarded a framework agreement with Ericsson to install 5G Technology on both Optus and Telstra Networks, including the upgrade of existing communication towers to support the new 5G technology.
GRA Networks Australia’s scope covers the upgrade of headframes to accommodate extra equipment inclusive of new fibre trunk cables and also internal power upgrades.
Specific project deliverables include:
GRA Networks Australia is delighted to be delivering this framework for Ericsson as an approved supplier and look forward to being able to develop this relationship over the next few years.
Global Rail Australia Pty Ltd has completed the complex removal of an existing brick culvert and replaced it with precast box culverts sections, including new precast head walls and handrailing in Geelong, Victoria. Works were undertaken on behalf of client V/Line during a rail occupation.
Global Rail Australia’s multi-disciplinary teams provided an integrated method of construction to minimize the disruption to current operations. This involved its civils and track teams working in harmony in order to remove the track infrastructure, to create the necessary access and space, to crane into position the new precast base slabs, culvert and head wall units. Specifically, works included:
The project was under the control of Global Rail Australia’s civil and track engineering and supervisory teams, with works commencing in March 2020 and successfully concluding two weeks later, to meet V/Line’s required occupation.
Global Rail Australia has successfully completed a significant track project for customer V/Line by removing mud spots on the Craigieburn – Kilmore East regional line. The works were in a remote area and were completed in a live operational environment, under the full supervision of the Global Rail Australia Track Engineering team.
The comprehensive scope of works to the Up Line included the following track deliverables:
In support of the scope, Global Rail Australia’s team created a detailed staging program and procurement plan, which were instrumental in supporting project delivery, which were also fully coordinated with activities from V/Line.
Alternative methodologies were also created by Global Rail Australia to minimize the disruption to live operations, allowing potential for delays to be eradicated by mobilizing additional crews to finish the tasks.
Works were undertaken without any incidents, accidents or technical issues and having commenced in March 2020 were successfully completed in 12 days – meeting the occupation requirements of V/Line.
Richard Needham, Global Rail Australia’s Track Division Manager added:
“This successful, fast-track project included a very well-planned program of track construction activities, which were expertly delivered, and is testament to the resilience and capabilities of the Track Construction team.”
As part of the Thameslink Programme, the railway systems for London Bridge was completely remodelled to suit a new layout at London Bridge station and provide substantial capacity improvements to enable proposed current and future operational timetabling, this is referred to as the N421 Project.
The complexity of managing, staging and delivering the railway systems in order to meet the remodelling programme, has necessitated a requirement for the railway systems infrastructure to be surveyed, in order to confirm its suitability and whether further upgrades and rectifications will be required.
To support these works, Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has been awarded a lineside survey contract by long-term customer BAM Nuttall, to undertake the necessary investigation and reporting of 44No Signal Gantries and their associated containment, which includes but is not limited to the following scope:
On completion of each survey GRCL will review and discuss the photos and observations with the BAM team at a weekly Technical Interface Meeting and determine one of the following:
GRCL will produce final survey reports, documenting the findings, associated agreements and will include any recommended remedial works to be undertaken, whereby GRCL can be instructed to complete the remedial scope.
Project Manager Barry Smith, is leading Global Rail Construction Limited’s in-house team of self-delivery experts, who will be covering all disciplines including Civil & Structural Engineering, Signalling and E&P.
Surveys are already underway and there are a number of Signal Gantries already completed, some remedial works instructed and on-going, with further awaiting instruction shortly.
MD Marco Lombardelli added this:
“Delighted to be awarded this multi-disciplinary package of works from our esteemed client BAM. The full suite of internal expertise will be managed and delivered by our in-house staff, something that we are immensely proud of.”
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL), has been awarded a railway civil engineering design and build programme of works on behalf of Atkins Global. Clacton Re-signalling’s principal driver is the asset condition of the interlocking and associated track infrastructure at the throat of Clacton-On-Sea station.
Much of the signalling in the area dates back to 1958 and utilises a lever frame dating from 1891. There is currently a mixture of semaphore and colour-light signals, controlled by a mechanical/electro- mechanical lever frame. There is also a mechanical ground frame at Clacton Station. The existing signalling equipment has been the subject of life extension works in 1996 and 2004.
Many components are obsolete and only available on a repair and return basis. Most of the existing location cases have considerable corrosion. The signalling uses some single-cut circuits which are the subject of ORR concern. Searchlight signals are installed on this line, with known Wrong Side Failure (WSF) modes. P-Style relays in the lower portion of the box have been recognised as susceptible to sliver migration. So these works, will look to minimise maintenance and reduce whole life costs.
GRCL’s civil engineering contract covers the provision of a full site-setup, all necessary management and supervision, materials, plant and delivery to the point of construction. The scope consists of the following elements:
Managing Director, Marco Lombardelli added:
“This is a fantastic award for the UK team.
“Utilising our railway design and construction capabilities in civil and structural engineering, we look forward to the successful completion of these important works, in order to upgrade the signalling systems in the Clacton-on-Sea area.
“This is another collaboration with our partner Atkins Global, and we look forward to many more.”
We are pleased to announce that Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL), has been successful with its tender for the Designer Tier 2 Framework Agreement with BAM.
The design team provided a compelling offer, evidencing the following:
GRCL also provided some initiatives in relation to provisions for diversity and inclusion across the business and some working examples of how inclusivity has made a difference.
The contract will extend throughout Network Rail’s Control Period 6 (CP6), covering BAM’s Southern Multi-Disciplinary (SMD) Framework and GRCL will be providing Design services on a call off basis for a five-year period.
Delighted GRCL Design Manager, Richard Horsted added:
“This is great news and testament to the efforts of the entire team. We have made impressive strides with our design and consultancy development recently, and this latest success is reward for the fruits of our labour.”
Our design and consultancy division constantly adapt to new technology and innovation.
State-of-the-art 3D CAD systems are used to assist with analysis and design, providing significant advantages for clients by lowering project costs and reducing programmes timescales.
Our in-house activities include:
In these extremely challenging times, both Ivan and I would like to share our heartfelt support and solidarity with you and your families. At Global, the health and safety of our worldwide colleagues, customers, partners and the communities in which we serve is our number one priority. We have a legacy of responsible business and we are committed to doing all that we can to keep everyone safe and healthy, every day.
We are extremely proud of and grateful to all our committed teams who deliver every day to ensure business continuity. We have been taking strict precautions to protect them and their families, while maintaining customer service. Many of our rail, telecoms and construction works and of course our 24/7 emergency crews are essential, as we play an important part in maintaining and enhancing critical infrastructure. As a result, we have made extensive contingency plans to secure our supply chain and ongoing business. We are following the advice of all governments and public health authorities, and have proactively implemented a range of precautionary measures, from stringent sanitation and cleaning protocols, to workplace distancing, and a worldwide travel ban, by putting our people first.
Team GIG, thank you for your continued endeavour and trust and please do stay safe.
Best Regards,
Marco and Ivan
Our Irish and UK businesses have successfully completed re-certification audits of their respective company Health, Safety and Quality Management systems.
Both Global Rail Services Limited (Ireland) and Global Rail Construction Limited (UK) included a challenging migration audit from OHSAS 18001 to the new Occupational Health and Safety Standard ISO 45001:2018.
Global Rail Services also successfully completed an audit of their ISO 9001:2015, which provides continuation of their ISO 9001 certification.
The Irish audits also covers the projects of GRA Networks Ireland – our Irish Telecoms Division.
Both UK and Irish businesses received no non-compliances – a fantastic achievement.
Our Global Family in Australia – Global Rail Australia Pty Limited and GRA Networks Australia – are just commencing the same migration process and we hope to report their progression very soon.
Co-Owner Marco Lombardelli added:
“Thanks to everyone involved for your continued support of our countrywide management systems, and a special mention to those of you who were directly involved in the audits conducted at our sites and respective Hatfield and Dublin offices.
“Your efforts are appreciated – keep up the good work.”
Our Irish and UK businesses have successfully completed re-certification audits of their respective company Health, Safety and Quality Management systems.
Both Global Rail Services Limited (Ireland) and Global Rail Construction Limited (UK) included a challenging migration audit from OHSAS 18001 to the new Occupational Health and Safety Standard ISO 45001:2018.
Global Rail Services also successfully completed an audit of their ISO 9001:2015, which provides continuation of their ISO 9001 certification.
The Irish audits also covers the projects of GRA Networks Ireland – our Irish Telecoms Division.
Both UK and Irish businesses received no non-compliances – a fantastic achievement.
Our Global Family in Australia – Global Rail Australia Pty Limited and GRA Networks Australia – are just commencing the same migration process and we hope to report their progression very soon.
Co-Owner Marco Lombardelli added:
“Thanks to everyone involved for your continued support of our countrywide management systems, and a special mention to those of you who were directly involved in the audits conducted at our sites and respective Hatfield and Dublin offices.
“Your efforts are appreciated – keep up the good work.”
In these uncertain times, it is important that you know Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) are open for business and have put in place all sensible measures to ensure we stay that way. We are actively monitoring the Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation. Our top priority is to ensure the welfare of our employees and deployed resources, whilst also ensuring that we will continue to maintain the highest level of quality and service that our customers have come to expect from us.
Hygiene – we have ensured sufficient hand washing facilities and/or alcohol-based hand sanitisers are available and maintained across all our business operations, and that staff are fully aware through our direct online training of the importance of keeping a high standard of hygiene.
Our team and Site management – we have made provision, where possible for our employees to work from home while staying connected with the business. As appropriate, our site management teams will be working to a roster, so that we maintain continuity of service while meeting with the social distancing requirements. Communication to the wider audience such as project meetings will be via conference calls [Telcon/Skype/Microsoft Teams].
Supply chain – GRCL has taken all the necessary action to ensure continuity of supply of both products and services. Our supply chain is secure as it can be, and we have known materials ringfenced for call off.
We recognise that the events are completely unknown however, as a dynamic business, which embraces change, we look forward to continuing to support our customers throughout this period in just the same way as we always have.
We will review and monitor our contingency arrangements on a daily basis to ensure we can react to any changing circumstances.
Thank you again for your continued business and on-going support.
Global Rail Construction has successfully completed its civils contract at Three Bridges.
The work scope included:
The contract is part of the new 8 and 12 car Class 700 programme for Train Operator GTR, being enhanced by Network Rail and is to support the requirement for providing the necessary signal sighting at Three Bridges, East Croydon, Brighton and Redhill railway stations.
During the works the team received praise from Steve Holmes, SPM for Network Rail, Southern Capital Delivery:
“Please accept and pass on my personal thanks for the work carried out over the weekend. I don’t need to dwell on the appalling weather conditions which we all experienced, which only served to make the efforts of everyone even more impressive. We don’t often get to see the guys actually doing the works as they disappear as soon as they’re done, (and who wouldn’t want to get out of that ….) , but please be sure and pass on my thanks and gratitude for their resilience and resolve to get the job not only done, but done safely. We exceeded what we expected to get done considering the storm, which puts us in a great position to complete the commissioning in Week 48.”
On completion Steve also added:
“I just wanted to say a huge personal thanks for the hard work, trust and collaboration you have shown in bring the project to a very successful conclusion following last night’s commissioning of Three Bridges T280 signal. I’m sure you all remember the big decision taken to move away from developing T281 and instead focussing our efforts on another option with T280, and all the stress and work that that imported, but we did it – together! There have been many stakeholders to pacify along the way, and we have always delivered one message, regardless of who any of us spoke to. That is a very powerful thing to have developed and has meant that there is a confidence in the team we have built that we work as one to deliver…”
Global Rail Services Limited are pleased to announce the successful renovation of Progressive Credit Union’s (PCU) new facility on East Road, Dublin. PCU provides banking services to over 60,000 members in North Dublin locations and beyond.
The contract, which commenced in December 2019, covered the management and delivery of a fast-track program of high-quality refurbishments including Building, Mechanical & Electrical works. This called upon the depth of GRSL’s organisation, with in house management and operatives across the full suite of fit-out trades working together in unison to successfully complete these works.
Site activities were meticulously planned and required careful co-ordination with several specialist Progressive Credit Union business services providers, including IT, secure comms and other security interface specialists, for items such as counters and security doors. GRSL worked closely with appointed Architect Rankin Associates and key stakeholders from PCU throughout.
During such a compressed program a number of challenges were both faced and solved by the team.
With only a 12-week fixed timeframe, due to Progressive Credit Union having already sold their existing premises, Global Rail Services Limited, who were appointed as the Project Supervisor Construction Stage, used every spare minute to complete. The team commissioned on the Friday night before the opening, when the keys were handed over, providing a fully operational Progressive Credit Union facility, to the delight of all concerned.
Contracts Manager, Paul Connell was quick to praise the strength in depth of GRSL’s impressive turnkey fit-out solution:
“Our one-stop solution from acquisition through to project completion, provides a tailored service to each individual client’s requirements. Having a fully managed service and dedicated in-house construction, mechanical and electrical teams, allows us to co-ordinate time pressured schemes and delight our clients even when challenges are faced.”
Global Rail Services Limited provide a turnkey building/construction solution for railway, private housing, commercial and industrial projects. Services also include general contracting and building work and can be offered as standalone disciplines in addition to the fully managed turnkey service and works can be contracted on a main contract, joint venture, sub-contract, or resource only basis.
Services offered include but are not limited to:
Global Rail Construction has successfully concluded its nine-day railway blockade and in doing so completed the supply and installation of a 200m long steel sheet piled cess wall, to stabilise the railway embankment at New Road, Welling.
The team received high praise from BAM Nuttall Operations Manager, Gareth White for the works to date:
“I wanted to send a personal email to you and your team for the works carried out last week at Barnhurst. This scheme had short timeframe from planning but from our point of view delivery was well organised and the teams professional on site. Both BAM and our Client see this scheme as a success so many thanks to you and your team.”
The remaining works to construct the Cess Walkway will be concluded during two follow up possessions in April 2020.
Global Rail Construction Limited’s civil and structural engineering capabilities take full project responsibility and offer a fully managed and integrated service for clients within the railway infrastructure. We can provide civil and structural engineering solutions from initial project planning and design, to enabling works covering site surveys, hazard and environmental assessments, procurement, onsite construction and equipment installation, through to final commissioning.
Dublin based Global Rail Services, has had it’s licence renewed by The Private Security Authority (PSA). We are delighted that our Irish team have passed the necessary scrutiny of their operations. This accreditation is fundamental to the company’s CCTV and Access Control projects, as the PSA is the statutory body with responsibility for licensing and regulating the private security industry in Ireland.
Our M&E team – led by Director Aidan Kelly – have successfully delivered crucial projects for Irish Rail and a number of other infrastructure clients and this accreditation provides all future customers with the required project surety for Private Security Access programs.
Mechanical & 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:
Global Rail Construction Limited has successfully completed its railway civil and structural engineering scope of works at Redhill railway station for WS Atkins, which forms part of the Thameslink Programme Signal Sighting Limitations project.
The work scope included the preparation of the existing platform for installation of a new modular platform extension, installation of a cable route through the platform, installation of new RA (Right Away) indicator and concrete base, new blockwork, tarmac and necessary works to existing copers, slotted sleeper installations and IBJ (Insulated Block Joints) recoveries and renewals.
GRCL managed all programme and site logistics for their works through their own dedicated Project Delivery Team. This core capability and a multi-disciplinary workforce enabled the team to complete this scheme to meet the client requirements.
The works were delivered during a combination of midweek days and nights, Saturday nights and a number of 28/52 hour railway possessions at the end of last year.
This project is part of the new 8 and 12 car Class 700 programme for Train Operator GTR, being enhanced by Network Rail and is to support the requirement for providing the necessary signal sighting at Three Bridges, East Croydon, Brighton and Redhill railway stations.
Global Rail Construction are also completing civils works at Three Bridges as part of the same programme.
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL), has secured a new railway civil engineering project at New Road, Welling on behalf of partner BAM. The project is located between St Johns and Crayford Creek on Network Rail’s South East Route rail infrastructure.
The core scope of GRCL’s works covers the supply and installation of 8m long steel sheet piles in order to construct a 200m long cess wall to stabilise the railway embankment. These works will be undertaken during a nine-day closure of the lines in February 2020. The full scope of works will be completed by June 2020.
Over the years, the embankment has shown signs of soil creep and localised slumping, resulted in tilted and misaligned troughing routes and ravelling of ballast from the cess shoulder onto the slope face. It is reported that the track is frequently tamped to maintain line and level. So GRCL’s scope also covers the reinstatement of the ballast shoulder and support to the cess, via the implementation of a lightweight cess support system.
Global Rail Construction are currently undertaking enabling works to prepare for their works prior the blockade. These works cover:
The Cess Wall Construction piling work will be commencing on 15th February 2020 and there are two follow up possessions with engineering trains to complete the Cess Walkway in May and June 2020. Works cover:
Cess Wall Construction – Blockade
Cess Walkway
Global Rail Construction Limited’s civil and structural engineering capabilities take full project responsibility and offer a fully managed and integrated service for clients within the railway infrastructure.
We can provide civil and structural engineering solutions from initial project planning and design, to enabling works covering site surveys, hazard and environmental assessments, procurement, onsite construction and equipment installation, through to final commissioning.
We are delighted to announce that Global Rail Construction Limited’s design team, have been awarded a contract with Alstom covering the GRIP 4 civils design for the Swinderby Resignalling Scheme. The design programme is now underway, with Scheme Plans and Level Crossing Ground Plans due to be submitted in July and the completion of GRIP 4 in September 2020.
The team have successfully supported Alstom on a number of schemes in the past, including the Design and Build civils programme for the East Notts Modular Resignalling Scheme GRIP 5-8 works, which covered eleven Level Crossings.
The Swinderby Resignalling Scheme comprises the Resignalling and Recontrol of the Swinderby Signalling area. It will include the conversion of 4 Level Crossings and the Renewal of Swinderby Road AHB to AHB- X.
GRCL’s GRIP 4 Civil Design works will cover:
Survey
Design
The GRIP 4 design submissions for F001’s and F002’s will be grouped in accordance with the technical content i.e. signal bases will have their own submission, level crossing ground plans will have their own submission and at each design stage an IDC meeting will be carried out.
The design programme will be directed and managed from award to completion by the GRCL’s Design Manager. The Design Manager and Design team will be supported by Head Office resources. The team will be supported by a Ground Plan Designer, who will be embedded into the Civils Design Team. This will help to ensure that the ground plan AIP submission will have considered the necessary civils elements, eliminating the potential for issues that can occur when the design processes are separate.
Global Infrastructure Group’s design and consultancy division constantly adapts to new technology and innovation.
State-of-the-art computer-aided design and simulation systems are used to assist with analysis and design, providing significant advantages for clients by lowering project costs and reducing programmes timescales.
Our in-house activities include:
Our UK Rail Infrastructure Contractor, Global Rail Construction Limited, has been awarded a further signalling civils contract with WS Atkins at Three Bridges Station. This latest project win is hot on the heels following their recent successful delivery for the same company, covering a platform extension and associated Civils and Track (P-Way) works at Redhill Station.
The work comprises the installation of a new cantilever signal superstructure and associated transfer grillage onto 410mm steel piled foundations, the relocation of signal T280 onto a new structure and the demolition of existing structure. The scope of works also covers the installation of RA offset signal structure and installation of a raised GRP platform for maintenance access. These works will provide the required signal sighting distance for normal and turnback operation of 12-car full length units (FLU) on Platform 1
This latest success follows the introduction of the new 8-car and 12-car Class for Train Operator GTR, being enhanced by Network Rail and is to support the requirement for providing the necessary signal sighting at Three Bridges, East Croydon, Brighton and Redhill railway stations.
The location of the new T280 signal is to be moved approximately 20.5m towards London from the centre bridge abutment to behind the London End abutment and wingwall. This will permit turn-back moves of FLU Thameslink Trains towards both London and country. An area of Network Rail land has been identified as the proposed location between the abutment and wingwall of underbridge VTB3/125. The abutment front wall is reinforced concrete faced with masonry and the wing wall is masonry with concrete fill to the rear. The ground signal T1192 located on the existing T280 signal gantry will be repositioned on a new post fixed to the base of the existing signal gantry which will remain in-situ once the gantry is removed.
The lines are powered by 750V D.C. conductor rails, which extend throughout the works area. There is an existing raised GRP walkway running parallel to the siding line which steps down to track level at the London side of the proposed structure. It is proposed to install a raised GRP platform butting up against the existing raised walkway for maintenance access. There are a large amount of surface cables running out of the existing cable trough, these will need to be managed prior to construction works.
Global Rail Construction’s works will include all necessary traffic management, materials logistics and works planning and site management and will be fully controlled by GRCL’s Southern based Contract Management team.
GRCL are delighted to announce the award of a Civils and E&P contract on behalf of long-term partner BAM, covering the completion of cable containment works between London Bridge and Cannon Street.
The full scope of this contract is to conclude residual works from the original Thameslink Key Output 2 (KO2), with the majority of the works being carried out in the central section inside Greater London.
The award supports the relocation of the DC feeders currently running down the West side of the Metropolitan Reversible Line between Metropolitan Junction and Cannon Street South Junction. The cables are currently surface laid and will be relocated into three newly installed GRP trough routes, by GRCL’s experienced railway civils team.
Running adjacent to the current location of the feeder cables is potentially an HV feeder cable(s) which will also require an HV assessment. This will be carried out before the main works under a line block using site warden protection. The conclusion of the resulting report may be the requirement for an HV competent person to be present during the works.
The Location of the works is in the cess to the West of the single reversible track Metropolitan Line, approximately between 01m40ch CSW to 01m45ch CSW. The Site will be accessed from Red Cross Way via the access steps between the Snowhill Lines and the Metropolitan Line. Outside of the main Week 39 works, a line block of the Metropolitan line will be required to safely access the work area.
Works will commence from 16th December 2019, when the materials will be delivered to Red Cross Way compound. During the main works, the bulk of the materials will be transported to Ewer Street RRAP and transported to the worksite using an RRV.
Global Rail Australia Pty Limited is delighted to announce the recent award of a Track Work Contract on behalf of Tasrail – Tasmania’s vertically integrated, short haul, freight rail business, who have been responsible since 2009 for upgrading, maintaining and operating Tasmania’s freight railway network and supporting its infrastructure.
Similar to the State’s road network, the rail network is a critical piece of infrastructure that requires maintenance, to ensure the safe running of trains.
Global Rail Australia’s contract is on behalf of Tasrail’s llP2 Programme Management team, and is based upon Category 1 Track Defects, which covers rectification and associated works including the following activities:
Global Rail Australia’s Track Construction Division – managed by Richard Needham – will be providing a turnkey service for Tasrail, with full project management, site management and supervision for the duration of the contract.
As part of its social policy, Global Rail Australia will be supporting a local procurement programme and engaging where possible with SME suppliers to source both components and services locally. The plan is to ensure that suitable, local SMEs have the same opportunities when competing with Global Rail’s traditional supply chain, for the provision of goods or services to be used for this contract.
A very pleased CEO Ivan Holloway said:
“This is an important success for our Track Construction Division and is testament to the hard work and support of the entire team. We look forward to maintaining a safe railway for Tasrail and becoming a partner of choice through a collaborative, innovative and inclusive approach to project delivery.”
The company’s Track Construction Division specialises in aluminothermic welding, track construction and maintenance, including the delivery of safe working services, inspection and track handback.
Its detailed understanding of track construction maintenance and renewals has been derived from years of experience covering every aspect of track construction maintenance and renewals from component exchange through to major re-railing activities.
Its in-house specialist teams, have successfully delivered individual projects for a vast range of clients, providing bespoke solutions to meet their requirements.
Our services include:
Dublin based Global Rail Services Limited, has appointed Paul Connell as a Contracts Manager.
Paul will be responsible for the management of multiple project teams to ensure the safe delivery of projects on time and within budget to the stated quality and customer’s satisfaction.
Paul is a Civil Engineer by training, having studied Civil Engineering at Loughborough University, achieving a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering with a diploma in Industrial Studies. He then continued his personal development and in 2017 became a Chartered Civil Engineer.
Paul’s engineering experience covers a number of industries including Rail, Civil Engineering, Construction and Utilities over the past 20 years.
Prior to joining GRSL he was a Project Manager, working on various building, rail, roads, bridge, commercial and airport projects.
General Manager Tom Staunton commented on this appointment by saying:
“Paul’s all-round experience will add value to our business. His experience of the complete project lifecycle from pre-qualification and bid preparation, through to project execution and completion, will enhance our offering further.
“We all look forward to working with him.”
Global Rail Construction has been awarded a civils contract on behalf of WS Atkins, for a platform extension at Redhill Station.
The scope of works includes:
The project is being delivered on key weekends commencing in week 29 and also during mid-week nights.
This project is part of the new 8 and 12 car Class 700 programme for Train Operator GTR, being enhanced by Network Rail and is to support the requirement for providing the necessary signal sighting at Three Bridges, East Croydon, Brighton and Redhill railway stations.
The works will include all necessary logistics and planning management and will be fully controlled by GRCL’s project management team.
Global Rail Services Limited (GRSL) is pleased to confirm the promotion of Aidan Kelly to MEP Director. The Rail and Infrastructure contracting specialist which delivers the design and project management of these specialist services, is delighted with this appointment. It is full testament to the commitment and passion that Aidan has provided during a career which spans over twenty years in the Mechanical, Electrical & Power sector.
His role going forward, will involve autonomously running our in-house MEP Division -a core competency within the company – whilst liaising with the other business divisional Directors.
Whilst an ability to bring in additional business is always welcome; the role will concentrate on growing further and developing the existing engineering capability of the organisation with a competent and efficient in-house MEP team, delivering cost effective solutions to the various existing and new projects.
Ivan Holloway, CEO of Global Rail Services also added:
“Aidan is a qualified professional with suitable certifications and accreditation to reflect his seniority in the industry and has spent a number of successful years with us, supporting the management and delivery of Mechanical, Electrical & Power works for our customers. This new role is well deserved, and we look forward to him to developing our MEP offering substantially over the coming years.”
GRSL are deployed on a wide range of rail, utilities and energy projects including:
Our UK Rail business, Global Rail Construction Limited and Hedson Rail Limited have formed a strategic partnership, to successfully secure Phase 2 of the Track Delivery work bank on behalf of Network Rail’s Works Delivery team on the Wessex Route.
The contract will see both companies working together to deliver track maintenance and renewals works, initially between October 2019 and April 2020 on one of the UK’s busiest rail routes. Global Rail Construction will be acting as programme manager for the works, with Hedson Rail delivering the responsible engineering and technical requirements.
The works programme, which specifically covers Heavy, Medium and Light Plain Line and S&C Track Refurbishment and Re-Railing, will see the team working in locations throughout the Wessex Route which runs from South-West London as well as from London Waterloo to the South and South-West of England taking in all or part of the counties of Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.
This is not the first time the businesses have worked together, with successful track works already completed in the South East – this burgeoning partnership is something that both businesses are very proud of.
GRCL’s UK MD Marco Lombardelli summarised this further, saying:
“As a business, we are always looking to increase our opportunities and saw this as the perfect target. We are delighted therefore, that our programme management capabilities coupled with Hedson Rail specific track engineering and site delivery capabilities were seen as the right solution for Network Rail.
We believe that the right partnerships can add enormous value and will continue to develop existing and seek out future strategic partners, in order to grow our capabilities. We are delighted to add a track arm in conjunction with Hedson Rail to our UK offering, which now aligns our model with the worldwide offering that can be found in both our Irish and Australian businesses.
We are able to design, build and execute a full multi-disciplinary track project by adding Track, to our existing and established successful offerings in Civil Engineering and Building, Power and Signalling.
I am pleased with this new contract and send a thank you to the team who helped make this possible.”
Martin Hedley, MD of Hedson Rail also added:
“Delivering track projects in Wessex and the South East has been a strategic target for Hedson Rail for some time and we are delighted to have formed the partnership with GRCL to make this possible. We are a local business that know the Wessex route well and in collaboration with Network Rail Works Delivery, we have absolute confidence in our team to successfully deliver the challenging work bank.”
Global Rail Services have had another successful weekend working on its contract for Irish Rail, constructing the new Limerick Junction Down Platform and Footbridge Works
The team has successfully completed its latest contract milestone, by completing the assembly and installation of all steelwork for the new footbridge.
The works were undertaken between 12th and 23rd August 2019, utilising a combination of normal daytime working hours within a green zone and midweek night-time possession working hours between 11pm and 5am – all in agreement with Irish Rail.
The works included a number of carefully planned stages which included:
On completion of this milestone, the works were successfully inspected and signed off by Irish Rail.
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 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.
A big thanks to all involved for their dedication to ensure the safe and successful completion of another important project milestone.
UK Rail Infrastructure Contractor, Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has completed 4000m of TTS troughing installation works on the LUL Network between Richmond to Gunnersbury on behalf of BAM.
Having already successfully completed the Design works for this Cable Route Management System route as part of a separate contract with BAM, this contract completion highlights the strength of Global Rail Construction Limited’s (GRCL’s) integrated end to end, in-house Design and Construct capabilities.
These works form part of the wider modernisation and up-grading the Sub-Surface Railway network, comprising of the Metropolitan, District, Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines, whereby Network Rail is required to design and build new Cable Route Management Systems to support primary Power/Signal cables from Turnham Green to Richmond.
Operations Director, Sean Donaghey added:
“Very pleased with the completion of this important contract. We look forward to working with our long-term partner BAM again soon.”
GRCL offer rail infrastructure contracting services on a design and construct basis. Our capabilities support the latest technology, management and engineering know-how, which allow us to deliver high profile projects throughout the UK rail network on both Transport for London and Network Rail infrastructures.
GRA Networks Ireland, is pleased to present another new addition to its fleet – a brand new crew vehicle for its Telecoms division operations. The team at GRA Networks Ireland are very busy at present, delivering a number of contracts throughout Ireland – so this latest crew-bus is another very welcome addition. GRA Networks Ireland is currently recruiting for Wireless Riggers in support of its current extensive workload, supporting both private and public sector clients on high profile projects covering telecommunications, transportation, construction and engineering, energy and power.
GRA Networks Ireland is a multi-disciplined provider offering a comprehensive suite of services including design, construction, installation, commissioning and maintenance of both fixed line and mobile communications networks.
As a full-service telecommunications contractor, GRA Networks Ireland provides a comprehensive range of services from upgrading existing infrastructure, to building new mobile phone towers and other wireless network infrastructure.
Learn more here:
https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/gra-networks/who-we-are/our-markets/
Apply for our telecom’s vacancies here:
https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/gra-networks/work-with-us/careers/
GRA Networks global operation is led by a group of dedicated industry professionals in both Ireland and Australia, who bring together a wide range of skills and experience that provide clients with the best possible solution.
Railway Civil Engineering Contractor, Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL), has been awarded a sub-contract on behalf of Amey Plc at Kettering Station.
Works include the management, procurement and installation of 5No x 260m long reinforced concrete siding walkways, including access ramps and a retaining wall at Kettering Station Sidings. Access for these works necessitates the requirement for works to be completed by concrete pump or with the use of Road Rail Vehicles (RRV’s). All works will be completed during normal daytime working.
The sub-base and track construction being installed by Amey will be completed in advance of GRCL’s walkway construction.
There are two projects ongoing at Kettering:
These rail projects form part of the wider Midland Mainline Programme which, from 2020, will enable improved services between Corby, Kettering and London – with over 1000 additional extra seats into London during the peak, an increase of around 50% and faster intercity journey times on greener trains.
GRCL’s works will commence in August 2019 and will be completed by the end of year.
UK MD, Marco Lombardelli, also added;
“As an approved supplier to Amey, we are pleased to be working together again.
“Global Rail Construction’s capabilities support the latest technology, management and engineering know-how, which will allow us to deliver this rail project and our services to the highest standards of quality and safety.”
GRCL applies its skills to railway new build, refurbishment and maintenance projects, activities include:
Learn more about our Civil and Structural Engineering capabilities here: https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/global-rail-construction/what-we-do/civil-and-structural-engineering-and-building/
UK Rail Infrastructure Contractor – Global Rail Construction Limited – is delighted to announce the award of a further civils sub-contract on behalf of UK Power Network Services (UKPNS), on the Great Western Electrification Project (GWEP). The project covers the installation of 34No lightweight platforms including all foundations and associated civil engineering works between Cardiff and Reading.
The Great West Electrification Programme (GWEP) is a Network Rail initiative, which introduces electrification infrastructure and modern electric trains to the Great Western Mainline route. The route stretches from Maidenhead in West London, to Cardiff in South Wales and interfaces with the Crossrail project at Maidenhead. The project commenced in March 2014 and UKPNS, along with ABB, undertook the detailed design, procurement, construction and installation, system integration, testing and commissioning, and handover of 27 trackside substations, 123 track section switches, 90 kilometres of high voltage cabling and 250 kilometres of low voltage cabling. Also included was the associated SCADA and communication control systems.
Global Rail Construction is now mobilising and compiling its pre-construction information, in preparation for commencement of the first eight sites at Westerleigh, near Bristol, which are due to start on the 27th August.
Logistics and access planning play key parts in this project, with GRCL managing the collection of the platforms from the depot at Wroughton and then the onward transport and site distribution. These materials deliveries will either be completed at night during planned track possessions or will be via access point/line blockages during normal railway traffic hours. All other materials for the works are to be provided by GRCL.
The project is due for completion at the end of the year.
Global Rail Construction’s civil and structural engineering capabilities take full project responsibility and offer a fully managed and integrated service for clients within the railway infrastructure.
We can provide civil and structural engineering solutions from initial project planning and design, to enabling works covering site surveys, hazard and environmental assessments, procurement, onsite construction and equipment installation, through to final commissioning.
We are flexible in our approach and can undertake civil engineering projects on a turnkey, consultancy, main contract, sub-contract or resource supply basis to meet each individual client’s requirement.
We are delighted to announce Global Rail Australia’s Track Construction Division has seen further significant investment in its management, resources, plant and equipment.
The company, which specialises in aluminothermic welding, track construction and maintenance, including the delivery of safe working services, inspection and track handback, has recently acquired three hi-rail welding vehicles, which have now been been fully fitted out and prepared in readiness for its Railtech and Thermit welding teams. They have also purchased new rail welding plant.
All of Global Rail Australia’s welding vehicles are now fully accredited to work on the MTM, VLine and ARTC rail networks and the company expects to see all of these being deployed from August 2019.
Global Rail Australia’s rail welders are qualified in all aspects of track welding and are fully compliant to work on all rail networks across Australia. Below is a list of its welding capabilities:
The Track Construction Division which is headed up by Richard Needham – Rail Manager and Casey Mitchell – Operations Manager – is beginning to reap the benefits of Global Rail Australia’s continued investment.
Track and Welding teams have recently been engaged by Laing O Rourke/MTM on a Year 3 Lease agreement, which will see our resources being deployed on the MTM Network.
Separately, we have also have agreed terms with MTM to support their Maintenance Division.
The continued rollout of the Track Construction Division will see engagement with all Tier 1 Main Contractors and Railway Operating Companies over the coming months.
Global Rail Australia’s detailed understanding of track construction maintenance and renewals has been derived from years of experience and its in-house expertise covers every aspect of track construction maintenance and renewals from component exchange through to major re-railing activities.
Its in-house specialist teams have successfully delivered individual projects for a vast range of clients, providing bespoke solutions to meet their requirements. Services include:
Global Rail Australia also provide a 24/7 emergency response service for all track construction works.
https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/global-rail-australia/what-we-do/track-construction/
UK Rail Infrastructure Contractor, Global Rail Construction Limited, has successfully completed the Railway Electrification and Power (E&P) and Ancillary Civils, on the Felixstowe Capacity Upgrade Project between Ipswich and Felixstowe.
The project was a rail infrastructure programme for Network Rail, which involved the double tracking of sections of Permanent Way – over approximately 20 Kilometres to increase capacity for the main freight route from the Port of Felixstowe.
The full project scope of works included upgrading five Level Crossings with new barrier controls and the installation of new Permanent Way, Signalling, Power and Telecoms for a new loop installation in order to facilitate the expansion of the strategically important freight connections.
The Principal Contractor for the works was Volker Fitzpatrick Ltd (VFL), acting on behalf of Network Rail as part of their Anglia Regional Collaboration (ARC) CP5 framework.
Global Rail Construction Limited provided a fully managed sub-contract service to VFL, completing the full scope of Ancillary Civil Engineering and E&P works for the project. Our works were led by Operations Director Sean Donaghey, who managed our multi-disciplinary workforce including civil and structural engineering and E&P expertise, along with in-house project management to deliver this time-pressurised and highly co-ordinated scheme.
Sean gave high praise to his team:
“Delighted with the efforts and contributions of our collective Civils and E&P teams. When a project is time-critical and crucial milestones have to be met, experience is a key factor in achieving success. Being able to rely upon a dedicated in-house team of Project Managers, Construction Managers and Installers that are able to interface with each other as well as a myriad of stakeholders, without doubt, enabled solutions to be quickly and effectively formed. This enabled us to complete the works to meet VFL’s requirements.”
UK Rail Infrastructure Contractor, Global Rail Construction Limited, is delighted to confirm their award and subsequent mobilisation for the GRIP 6-8 TTS troughing installation works on the LUL Network between Richmond to Gunnersbury on behalf of BAM.
Having already successfully completed the Design works for this Cable Route Management System route as part of a separate contract with BAM, this latest contract win is testament to Global Rail Construction Limited’s (GRCL’s) integrated end to end, Design and Construct capabilities.
These works form part of the wider modernisation and up-grading the Sub-Surface Railway network, comprising of the Metropolitan, District, Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines, whereby Network Rail is required to design and build new Cable Route Management Systems to support primary Power/Signal cables from Turnham Green to Richmond.
GRCL’s project team are now gearing-up for the installation of nearly 4000m of TTS 200 troughing. All works will be undertaken during night-time short track access possessions, so full programme management and project traceability is crucial for the success of these works.
Logistics management is a vital ingredient to the success of these works. GRCL has therefore, developed a thorough plan for the collection, delivery and subsequent placing of materials for in advance of the installation works.
Free-issue materials will be collected by a Crane Wagon from a depot in Wembley and taken to a Road Rail Access Point (RRAP) as required to support the installation works. During this time, GRCL will provide all necessary traffic and pedestrian management and any parking bay suspensions to enable the TTS trough to be delivered to site safely and as required to support the works.
On successful arrival at the RRAP, the crane wagon will then offload the troughing onto waiting Road Rail Vehicles (RRV’s) for forward delivery to site, to support the subsequent fully managed installation process.
From early mobilisation through to project close out, the timescales for completion are seven months.
Managing Director, Marco Lombardelli added:
“We are delighted with this latest contract win and look forward to handing over these works; meeting the required programme, safely and coherently; in conjunction with our long-term partner BAM”
Global Rail Construction offer rail infrastructure contracting services on a design and construct basis. Our capabilities support the latest technology, management and engineering know-how, which allow us to deliver high profile projects throughout the UK rail network on both Transport for London and Network Rail infrastructures.
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 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 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 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.
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:
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
L.V Power Distribution
OLE Systems – L.V power
Points Heating
Signalling Power
Principle Supply Points (PSP)
Train Power Systems (RSC)
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
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:
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/
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”.
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:
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.
Global Rail Construction Ltd (GRCL) has been working in the lead up to Christmas, together with their customer Alstom and asset owner Network Rail, to complete a critical design and delivery milestone on the Paddington to Reading Project.
The works are part of GRCL’s design and construct package of Civil Engineering and E&P works, form part of the wider Paddington to Reading Signalling works which are linked to HS2, who will be constructing an interchange station in the existing Old Oak Common (OOC) depot area, which has necessitated the need for these railway asset relocation works, to create the space required to construct and service the HS2 interchange station.
During the build-up to the Christmas commissioning, Global Rail Construction designed and installed 6No location case bases, replaced an existing Functional Supply Point (FSP) – including all necessary earthing and bonding works – and installed 5No signal bases and structures. The site was fully energised as planned on 23rd December 2018.
Jim Cuell, Commercial Director added:
“We are delighted that our team, working alongside long-term partner Alstom, has successfully completed this important project milestone.
“Many thanks to both the designers and installers on this project. We have proved and used our capabilities to deliver the full breadth of our multi-disciplinary design and build offering across civils, E&P and signalling for these works. We look forward to the successful conclusion of our works in the next month or so.”
After a very busy period of testing and commissioning, Global Rail Construction Ltd (GRCL) has fully installed and energised 42 new Functional Supply Points (FSP’s) over a 13-mile stretch of the Felixstowe to Ipswich Branch line, including the supply and installation of a new Principal Supply Point (PSP) at Westerfield.
Works were carried out successfully and handed over to our customer Volker Fitzpatrick on time, at the start of the Christmas blockade, enabling them to bring into use new, improved signalling equipment.
These works form part of GRCL’s significant package of Mechanical, Electrical and Power (MEP) works between Westerfield and Felixstowe on Network Rail’s Anglia Route. The Project is for Volker Fitzpatrick (VFL) as part of their ARC (Anglia Regional Collaboration) framework for CP5, which involves the double tracking of sections of Permanent Way – over approximately 20 Kilometres between North Ipswich and Felixstowe – to increase capacity for the main freight route from the Port of Felixstowe. There are also further railway systems works, including the upgrade of signalling and also significant ground engineering works to improve the line stability.
Led by Operations Director Sean Donaghey, GRCL is delivering the full rail E&P 650v signalling power scope, which includes the new PSP at Westerfield, upgrade and modifications to other existing PSPs, the installation of 42No Functional Supply Points (FSP) and installation of 45km of new cabling. The works also covers the installation of direct power and lineside power supplies for a number of level crossings, as well as new level crossing lighting. Further works include the installation of 3No. PHCC (Points Heating Cubicles) to supply and install, points heating supplies, transformers and heating strips for point ends.
As part of the same Felixstowe Branch Capacity Enhancement Project, Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) is also delivering ancillary rail civil engineering works.
GRCL Operations Director, Sean Donaghey, was delighted with these successful Christmas works, highlighting the great contribution made by the E&P team:
“Delighted with the efforts and contributions of our team during the festive period. This energisation was a result of a concerted team effort, working in complete harmony with our customer VFL.
“I am pleased to say that our E&P division is going from strength to strength and we are delighted to be able to offer rail customers a proven Civils and E&P D&B solution and a fully managed independent E&P offering for CP6.”
Mechanical, Electrical and Power services provided by Global Rail Construction 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 projects such as sub-station refurbishment and new build, station refurbishment and new build, signalling equipment room fit-outs, station platforms and car park lighting.
The company provides electrical condition reports and undertakes the installation and testing of lineside feeder cabling, fire detection systems, CCTV/access/security systems, building management control systems, HVAC and cable installation and management including lighting control systems.
Global Rail Construction Ltd’s (GRCL) teams have successfully installed 3No UTX’s as part of the Christmas blockade at Potteric Carr in Doncaster. The first UTX was a 4-way 2 track UTX, the second a 4-way 1 track and the last a 12-way 2 track UTX. GRCL’s specific works here formed part of the overall package for the substation build.
The works were carried out over 3 shifts starting on Christmas day night through to Boxing day night. Significant and in-depth planning and preparation for these works were required and undertaken by GRCL’s team, which helped the teams to complete all the works ahead of programme but more importantly the works were completed safely.
The contract forms part of Network Rail’s strengthening of the 25kV traction power supply to the East Coast Main Line (ECML) to support the delivery of Hitachi’s new Intercity Express Programme (IEP) Depot at Doncaster in South Yorkshire.
This 25kV traction power supply strengthening work involves the design and construction of a new 33kV to 25kV, 50Hz static frequency converter (SFC) traction power supply system. The traction power supply strengthening work also includes associated E&P Infrastructure located at and near Potteric Carr including:
Managing Director Marco Lombardelli had this to say:
“A big thanks to our Northern teams for the thoroughly professional works you are delivering. These UTX installations were an important part of these works and we were delighted to see that all the detailed planning and preparatory works that were undertaken in advance with both our client and other project stakeholders enabled this achievement. Thank you for all your efforts during the Christmas period, it really was appreciated.
“We look forward to works continuing to progress and the completion of this programme later this year.”
Global Rail Services has commenced works on a new €2.5m project at Limerick Junction on behalf of Irish Rail.
The rail project involves construction of a new 260m precast concrete platform, the production, delivery and installation of a new 20m long Precast Concrete footbridge, stairs and lift shafts on piled foundations including all associated structural steelwork and all associated electrical and station/platform infrastructure at Limerick Junction Station.
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.
These important works will provide time savings for Down trains scheduled to stop at Limerick Junction of 4.8 minutes, which affect 13 Cork trains/day and typically and one direct Tralee train. There will also be an average time saving of 11 minutes for all Limerick passengers connecting to and from Cork services at Limerick Junction.
Works will be completed both between trains and during railway possessions and are due to continue until June 2019. Global Rail Services have already set up a safe working compound and delineated the site from the railway corridor in order to commence works. Piling and Foundation works are nearing completion on both platforms. The delivery and installation of the new PCC Platform units will commence at the end of January.
The new down platform will remove constraints and speed restrictions associated with the current single platform, which caters for Dublin to Cork/Kerry services in both directions.
Global Rail Services offer rail infrastructure contracting services on a design and construct basis. Led by experienced professionals with in depth knowledge of these sectors and supported by skilled and dedicated in house teams, they offer a fully integrated solution, allowing us to provide clients with a unique turnkey offering that is value adding. This inclusive approach allows customers to benefit from expertise in a number of rail sectors and ensures they receive the most appropriate advice and solution for their schemes.
With a skilled, multi-disciplinary workforce providing a broad range of services and operating in tandem with a highly experienced management team, Global Rail Services is geared to meet our clients exacting demands.
Bespoke solutions for individual client requirements are central to Global Rail Services offering which can deliver a fully planned and managed design and construct service, which includes materials procurement and logistics management.
Global Rail Services Limited in Ireland, has achieved further success, with a higher distinction award at the 27th All Ireland Safety Awards.
With health, safety and people wellbeing central to their everyday approach, Global Rail Services were highly commended for their continuous improvement in occupational health and safety management. This performance is achieved through the implementation and maintenance of an occupational health and safety management system which meets and is fully accredited to the requirements of OHSAS 18001:2007.
By promoting a safety culture through a series of events such as this, the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) are able to award those organisations who make a positive impact on the lives of their workers and the stakeholders they engage with.
Set-up to create conditions where Irish workplaces are among the safest and healthiest in Europe, the National Irish Safety Organisation Limited (NISO), provides:
A delighted Tom Staunton, General Manager of Global Rail Services, who is pictured being presented with the award, said:
“Global Rail Services places people at the heart of what they do, from their employees, clients and supply chain partners, to their neighbours and the wider community.
“Our daily aim is to minimise the impact of our activities on all project stakeholders and the wider environment, to ensure that we operate a successful business in a way that is safe, sustainable and socially responsible. The principles of corporate responsibility are an intrinsic part of our business and are central to our long-term strategy.
“I’d like to thank all of our team for their efforts and do please keep up the great work you are doing!”
We are thrilled to announce that GRA Networks has scooped the “National 2018 Best Technical Service Award” for Huawai Australia.
Ivan Holloway CEO of GRA Networks said proudly:
“This would not be possible without all the hard work and dedication of the entire team and shows how far we have come as a business over the last few years. We look forward to successfully continue deploying for Huawei and our various clients across the country, ready for the next big Telecoms Rollout, 5G!”
GRA Networks is a full service telecommunications contractor and provides a comprehensive range of services from upgrading existing infrastructure, to building new mobile phone towers and other wireless network infrastructure. The range of services on offer includes:
GRA Networks’ team of highly skilled telecommunications professionals includes project managers, telecommunications engineers, telecommunications riggers, fibre splicers, electricians and technicians.
As part of the Felixstowe Branch Capacity Enhancement Project, Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has been selected to deliver further ancillary rail civil engineering works on behalf of Principal Contractor, Volker Fitzpatrick. These works follow on from GRCL’s award of E&P works for the same project.
The works will be undertaken during a combination of 36 hour continuous possessions and midweek working and will last for a total of 23 weeks.
GRCL’s full rail civil scope includes the following and has already involved a number of value engineering solutions being provided in respect of reduced earth retention:
FSP Bases
11No LOC’s fixed to staging’s,
29No precast concrete LOC’s
Foundations
4No 114mm diameter average depth 4.5m helical piles
Loc Staging’s
11No Staging’s fabricated by specialist supplier, with staging’s consisting of 1,2 & 3 Loc bases
Signal bases
25No signal bases – 7No require major earth retention to an average depth of 10.00m
UTX’s
8No UTX crossings and associated track monitoring, along with associated chambers
5No URX crossings along with associated chambers, using specialist non evasive excavation techniques (Vac EX)
These works have been secured off the back of previously successful works in Week 6, in respect of the installation of under track crossings and a combined under road crossing with a under track crossing and more recently the delivery of 3No under road crossings, 2No under road crossings at Levington Level Crossing and 1No under road crossing at Morston Hall Crossing.
The planning of the works so far has been particularly intense, however, the GRCL team has managed to provide a robust delivery plan to meet and exceed the clients expectations.
The works completion date is 22nd March 2019.
We are pleased to announce the award of a Railway Civil Engineering Works Contract at Kidsgrove Station, Staffordshire, on behalf of Galliford Try. Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) will manage, install, test and commission the full scope of their civil engineering works package.
The Access for All (AfA) project was awarded funding under the DFT “Access for All programme” and is managed by Network Rail, with the aim of improving accessibility at railway stations. The full project scope will see the removal of the existing footbridge and a brand-new one installed with lifts, improving accessibility for all customers who use the station for connections to Derby, Stoke and Crewe, including those with reduced mobility, children, heavy luggage or shopping.
Following feasibility, optioneering and scheme design development, the various stakeholder signatures for the ‘Approval in Principle’ (AIP) designs have been achieved for Civils, OLE, Telecoms and M&E. It is now required that these designs be progressed through the detailed design, construction, commissioning and handover of the project (GRIP stages 5 – 8).
GRCL’s are responsible for the following railway civil engineering works:
GRCL’s works programme has a mobilisation date of October 2018, with a proposed completion date of May 2019. This ties in with the aims of an overall project completion during the summer of 2019.
Jim Cuell, GRCL’s Commercial Director said:
“I’m delighted that we have been awarded this contract with Galliford Try. This is a busy railway interchange and these improvements we hope will make a big difference to passengers, especially those with disabilities. We are very pleased to be playing our part in this railway accessibility project that will not just benefit local residents, but will bring added value to the town, to existing businesses and provide attraction for future commercial investment.”
Global Rail Construction Limited has been raising money for charity this week, by holding a Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The Coffee Morning was held at both our Head Office and our Regional Office in Derby – with both teams having been busy baking a delightful range of sumptuous cakes and pastries – we simply could not stop eating them!
Marco, Sean and Don (pictured) were the Hatfield Barista’s, helping us to raise to date around £200.00!
Whilst the team at Global love any excuse to both bake and eat cakes and pastries, we are always looking to do our bit when we can.
Coffee Morning is a fabulous way to bring our teams together for a fantastic cause and is so much more than just getting together for a cup of coffee.
Last year was a record-breaking year for Coffee Morning with circa 250,000 people taking part, raising around £30 million, helping to aid the supporters, professionals, volunteers, campaigners and people affected by cancer.
With the expansion of the rail industry in Australia, one of our biggest safety risks isn’t necessarily something you can see out on the track or the construction site.
Fatigue is one of the major risk factors across the transport and construction industries today. It’s a leading cause of workplace accidents and has contributed to up to 30% of deaths on our roads. Fatigue is more than feeling tired and drowsy, it is a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion that reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively.
In light of this, the team at Global Rail Australia has been working in collaboration with one of its key clients Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), as part of their Fatigue Risk Management Working Group, to help put together some awareness videos on managing Fatigue in the workplace. Three videos have been developed which are aimed at Frontline staff, Site Management and company Executives, to show how this issue affects personnel at all levels, and also examine how fatigue is impacting our industry and what we need to do to stay on top of it.
CEO Ivan Holloway, also added:
“As part of our overall commitment to the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of all personnel and visitors, Global Rail Australia is actively working together with MTM to prevent and manage risk associated with fatigue in the workplace. We believe through educational training, that the industry can continue towards its goal of providing the most safe and healthy workplace for all employees, contractors and visitors.”
View the executive video here: www.vimeo.com/283344577
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL), is delighted to announce the award of a design and construct package of Civil Engineering and E&P works on behalf of their client Alstom. The works form part of the Paddington to Reading Signalling works which are linked to HS2 – the planned new high speed rail link connecting London to the Midlands, North East and North West.
As part of these major infrastructure works, HS2 will be constructing an interchange station in the existing Old Oak Common (OOC) depot area. The proposed site for the interchange station is currently occupied by both Great Western Railway (GWR) and Heathrow Express (HEX) Train Care Depots. Both these depots will need to be decommissioned to create the space required to construct and service the HS2 interchange station. The decommissioning works are planned to be delivered in four stages, to facilitate a phased withdrawal of GWR and HEX operations from the OOC site. The relocation of Location suite R2/172 and recovery of R2/157, are required in order to facilitate the clearance for HS2 Stage 2 and in support of the decommissioning works and these works have been contracted to Alstom under a variation to the overall Crossrail Surface Signalling Crossrail West Christmas 2017 Signalling Interlocking Works. The Wycombe Line (Greenford), is also subject to clearance of Signalling and Power, in support of the HS2 decommissioning works and due to the severance of the running line from London, remedial Signalling alterations are required. The West Ealing works consists of remedial Signalling alterations and to provide automation to the signalling and control system for both inbound and outbound train movements, in addition to the provision of a Depot Protection System (DPS) to protect GWR staff from movements within the confines of and at the interface to, the sidings.
Global Rail Construction’s scope for civil engineering includes the full survey including topographical and ground investigation, and then the subsequent design and build of five location suites and one FSP suite, including all necessary trough route modifications. The civils scope also includes new signal bases and also signal head modification works including bracketry.
The scope for E&P is also provides for a full D&C solution from Global’s team and includes surveys and then the design and installation of the amended 650v signalling power supply, including connection to the existing return screen conductor. Additional complexities around interim power arrangements will have to be considered by the team including the replication of the necessary signalling loads. GRCL will define the signalling functional power circuit requirements and provide the proposed functional loads as part of their design work.
The D&C scope also covers FSP recoveries and staged and final Feeder configuration and with all construction and installation work needing to be completed before the final FSP connections in advance of the signalling possession works to mitigate the signalling and operational railway disruption, it is no surprise that these works have now commenced.
GRCL’s works are due to be completed in February 2019.
Jim Cuell, Commercial Director commented on this award stating:
‘This project provides the ideal platform for GRCL to deliver the full breadth of its multi-disciplinary design and build offering across civils, E&P and signalling. We are delighted to have started this project for our long-term partner Alstom and look forward to the successful conclusion of these works early next year in conjunction with them.”
Global Rail Construction’s Senior Contracts Manager for the South – Sean Cavanagh – will be riding the Prudential London Ride 100 miles for charity on 29th July 2018. The charity Sean will be riding on behalf of is Fanconi Hope https://lnkd.in/dvkebPN
Sean’s poignant words can be read below, which is why he has chosen to support this fantastic charity.
‘Earlier this year my daughter Molly’s friend Sabrina Foufa lost her battle with a rare disease Fanconi Anaemia at the young age of 16. Sabrina was a popular girl who loved life and embraced all challenges with a passion and smile. I am riding the Prudential London 100 this July to honour her memory and life and to raise funds for a small charity Fanconi Hope who are doing vital research and support into this rare condition.’
Please follow the link below to donate to this charity – https://lnkd.in/dmJeny2 Virgin Money Giving | Fundraising | Sean Cavanagh’s fundraising page uk.virginmoneygiving.com
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has recently been awarded a package of design works on behalf of South East Multi-Functional Framework Contractor, BAM Nuttall.
The contract includes the production of GRIP 4 and 5 designs for a cable management system, to provide a continuous and secure CRMS to support Power/Signal cables (Primary) and fibre optic cable (Diverse) between Gunnersbury Junction and Richmond Station on ELR SAR2. The wider contract also includes further cable management on ELR SAR1, heading towards Action Wells, and on the ELR ATG towards Turnham Green.
Intensive site surveys have already commenced (during Week 12), to determine the route from Richmond towards Gunnersbury (ELR: SAR2) via Kew Garden. This includes the additional route from Gunnersbury towards Acton Well (ELR: SAR1) and Turnham Green (ELR: ATG). GRCL will produce feasibility reports including surveys of the existing route and option analysis which will be produced and submitted to BAM Nuttall for approval.
The final report will include the following details:
GRCL’s involvement is part of the wider Four Lines Modernisation (4LM) Project. Which will see the replacement of all the signalling equipment on all Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, all of which will be monitored from a new control centre currently under construction in Hammersmith replacing the numerous signal cabins and service control centres across the four lines. The new signalling system uses a moving block system otherwise known as Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) which uses Wi-Fi to constantly let controllers know where trains are and how fast they are going. Precise speeds will be set by computers so trains will be able to run at higher speeds and closer together. This will provide Central London with a maximum service frequency of 32 trains per hour (every 2 minutes) by the time the upgrade is complete in 2023.
We have successfully completed our transition audit to ISO 9001:2015 of our quality management system.
The auditors recognised the work we do as a company, our quality programmes and acknowledged it was unusual not to receive any NC’s or OFI’s.
This success is clearly attributed to all of us at GRCL.
Thank you for your continued support of our management systems and a special thanks to those of you who were directly involved in the 3-day audit.
Well done everyone.
As part of the Felixstowe Branch Capacity Enhancement Project, Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has been selected to deliver civil engineering works on behalf of Principal Contractor, Volker Fitzpatrick.
The work scope included the installation of under track crossings and a combined under road crossing with a under track crossing. The planning of the works was particularly intense, however, the team managed to provide a robust plan in time for works to commence.
Works commenced during Week 6, where GRCL managed to deliver the under road crossing safely and on programme.
This weekend just gone, GRCL had to deliver another complex project, whereby the team were contracted to deliver 3 under road crossings, 2 under road crossings at Levington Level Crossing and 1 under road crossing at Morston Hall Crossing. Again our team has delivered the works safely and so far our client has been very impressed with the works achieved.
Works continue, with an overall project completion date of 22nd March 2019.
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) is proud to announce an important success for its Mechanical, Electrical and Power (MEP) Division, having secured a significant package of Electrification and Power (E&P) works between Westerfield and Felixstowe on Network Rail’s Anglia Route.
The project is for Volker Fitzpatrick (VFL) as part of their ARC (Anglia Regional Collaboration) framework for CP5, which involves the double tracking of sections of Permanent Way – over approximately 20 Kilometres between North Ipswich and Felixstowe – to increase capacity for the main freight route from the Port of Felixstowe. There are also further railway systems works, including the upgrade of signalling and also significant ground engineering works to improve the line stability.
Led by Operations Director Sean Donaghey, GRCL provided a most compelling offering and was selected as the E&P partner of choice by VFL to deliver the full signalling power scope to include a new Principal Supply Point (PSP) at Westerfield, upgrade and modifications to the existing PSP, the installation of 42No Functional Supply Points (FSP) and installation of 45km of new cabling.
The scope also covers the installation of direct power and lineside power supplies for a number of level crossings, as well as new level crossing lighting. Further works include the installation of 2No Points Heating Cubicles (PHCC), points heating supplies, transformers and heating strips for point ends.
GRCL are working towards a target of completion and commissioning of the two PSP’s along with the new diverse 650v signalling power by Christmas 2018, which will allow resignalling commissioning. All points heating works are to be completed out of points heating season between April and September.
GRCL Managing Director, Marco Lombardelli, was delighted with this success, highlighting the significant contribution made by Operations Director, Sean Donaghey:
“Like all successes, they are all as a result of a combined and concerted team effort, however, I would like to thank Sean for his significant contribution to this bid and the wider development of our UK E&P offering. The division is going from strength to strength and we are delighted to be able to offer both a multi-disciplinary D&B solution and a fully managed independent E&P offering to the marketplace as we head towards a new control period.”
Mechanical and Electrical services provided by Global Rail Construction 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 projects such as sub-station refurbishment and new build, station refurbishment and new build, signalling equipment room fit-outs, station platforms and car park lighting.
The company provides electrical condition reports and undertakes the installation and testing of lineside feeder cabling, fire detection systems, CCTV/access/security systems, building management control systems, HVAC and cable installation and management including lighting control systems.
As part of GRA Networks Australia’s continued growth and expansion, Sachendra Shrestha has recently joined its New South Wales (NSW) division and will manage Telecommunications Operations in the state.
Sachendra is a very experienced Telecommunications Professional with nearly 15 years industry experience, having worked on a range of projects overseas and locally.
He has a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Telecommunications.
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Sachendra and wish him every success.
Global Rail Australia is pleased to announce two recent contract wins which form part of a much larger program being undertaken by the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA), involving the removal of over 50 level crossings in Melbourne.
The Northern Eastern Project Alliance is being completed by Laing O’Rourke/Fulton Hogan and MTM. Global Rail Australia has been engaged by this Alliance to work on the sub-station upgrade at Fairfield.
Global Rail Australia’s scope of work involves the demolition works, combined service route installation and the construction of the substation substructure.
The works are currently under way and are due for completion by the end of April. Global Rail Australia is delighted to be involved in this prestigious project.
The Western Program Alliance is being undertaken by John Holland and MTM. Global Rail Australia has recently commenced its work on the Combined Service Route (CSR) and Service Duct installation package as part of the works to facilitate the removal of the level crossing at Skye Road.
Global Rail Australia’s scope of work involves the excavation of nearly 800m of trenching and the installation of service ducts and pits.
The purpose of the Level Crossing Removal Project is to remove some of Victoria’s most dangerous and congested level crossings for safety purposes.
Global Rail Construction’s Head of Resourcing Mick Walsh, will be supporting The Hundred Days Offensive between 10th – 14th October 2018, to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War, whilst helping to support the soldiers and veterans of today.
He will be taking part in the Frontline Walk – a 100km trek across the battlefields of WWI, which will be a physically and emotionally tough challenge, as he follows in the footsteps of those who fought so bravely 100 years ago.
In his research of the event, it led Mick on a personal discovery to locate the details of his Great Grandfather, Edward Bentley, who bravely fought and succumbed on 9th July 2016, which makes this event even more poignant for Mick and his family.
Supporting good causes is part Mick’s DNA. His great work over the years has raised funds for a number of charities, from hosting the home coming ball for the Royal Marines to supporting the ex-Forces back into work.
We caught up with Mick, who had this to say:
“I want to thank Marco and all the team at GRCL for their support. This one is very personal to me and will be a truly humbling experience. I will be posting regularly on my Facebook feed and invite you all to follow me on my walk, so that we can experience the ups and the downs together. Sponsorship would be gratefully received and even the soles of my shoes can also be sponsored!”
Mick will be doing it all for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the National Charity of the British Army, who support soldiers, veterans and their families when they need it most.
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has opened an office in Derby to facilitate a new core business offering around the supply of labour, which has been featured in RailStaff Magazine.
The new strategically placed office will be used to meet external client demands for labour including safety critical personnel, as well as supporting GRCL’s own current and future rail projects in the Midlands and North of the UK.
The company has assembled an experienced and committed management team to run this new labour division, whose industry reputation in the rail sector precedes them. As a safe and trusted partner for clients working on some of the UK’s biggest rail infrastructure projects, GRCL know it is not just about providing people with the right skills, it is also about providing people with the right approach.
The company is fully committed to the rigorous requirements of the rail industry. As an employer, GRCL continuously ensures the health, safety and wellbeing of all its workers and always verify their competencies. The company has an outstanding reputation for staff retention, underpinned by the quality and diversity of its resource and its commitment to world-class training and development of its staff.
GRCL’s new office in Derby is a signal of its growth and success across its rail infrastructure sectors of operation, which encompass civil, structural engineering and building, E&P and signalling works – as well as this new exciting labour supply arm. The company has a great track record of achievements across the country and is no stranger to the Midlands area, by virtue of its significant contribution to the East Notts Resignalling project.
Global Rail Services has secured a further contract success with its latest contract award comprising Coastal Defence works for Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail).
The overall objective of the project is to reinstate coastal protection elements adjacent to the Dublin ‐ Rosslare Railway Line by February 2018. This involves removing and replacing the rock armour and reinstating/replacing the geotextile underlay along with any granular sub-layers.
Global Rail Services experienced railway site teams – led by Project Manager Eoin Shortt – will set up work sites, pedestrian and traffic management as required, whilst collaborating with operational staff from both Irish Rail and Wicklow County Council.
The company will deploy two fully kitted crews, consisting of 2nr 50t track machines, 1nr 35t machine, alongside 1nr moxy. The teams will work simultaneously in order to intensify the project to meet the fast-track completion date. There will also be another available moxy floating between both crews, which will be used as conditions dictate. In addition, a 25t track machine will be at the access point, which will load all moxy’s – servicing both crews as required.
Managing Director Ivan Holloway commented upon this latest Irish success, by saying:
“This is testimony to the Irish team for their continued hard work, skill and endeavour. This is the fourth contract success in a matter of weeks. Not only are we winning work at a rate of knots, we are also competently delivering them.
“This award is a result of our clear appreciation of working on both railway and environmentally-sensitive sites, where access is restricted, time is limited and where tidal operations are required.”
The total construction period will be approximately 16 weeks for these works.
Global Rail Services has been awarded a new contract with Irish Rail for the provision of CCTV for Permanent Way (Per Way) Compounds at Dundrum, Limerick and Nenagh.
Irish Rail has sought to improve security at its facilities, due to an increase in vandalism and break-ins over the past number of months in Per Way Compounds in the Tipperary region.
In order to do this, Irish Rail has engaged with M&E expert – Global Rail Services – and specified a new IP CCTV installation at the three Per Way Compounds mentioned above.
The CCTV works will involve the installation of new ducting, the installation of new 8m hinged poles and the installation of POE fixed cameras and anti vandal dome cameras. At each location all cameras are to be cabled back to a new DVR located in a new 15U comms cabinet, which will be installed in the Per Way stores container or office.
All cameras are to be cabled in Cat5e. Power for the comms cabinets is to be cabled using 3 x 4 sq. NYMJ or SWA and to be fed from an existing local DB. There is also a requirement for additional cable containment to the final position of each camera.
All completed works will be required to be tested and commissioned by Global Rail Services and along with the provision of all necessary handover documentation.
These works will take place in Per Way Compounds and in Per Way Buildings, which are near the running rail. Global Rail Services’ in-house M&E division – led by Aidan Kelly, will manage the project and will utilise its in-house accredited personnel who have all undertaken PTS training.
GRSL’s M&E offering is constantly upgraded through training and development and is consistently delivered to the highest specification.
GRSL has been awarded a heritage roof renovation project on behalf of Irish Rail at Carlow Station.
Carlow is a historical and listed railway station built in 1848, which serves the town of Carlow and is a station on the Dublin to Waterford intercity route. The station has two platforms. The far-side platform is only used when two trains are in the station at once, as it is not accessible other than by footbridge.
In order to ensure that the listed building is protected from the elements, GRSL must set up the site and erect scaffolding that is both fully compliant and also provides total protection in respect of weathering. The station will remain open during the works, so due consideration will be given to both the public and Irish Rail staff. This is particularly important, as the booking office is also to remain operational.
GRSL’s will then set about removing the existing slates and ridges – putting them aside for re-use. This will allow for appropriate access to remove and dispose of the defective rainwater goods, lead-work and the timber fascias, soffits and bargeboards.
Once the strip out has been completed, GRSL will treat all existing roof timbers and install new felt and battens to the entire roof area. They will then supply and fit all new lead-work, cast iron rainwater goods, roof timbers and then relay the slates.
In addition to the re-roofing works, GRSL has also been awarded the station painting works.
Tom Staunton, General Manager, was delighted with this latest success and commented upon the companies heritage credentials as a key factor in this award:
“GRSL has a history with Irish Rail around sensitive remedial building works. We pride ourselves on understanding the delicate nature of historical buildings and only employ the very best tradesmen and site personnel to deliver these works
Global Rail Services – the Dublin based Railway Civil Engineering and M&E specialist – has secured two packages of accessibility works covering fourteen stations for Irish Rail.
The Disability Act 2005 is a key part of the National Disability Strategy launched by the Government in 2004. The Act requires that Public bodies make their public buildings accessible, to people with disabilities. Global Rail Services has previously delivered significant works for Irish Rail and is set to implement further accessibility works to improve accessibility for people with mobility impairments.
Package A includes stations on the Cork-Cobh line at:
Package B includes stations on the:
Maynooth Line at:
Waterford Branch at:
Limerick Jct – Athenry Line at:
The works include setting up a safe and secure compound area at each station and providing necessary traffic management. Global Rail Services will be completing works at operational stations, so will also need to ensure that safe pedestrian access is maintained for commuters in and around the station, on the platforms and across the footbridge at all times throughout the works.
Works at each station have a slightly varied scope, however typically include modifications to platform walls, surfacing, tactile paving, new thermoplastic markings, amendments to fence lines and installation of new fencing and gates. Some locations also require improvement works to station footbridges including new handrails and nosings. There is also the requirement for new station lighting, painting and site signage works.
GRSL will fully project manage the works on behalf of Irish Rail, ensuring that all permits and required temporary works certification are completed. They will also liaise with relevant stakeholders before, during and after each project, to ensure that vehicular access is maintained to any existing level crossing gates and for any residents living in properties adjacent to the works at all times
Tom Staunton, General Manager at Global Rail Services was thoroughly delighted with these two contact awards:
“Customers are already benefiting from accessibility works that Global Rail Services delivered for Irish Rail at Rathdrum, Mullinger and Lexilip Louisa Bridge Stations. We look forward to delivering further rail accessibility works for passengers on these lines to enhance their customer experience”
Global Rail Construction (GRCL) is pleased to announce it has secured a multi-disciplinary design and build contract at Greenwich Generating Station, and will comprise the design and construction of housings and enclosures to support the static VAR compensator (SVC) assembly from Siemens Plc.
Greenwich Generating Station stands on the south bank of the River Thames and provides emergency back-up power for the underground in case of a substantial failure in the National Grid.
As part of London Underground’s power upgrades, Greenwich Generating Station has been identified as a suitable location to install equipment that will improve the quality of the power feeding the distribution network.
Following significant changes to the site and its associated infrastructure the original turbine hall is now mostly unused and has available space. It is intended to use the available space by installing equipment to improve power quality and to generate low carbon electricity to the London Underground (LU) network.
As part of the project Global Rail Construction will be providing a range of civil and structural engineering design and construction services together with mechanical and electrical building services installations. The works will take place across three packages consisting of the following:
Package 1
Design and construction of a reinforced concrete over-slab beneath the entire basement area of the SVC demise to accommodate the loadings of the new superstructure
Package 2
Design and construction of new accommodation for the SVC comprising of:
Reactor Yard
Convertor Room
Pump Enclosure
Control and Protection Room
Fan assisted glycol heat exchanger supports
Access ramps, personnel stairways and maintenance platforms
Associated mechanical, electrical and fire detection systems
Package 3
Construction of an extension to the first floor 22kV switch room.
Discussing the contract award, Marco Lombardelli, Managing Director of GRCL, said:
“This project is a fantastic opportunity for us to display our extensive multidisciplinary design and construction capabilities for a prestigious client. It will be a challenging scheme with many technical difficulties involved, particularly around planning and making space available to accommodate the site’s SVC assembly equipment layout.
“This latest contract is further evidence of our growing reputation as a leading design and build contractor for the UK’s mainline and metro rail systems.”
GRA Networks has completed its first telecommunications job in NSW, the site is located in Hat Head which is on the coast and is 5 hours north of Sydney.
The work was completed on behalf of Huawei for Optus and is part of the RANCAP Project.
GRA Networks deployed a skilled team to complete the works onsite, the work involved the upgrade of an existing Optus site and included the installation of new Remote Radio Units (RRU’s) on an existing triangular head frame.
The work also included the installation of a new trunk cable from the shelter to the monopole and antennas.
The works form part of a geographical extension to the existing Victoria contract held by GRA Networks, which provides their client Huawei with a fully project managed telecoms service, creating a delivery solution for the upgrade and installation of telecoms equipment.
Huawei are the largest telecommunications manufacturer in the world, employing 170,000 people – working on behalf of Optus, one of the largest telecommunications providers in Australia.
As a full service telecommunications contractor, GRA Networks provides a comprehensive range of services from upgrading existing infrastructure, to building new mobile phone towers and other wireless network infrastructure. Our team of highly skilled telecommunications professionals includes project managers, telecommunications engineers, telecommunications riggers, fibre splicers, electricians and technicians.
Colm Shevlin, General Manager of GRA Networks added:
“GRA Networks Australia has shown yet again its versatility in delivering another successful project for Huawei. With offices in Melbourne and now Sydney, we are well placed to continue the regional growth of our telecoms division.”
Global Rail Services is delighted to announce it has been awarded another contract with Irish Rail as part of its Mechanical and Electrical framework agreement.
The project specifically consists of works at Irish Rail’s Dublin Connolly Railway Station to upgrade the station’s boiler systems. The existing life expired oil-fired heating boilers will be replaced with new modulating gas units, and the plant rooms will be refurbished and fitted with gas and fire detection systems.
The Plant room refurbishment will involve the installation of new radiator units, pipework and all associated mechanical, electrical and associated builder works in connection. The works will also require careful management of various stakeholder requirements during the works, to ensure that the programme is fully co-ordinated to meet the requirements of station staff and passengers.
Aidan Kelly, M&E Manager at Global Rail Services, said: “This is the latest in a trio of significant contract wins for us on the Irish Rail M&E framework, and further solidifies our excellent relationship with this very important client.
“The boiler replacement scheme at Dublin Connolly Station will require a full turnkey delivery solution from our experienced in-house M&E team, and will be a challenging project to complete, requiring us to utilise a full range of our in-house capabilities.
“This is a very exciting period for the business as we are celebrating multiple contract awards in such a short space of time, which is a testament to our growing reputation in the rail industry.”
Works on the project are currently underway and are due for completion by the end of October 2017.
Global Rail Services (GRSL) has been awarded a contract with Irish Rail to complete the re-roofing at its Telecoms Workshop based at the Railway Works in Inchicore.
Inchicore, west of Dublin’s city centre, is the principal locomotive and carriage works of Irish Rail, where locomotives, diesel railcars and rolling stock are maintained.
The Telecoms Workshop is an industrial building dating back to the 19th century, and is located within the Railway Works yard.
As part of the project, GRSL’s building division will provide the following services:
GRSL was awarded the scheme through competitive tender following a successful pre-qualification process.
Discussing the contract award, General Manager Tom Staunton, said: “This is another fantastic contract win for GRSL and is further evidence of our growing reputation as a leading multi-disciplinary rail infrastructure contractor for Irish mainline and metro rail systems.
“Delivering safely and producing the highest quality are the very cornerstones of our works delivery teams and will therefore, be our primary concern as we supply a new roofing solution to this important communications building at the Railway Works in Inchicore. The scheme will require a wide range of our building expertise and will call on our in-house team’s vast experience to successfully deliver for our client, Irish Rail.”
Global Rail Services is pleased to announce it has been awarded a contract with Irish Rail to provide upgrades to its DOO CCTV at Kildare line and the Northern line under the project DOO Image Enhancement.
Our in-house Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) team will be providing the following services on a scheme which forms part of the Maintenance and Replacement of Mechanical and Electrical Systems framework agreement with Irish Rail:
On award of the works, Tom Staunton, General Manager of Global Rail Services, said:
“We are delighted to have secured this significant contract with Irish Rail, which is a further addition to our framework delivery. Our vast experience of safety-critical M&E projects in the rail industry will help us with the completion of this scheme, which will provide robust and modern Driver Only CCTV systems at both of these heavily used locations.
“We will work to a tightly scheduled programme of works to ensure the upgrades are delivered on-time with minimum disruption to passengers, and of course with safety at the forefront of our works.”
Global Rail Services is a leading Irish multi-disciplinary contractor that offers a one-stop building and refurbishment solution, using a combination of their in-house Project Management, Building and M&E workforce.
Global Rail Services has been awarded a contract to deliver a retrofit efficient lighting scheme to an extensive range of advertising displays for transport companies Irish Rail and Bus Eireann.
Both Irish Rail and Bus Eireann have an extensive range of advertising displays across their networks. The lightboxes are illuminated by fluorescent tubes and are mixture of single-sided, double-sided units and others with internal support bars.
Global’s in-house Mechanical and Electrical (M&E division) will provide a scheme consisting of the following services:
The project is part of Global Rail Service’s Maintenance and Replacement of Mechnical and Electrical Systems framework collaboration with Irish Rail.
Aidan Kelly, who manages all M&E works undertaken by Global Rail Services, said: “Our team will deliver this challenging scheme across a large number of locations for the clients. It will result in an upgraded low energy and low maintenance solution which provides cost-savings while maximising light uniformity and colour vibrancy on the displayed posters.
“This contract win is another shining example of our M&E capabilities, and will help further develop our long-term partnership with Irish Rail.”
Despite some of the harshest weather conditions, Australian Telecoms Infrastructure Contractor GRA Networks, has achieved some incredible success on behalf of their clients Huawei and VHA with the completion of two mast sites in Victoria: Falls Creek and Bright.
Falls Creek and Bright are resort towns in North Eastern Victoria, Australia and well known as alpine and cross-country ski centres.
Not only was the weather extremely challenging, these high-profile projects were also logistically challenging due to the mountainous location.
Delivering the works, GRA Networks Australia Project Manager Craig Gibson, used all of his twenty years’ major telecoms project experience and knowhow to devise and deliver a unique and ‘out of the box’ solution.
Due to the difficult terrain, snow patrol equipment was used to transfer materials and equipment to the mast location at night, when the ski slopes were closed. The field team could only access the work site via the resort ski lifts.
Once the equipment had been finally delivered, installation works then commenced. The battle with the conditions was intense, ice and snow had to be removed from the monopole and equipment daily.
The timeframe was extremely challenging for GRA Networks Australia’s specialist rigging team, particularly as all of the equipment was installed using only slings, ropes and pulleys, and with these carefully planned and brilliantly effective techniques, the installation progressed successfully, whilst also ensuring that no damage was caused whatsoever to any of the existing equipment above the work zone.
Site welfare and site safety as always was the highest of priority for GRA’s staff – and this project was no different. Close monitoring was kept by Craig and his site supervisory team, to ensure that staff wellbeing and workforce safety were monitored every hour, with regular breaks and shift changes taking place more frequently than other typical telecom sites, mainly due to the freezing weather as well as the altitude.
Craig was very quick to heap deserved praise on his team for the contract success saying:
“Again you have gone above and beyond to get these sites over the line for our clients. Both sites had very tight timeframes and were very high profile for both Huawei and VHA. Weather conditions made these jobs even more of a challenge, but everyone worked together to make it happen.”
The project team from the client Huawei was also delighted with GRA Networks Australia’s efforts at these challenging sites and were quoted saying:
“I would like to thank you all on behalf of Huawei as without the team effort made with these sites they would not have been completed. Make no mistake guys, your efforts to deliver these sites and others is recognised and very much appreciated. We do not say it enough but trust me it is thought about every day, as every day has its own challenges.
“Keep up the great work team!”
GRA Networks Australia offers infrastructure contracting services on a design and construct basis.
We operate in the telecommunications, utility and energy sectors working on multi-disciplinary projects to meet the needs of our clients and provide cost-effective solutions to complex problems.
Led by experienced professionals with in depth knowledge of these sectors and supported by skilled and dedicated in house teams, we offer a fully integrated solution, allowing us to provide clients with a unique turnkey offering that is value adding.
This inclusive approach allows our clients to benefit from expertise in a number of sectors and ensures they receive the most appropriate advice and solution for their schemes.
With a skilled, multi-disciplinary workforce providing a broad range of services and operating in tandem with a highly experienced management team, GRA Networks is geared to meet our clients exacting demands.
Bespoke solutions for individual client requirements are central to GRA Networks’ offering.
We offer a fully planned and managed design and construct service, which includes materials procurement and logistics management.
UK Rail contractor, Global Rail Construction Ltd, is delighted to have secured the Principal Contractor (PC) role for the design and construction of the advanced civil engineering works on Phase 1 of the Feltham resignalling project – having submitted a most detailed and comprehensive offer to do so.
As PC, Global Rail Construction (GRCL) will deliver the full GRIP 5-8 design and construct contract directly for Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (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.
A thrilled Marco Lombardelli, Managing Director of GRCL, was quick to praise his team:
“This is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of the hard work, effort and professionalism of all who contributed to this success. It is great to be part of such an exciting opportunity for our business, especially having worked so incredibly hard during the last couple of years to achieve and maintain full PCL status.”
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.
Commercial Director Jim Cuell also added:
“This PC contract award comes off the back of our previous sub-contract work on the Feltham resignalling scheme, whereby civil and structural engineering works were undertaken along the Shepperton branch and successfully completed at the end of 2016.
“This is therefore a fantastic opportunity for GRCL to directly deliver a high-profile PC package of work to Network Rail, and we look forward to the successful delivery of this project in due course.”
Global Rail Construction Ltd 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 we do by clicking here.
Global Rail Construction Ltd has been awarded the Sustainability Award at the Galvanisers Association’s GAGA Awards 2017 for its work to design, supply and install of several large galvanised steel signal structures for Network Rail at Crossrail.
The company was commended for its efforts to achieve significant cost and programme efficiencies while including new strategies for sustainability at the end of the installation’s life.
GRCL’s engineering team offered a thoroughly sustainable approach to the project lifecycle, allowing them to consider all aspects of material construction and deconstruction. They proposed the use of hot dip galvanised gantry and cantilever structures with galvanised steel support grillages, which allows the equipment to be easily reused or recycled when removed at the end of its useful life.
The decision to move away from traditional methods was a key success of this project. Current end of life scenarios for steel and concrete show that 93% of steel is recycled and 6% is reused – a growing natural resource as opposed to concrete which is 20% recycled and 75% downcycled.
David Vine, Principal Design Manager of GRCL said: “We are delighted to have been recognised for our efforts to provide innovative solutions for the galvanising industry with this important award.
“We look forward to being able to deliver further ground-breaking and sustainable projects for all of our rail clients in the future.”
To read more about the rail infrastructure projects Global Rail Construction undertakes, please click here.
Global Rail Construction is currently exhibiting at Rail Live, one of the largest rail exhibitions in Europe.
Rail Live has been recognised as the ‘highlight rail event of the year’, and hosts hundreds of exhibitors from across the industry. It is taking place at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre in Warwickshire, and is a fantastic opportunity for customers and suppliers to meet face-to-face, sharing best practice solutions, demonstrating new products and networking with high-profile industry leaders.
Global Rail Construction is exhibiting alongside foundation solutions business Van-Elle, and we will be showcasing our in-depth knowledge of UK rail systems, while meeting and greeting our industry peers. The event will allow us to present our expertise in turnkey design and construction projects, and help us in exploring new opportunities.
Marco Lombardelli, Managing Director for Global Rail Construction, said: “Rail Live is one of the premier events in the rail calendar and a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our capabilities in the industry. We’re delighted to be exhibiting alongside our friends at Van-Elle, who we are sharing a stand with at Location L28/L26B. If you’re at Rail Live today come and say hello!”
Rail Live is taking place today between 10am and 4pm.
Global Rail Australia has won a significant project at Flinders Street Station (FSS), on behalf of Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM). Flinders Street Station is Victoria’s busiest railway station and used by approximately 200,000 passengers on an average weekday.
The Victorian State Government has committed to invest $100M to repair and refurbish Flinders Street Station, with these works forming part of their commitment to deliver works, which provide improved customer experience benefits.
Global Rail Australia has been awarded a package which includes the construction of a new station entrance and also the refurbishment and upgrade of the public toilet amenities.
The new entrance will be located adjacent to the Yarra River and will include a new canopy adjacent to Platform 10. This new entrance will improve access and reduce congestion by creating a direct and more accessible entry to the station and platforms, which will allow for faster passage through ticket gates. The works include the construction of all substructure works, erection of the structural steel frame, installation of all roofing and cladding, construction of DDA compliant access ramps, installation of ticket validation turnstiles, installation and commissioning of all services.
Global Rail Australia will also be refurbishing the public toilet amenities at Flinders Street Station. These works will include the refurbishment of the Male and Female toilets located in the Elizabeth Street Subway, including the provision of new DDA compliant facilities. The company will also be refurbishing the subway access stairwell, to provide a new access point to station platforms.
The works include all structural alterations, floors, wall and ceiling finishes. The works also include the installation of all building, mechanical and electrical services. Elements of the building fabric are heritage listed and as such Global Rail are required to re-paint, re-tile and renew these fixtures and fittings in accordance with Heritage Victoria requirements.
Global Rail Australia’s Operations Manager Colm Shevlin was delighted with this contract award:
“We are delighted to be involved in this prestigious railway project on such an iconic building which is also one of the main transport hubs in Victoria. With offices in Melbourne and now in Sydney, Global Rail are well placed to play our part in the regeneration of Australia’s railway infrastructure.”
Global Rail Australia is part of the Global Infrastructure Group and is a leading Australian provider of design, construct and commission services for clients across a wide range of engineering and infrastructure industries. The company was selected as the preferred contractor on this project for its rail capabilities, previous successful work for MTM and its supply chain partnerships.
The Galvanising Association has been providing an authoritative guidance and information service on hot dip galvanising since 1949 and has specifically recognised and commended its use since 1994, via its annual awards ceremony the “GAGAs”.
Global Rail Construction Ltd (GRCL) is delighted to have been shortlisted for a construction award in respect of the installation of their large hot dip galvanised (HDG) steel signal structures and foundations for Network Rail at Crossrail.
An in-house design and build team has enabled GRCL to construct many galvanised signal support structures for the UK Rail Infrastructure over the years.
GRCL’s contract specifically covered the design, supply and installation of several large HDG steel signal structures including a five-track gantry signal and a large HDG steel two-track cantilever structure, plus several smaller HDG steel lightweight gantry and cantilever structures.
The use of HDG delivers many advantages over more traditional methods and also allows HDG at the end of the installation life, to be easily removed and either reused or recycled.
GRCL’s engineering team offered a thoroughly sustainable approach to the project lifecycle, allowing them to consider all aspects of material construction and deconstruction. This approach helped to ensure that all the constituent parts of the project were either easily recovered for reuse or recycling.
Directly employed GRCL staff installed all HDG foundations and structures. The lightweight “no access” cantilever and gantry structures were installed during midweek night shifts and isolations using RRV cranes.
The large two-track access cantilever at Maidenhead was installed over several weekend possessions, which was complicated by the early running of the new Overhead Line Wires (OLE) in the area. Careful planning of the lifts enabled the structure to be installed between the wires, which allowed all works to be completed and handed over on time and to budget.
Hot Dip Galvanizing has protected steel across UK and Ireland for more than 150 years. It bonds itself metallurgically to steel imparting toughness and abrasion resistance through its alloy layers. Its unique characteristics help provide a long maintenance free life for steel.
You can read more about Global Rail Construction’s capabilities here:
www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/global-rail-construction/
It has been a busy time for Global Rail Construction’s Quality and Compliance Team, having had consecutive months of external accreditation audits.
May saw the business pass its annual RISQS audit with the highest rating of 5 stars last month. RISQS is the railway industry supplier qualification scheme, and is the preferred route for suppliers to engage with their customers through a fair, open and transparent third-party qualification process.
In June, the team has overseen the successful completion of an audit of the company’s ISO9001:2008 accreditation – the international standard for Quality Assurance. This surveillance audit of the quality management systems was undertaken by NQA (part of NTS), which is one of the leading independent providers of accredited certification, training and support services to help organisations perform better in quality, environment, energy, sustainability and health & safety management.
During the three-day audit, there were no NC’s (non-compliances) raised however, one opportunity for improvement was identified with reference to the collection of customer feedback.
Peter Coleman, Global Rail Construction’s Head of Compliance, was delighted and said:
“Special thanks again to all those who participated in the audit both in the office and also at the 820 Romford Project.
“Our philosophy is to never stop improving, we believe we can always can do better, consistently, continually and sustainably. That’s what we strive for at Global Rail Construction and it’s what we’re here to help achieve, transforming our business and building for future success.”
You can read more about Global Rail Construction’s commitment to their corporate social responsibilities here:
https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/global-rail-construction/corporate-responsibility/
Global Rail Australia Pty Limited and its sister telecommunications operation GRA Networks are pleased announce that their new regional office and Warehouse in Sydney has opened on the 6th June 2017.
The fully contained facility will support its rail and telecoms contracts to help deliver Sydney’s multi-modal transport regeneration plan.
The company has assembled a vastly experienced management team to run this operation, whose rail and telecoms industry reputation precedes them.
Global Rail are undertaking a major recruitment drive at the moment for technical and installation support mechanical and electrical signalling disciplines – see https://www.theglobalinfrastructuregroup.com/global-rail-australia/work-with-us/careers/
Their new office in Sydney is a signal of its regional expansion, which is heralded from recent successes across its rail infrastructure sectors of operation, which encompass civil and structural engineering, M&E and Railway Signalling.
The company has an outstanding record throughout the state of Melbourne and will be delivering this offering in Sydney, off the back of some important contract wins.
We are proud to announce news of a long-term framework that has just been awarded to GRA Networks Ireland, in respect of ESB Telecoms Tower Build’s and Maintenance Services Programme. The works will be on behalf of ESB Telecoms Ltd (ESBT), who were established in 2001 as a wholly owned subsidiary of ESB Group, and are Ireland’s leading independent telecoms infrastructure and bandwidth solutions provider.
ESB (Electricity Supply Board) itself was founded in 1927 as a statutory corporation in the Republic of Ireland, and is currently 95% owned by the State. It is a vertically integrated utility, generating and delivering electricity to customers all over the Republic. ESB Group employs approximately 7,150 people.
GRA Networks Ireland was formed in 2011 as a result of an opportunity to supply a more comprehensive and effective delivery model in respect of Wireless Telecoms Services to Main Telecom Providers.
Since its inception, GRA Networks Ireland has secured significant packages of work based on its expertise in various disciplines and by providing flexible management and skilled resources on a project-by-project basis.
As a result, the company has successfully completed projects for a variety of clients ranging from state bodies and local authorities to major infrastructure organisations and network providers.
In addition, GRA Networks Ireland has worked as a supplier on various high profile projects in partnership with some of the most respected names in the telecoms, rail, construction and energy sectors.
This contract includes:
Global Rail Services has been awarded an exciting new contract on behalf of the Irish Aviation Authority for the design, supply and installation of an Antennae Mast together with all associated building works and site development works at their facility in Rosslare, Co. Wexford.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is a commercial semi-state company employing approximately 650 people at six locations around Ireland. The IAA has three main functions: the provision of air traffic management and related services in Irish controlled airspace, the safety regulation of the civil aviation industry in Ireland and the oversight of civil aviation security in Ireland.
Global Rail Services will be working with their specialist subsidiary GRA Networks to deliver these works. GRA Networks is a full service telecommunications contractor and provides a comprehensive range of services from upgrading existing infrastructure, to building new mobile phone towers and other wireless network infrastructure.
Tom Staunton, General Manager of Global Rail Services, commented on this award and said:
“Global Rail Services has a strong pedigree in the design and build of Antennae Masts throughout Ireland. Our experience working in highly regulated industries such as rail and transport infrastructure provides our clients with the necessary confidence to place contracts of this complexity with us.
“Global Rail Services and our subsidiary GRA Networks are delivering on our promises throughout Ireland, including current mast installation contracts on behalf of Irish Rail.
“We look forward to delivering another successful project, this time on behalf of our client IAA.”
Global Rail Services is part of the Global Infrastructure Group of companies, who are an internationally focussed; leading specialist organisation, delivering civil engineering, signalling, telecoms, mechanical and electrical design and build solutions within a number of core industries.
We are pleased to announce the successful installation of a 40m monopole at the Broombridge radio site, as part of our ongoing signalling, electricial and telecommunications works for the LUAS’s BXD project on behalf of Efacec Portugal.
Luas Cross City is a new 5.6km light rail line that will run from Dublin city centre to Broombridge in the North West of the City.
The main purpose of the new Radio Transmission system is to provide radio voice and data communication services that will extend the existing Motorola Dimetra IP TETRA network in order to provide coverage to the new LUAS BXD Line.
The specific scope, at Broombridge Depot, covered the installation of a new MTS Base Station and a 40m monopole to support the antennas of the MTS.
The combined talent of Global Rail Services and GRA Networks – a division specifically formed to supply a more comprehensive delivery model in respect of Wireless Telecomms Services for major telecommunications projects and providers – fully managed the logistics in respect of the monopole components and carefully assembled them ready for the installation.
The monopole works were completed on time and to the satisfaction of Efacec. The full LUAS project is due for completion at the end of the year.
Tom Staunton, Global Rail Services General Manager, commented on this latest project milestone saying:
“Our partnership with Efacec continues to go from strength to strength. It is Global Rail Services ability to provide a fully managed and integrated service with our telecom division GRA Networks that really sets us apart. We look forward to further project milestones being achieved over the coming year”.
Global Rail Services is a rail infrastructure contractor operating on both mainline and light rail systems, with in-house capabilities across Civil Engineering, M&E, Building and Permanent Way. They offer a fully managed and cohesive service for their clients.
GRA Networks is a leading provider of services to clients in the transportation, telecommunications, utilities and energy markets, providing either sector specific services or a fully managed turnkey solution. They specialise in the design, installation, commissioning and testing of critical infrastructure in both Ireland and Australia.
We are very pleased to announce that Global Rail Australia has been awarded the rail signalling installation works on the Sydney Light Rail Project.
The CBD and South East Light Rail is a new light rail network for Sydney. The 12km route will feature 19 stops, extending from Circular Quay along George Street to Central Station, through Surrey Hills to Moore Park, then to Kensington and Kinsgford via Anzac Parade and Randwick via Alison Road and High Street. Construction is due to be completed and services will start running in 2019.
Global Rail Australia will be working with rail systems engineering giant Alstom on behalf of Transport for NSW, to help them in their mission of developing a safe, efficient, integrated transport system that keeps people moving, connects communities and shapes the future of our cities, centres and regions.
The CBD and South East Light Rail will cost approximately $1.6 billion to complete, funded from the transport budget and a PPP arrangement. Construction on the project will take place in stages, with city streets closed in sections to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and commuters. Once completed, light rail will significantly benefit businesses along the route. Construction is likely to take between five and six years to complete.
The signalling project scope for the Transport Information Solution (TIS) includes the full installation and functional testing of the following rail signalling assets:
Global Rail Australia will also assist Alstom with final testing and commissioning works.
CEO Ivan Holloway was thrilled with this contract award and said:
“This is a significant signalling installation contact award for the company. Playing our part in Sydney’s transport regeneration plan, we are delighted to be involved in this major light rail infrastructure project.
Our teams have worked tirelessly on this project. We look forward to commencing the signalling installation works very soon and to a long-term future with out partner Alstom.”
You can see more by viewing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3h2WiwoVaU
Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has opened an office in Derby to facilitate a new core business offering around the supply of labour. The new strategically placed office will be used to meet external client demands for labour including safety critical personnel, as well as supporting GRCL’s own current and future rail projects in the Midlands and North of the UK.
The company has assembled an experienced and committed management team to run this new labour division, whose industry reputation in the rail sector precedes them. As a safe and trusted partner for clients working on some of the UK’s biggest rail infrastructure projects, GRCL know it is not just about providing people with the right skills, it is also about providing people with the right approach. This reinforces their strapline of “Resourcing Solutions to the Railway Industry.”
The company is fully committed to the rigorous requirements of the rail industry. As an employer, GRCL continuously ensures the health, safety and wellbeing of all its workers and always verify their competencies. The company has an outstanding reputation for staff retention, underpinned by the quality and diversity of its resource and its commitment to world-class training and development of its staff.
GRCL holds a Full Principal Contractors Licence and is a leading UK provider of design and build services to clients in the rail and transportation sector. With its head office in Hertfordshire, the company undertakes projects throughout the UK; the opening of the new midlands hub, on 3rd April 2017, allows project managers direct coverage of contracts across this region of the country. It is also a milestone for the company due to the city of Derby’s significance to the rail industry.
The Roundhouse at Derby is the world’s first and oldest surviving railway roundhouse. It was originally developed in 1839 by four rival rail companies, including North Midland Railway (NMR) for whom George Stephenson and his son Robert were engineers.
The Midland Railway became one of the country’s prominent railway companies with lines throughout Derbyshire, up to Carlisle in the North (including the country’s highest station at Dent) and to the south with its London terminus at spectacular St Pancras. From 1873, the Midland Railway Locomotive Works, known locally as “The Loco”, became a major manufacturer of locomotives and rolling stock units. When the railways were nationalized in 1947, the Derby works became part of the BR Workshops.
GRCL’s new office in Derby is a signal of its growth and success across its rail infrastructure sectors of operation, which encompass civil and structural engineering, E&P, signalling and building works – as well as its new exciting labour supply arm. The company has a great track record of achievements across the country and is no stranger to the Midlands area, by virtue of its significant contribution to the East Notts Resignalling project, which was completed at the end of last year.
Global Rail Services is pleased to confirm that the building works at the Progressive Credit Union Building in Dublin has been successfully concluded.
The refurbishment project involved constructing a new entrance to the front of the building together with enhancements for fire safety and disabled access to the external areas.
Internally, further works were required to enhance the building for fire safety and disabled access together with improving the work environment and the long-term maintenance requirements of the building.
The project required Global Rail Services to complete all works within a fully operational office environment. This required careful segregation of the works, a detailed schedule of planned activities and close liaison with the many stakeholders that use or come into contact with the building.
Global Rail Services is a leading Irish multi-disciplinary contractor that offers a one-stop building and refurbishment solution, using a combination of their in-house Project Management, Building and M&E workforce.
Works were completed and handed over to a delighted client in March 2017.
RailStaff magazine has publicised a feature on the recent appointment of Sean Donaghey at Global Rail Construction Ltd.
The article, on page 10 of the publication, announces Sean’s role as Operations Director for the UK arm of the Global Infrastructure Group and goes into some detail about his 30-year, multi-disciplinary career. Sean has gained substantial operational experience of the rail, construction and power industries, working on high-profile projects including the design and development of the £30 million station roof replacement for May Gurney Ltd.
Global Rail Construction Ltd. was delighted to welcome Sean on board and was pleased that this significant appointment was featured in the rail industry’s leading ‘people’ publication.
This coverage further promotes the growing presence of the wider Global Infrastructure Group, whose international operations cover the UK, Irish and Australian Rail, Transport and Infrastructure markets.
You can read more by clicking here.
Global Rail Services, the Dublin based provider of multi-disciplined contracting services throughout Ireland, has just commenced GSM-R Package 2d.
The overall objective of the project is to install telecoms towers and monopoles to facilitate the roll out of the GSM-R project Phase 2.
Package 2d specifically relates to the eight remaining sites within the greater Dublin and North East Leinster areas.
Global Rail Services is providing a fully project managed service for the complete Civil Engineering and Mechanical and Electrical scope of works, and is working closely with its sister company and telecoms specialist GRA Networks, to deliver the contract requirements.
The works include:
Works are due for completion late spring 2017.
Global Rail Construction (GRCL) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the next two signalling installation phases at Banbury Depot.
Having already successfully delivered the first phase of the signalling installation works at the depot and also been the first signalling organisation in the UK to install and commission a Tiefenbach points machine with associated back-drive – Global Rail Construction is delighted to secure further works.
The full scope of works included the full installation and commissioning of four points machines, three B Switches, a brand new Control Panel, along with the associated and necessary cabling and wiring. The previous works were undertaken during railway line blockages in the depot and required close and appropriate stakeholder engagement with the Banbury depot staff.
With parts coming from Europe, logistics management was vital. Global Rail Construction even took to flying over to Germany to obtain the necessary materials to ensure timely delivery and completion of the signalling installation works.
Working closely with design and testing partner Fenix Signalling, the project was commissioned on time.
Marco Lombardelli, Managing Director of Global Rail said this:
“Global Rail Construction has considerable experience in delivering complex turnkey railway signalling projects and has an extensive portfolio of successfully commissioned projects.
“The company’s services include the management, planning, installation, test and commissioning of complete railway signalling systems. From conducting the initial feasibility studies and developing the Construction Phase Plan, through to installation and testing of the equipment, our project management teams ensure that each element is completed and fully tested and commissioned before the project is signed off.”
Global Rail Australia is delighted to announce the award of a minor services vendor panel agreement with Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM).
This framework award follows two successful years of multi-disciplinary project delivery with MTM, including projects such as the MORN Platform Shelter Project and Caulfield Canopy Works where a positive testimonial was given by MTM for Global Rail Australia’s railway project management skills. They also cited the high quality end product delivered, which culminated in Global Rail Australia delivering completed sites free of any defects.
MTM is the operator of the Melbourne metropolitan rail network and operates a fleet of over 200 six-carriage trains running on a network consisting of 16 lines, more than 200 stations and over 800 kilometres of track. This framework will allow MTM to engage Melbourne based Global Rail Australia on a multitude of railway infrastructure works.
These works include:
CEO Ivan Holloway commented on this significant award by saying:
“Global Rail Australia has proven experience in delivery of the most exacting projects across a diverse range of service sectors.
“Our in-house capabilities, our scale and our supply chain partnerships have allowed Global Rail Australia to deliver complex multi-disciplinary projects that have made a positive difference to MTM and many other clients, across the Australian rail infrastructure industry that we serve.”
Global Rail Services (GRSL), has just completed infrastructure works on behalf of ESB Networks, the electricity supplier that provides nearly 2.3 million customers throughout Ireland with a safe and efficient power supply.
The purpose of the project was to provide a new ESB power connection to the new Courthouse in Drogheda. The works completed, under Global Rail Services national trenching and ducting framework, is part of ESB’s investment to the electricity network, increasing reliability and performance of the nation’s power network.
The specific works at Dominic Street in Drogheda, involved a huge amount of stakeholder interface and advance planning for GRSL and encompassed a series of road and pavement closures, traffic management, permits and licencing – all to the satisfaction of the ESB and Louth County Council, whilst the infrastructure contractor effectively managed both the public and its own direct labour workforce.
The scope of works included the open cut excavation of a new power route through Dominic Street, Drogheda to a depth of nearly one metre below the existing road surface and the installation of 2 number 125mm ducts on a bed of sand.
The ducts were then backfilled with lean mix concrete 75mm above the top of the duct and compacted.
Following ESB’s cable installation, the trench and road surface was then permanently reinstated in accordance with the purple book and in compliance with the conditions set out in the road opening licence issued by Louth County Council.
The project had tight deadlines and a narrow window of opportunity, which GRSL managed well to complete the project successfully. ESB were very satisfied with the works delivered and complemented the team for a job well done.
Global Rail Services are pleased to announce that it has just secured the Roxboro House renovation project from Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail).
This prestigious multi-disciplinary building project, involves the specialist rail building contractor, fully refurbishing an existing two storey building, which is situated on the Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) railway works site to the north of Colbert Railway Station in Limerick City.
The two-storey structure, houses generally office accommodation and is currently in use. Global Rail Services will have to manage the extensive works with care, as parts of the building will remain in use and will be occupied during the works.
The works will be completed in three phases and include; demolition of the existing lobby, new internal walls, full M&E fit out, full office fit out, installation of new internal doors, fit out of new canteen, new external security doors, new uPVC triple glazed windows, new external insulation to be installed, new roof construction, repairs to existing roof and chimney, new foul and surface water drainage connections, new SVP’s, RWP’s and gutters, full internal and external painting and new external lighting and a CCTV system.
Rail infrastructure contractor Global Rail Services, is progressing well with accessibility works at three railway stations on behalf of Irish Rail, having been awarded the project in August 2016.
Customers at Rathdrum, Mullinger and Leixlip Louisa Bridge Stations will soon be benefiting from Global Rail Services’ extensive experience in delivering construction solutions that enhance and improve their passenger experience.
The project is well on its way to completion, with key project milestones being consistently met and a high quality end product to match, Global Rail Services is certainly hitting the right notes in terms of managing and delivering the full suite of stakeholder expectations.
The works include complex in-situ civil engineering works, temporary works, roads and pavings, as well as rail engineering activities in respect of upgrading station platforms and railway pedestrian access. The Group used its full infrastructure contracting experience to manage and deliver the interface between the highway and railway authorities.
The works are due to be completed in a phased manner, with a final completion date in February 2017. To ensure that each milestone is achieved, Global Rail Services has prepared detailed programmes and schedules, providing a dedicated and co-ordinated approach to project management throughout the works. Liaison with myriad stakeholders, along with a collaborative approach to these works, have paved the way for a professional delivery that is meeting and exceeding expectations.
Procurement of long lead items and contract approvals has formed an integral part of the project success to date. Global Rail Services has used its rail engineering experience in delivering multi-disciplinary rail works to manage these proactively, to the delight of the client.
We are delighted to report that much of our great project work has been summarised as part of a double page spread in December’s edition of Rail Engineer magazine.
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), civil and structural engineering, maintenance, renewal, and provides a fully tested and commissioned service, on both Network Rail and Transport for London controlled infrastructure.
Offering either sector-specific services, or a fully managed turnkey solution across a range of activities including project management, construction and civil engineering design, Global Rail Construction specialises in the design, installation, commissioning and testing of railway critical infrastructure.
Global Rail Construction’s in house expertise and flexible management approach, based on decades of engineering and delivering solutions has resulted in us providing an award-winning service.
Global Rail Construction is currently delivering a range of electrification and re-signalling projects for a variety of clients from rail network operators through to major infrastructure organisations, and we are proud that our great UK-wide rail work is being recognised by the specialist media.
Commercial Director Jim Cuell, commented on this by saying:
“Our teams are delivering on a multitude of prestigious multi-disciplinary rail projects. I am delighted that this article goes some way to highlight the difference GRCL is making on the UK’s railway infrastructure.”
You can read more by clicking here.
Global Rail Services is delighted to announce a second consecutive award of distinction for its positive impact to health, safety and wellbeing practices from the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO).
The National Irish Safety Organisation Limited (NISO) was set up to promote Irish workplaces as being among the safest and healthiest in Europe, and rewards excellence in workplace health and safety.
By promoting a safety culture through a series of events such as the All Ireland Safety Awards, NISO is able to credit those organisations which make a positive impact on the lives of their workers and the stakeholders they engage with.
When presented with the award, Global Rail Services’ QSE Advisor, Ciaran Kelly, said:
“The health and well-being of our workforce is central to our approach. We work continuously to improve our occupational health and safety management, which is fully accredited to the requirements of OHSAS 18001:2007.
“These awards show us that we are on track, as we continue to grow our rail and wider infrastructure contracting business.”
Irish Rail Infrastructure Contractor, Global Rail Services Ltd. (GRSL), has successfully completed its project works on behalf of Irish Rail.
The large multi-disciplinary project – which was commissioned by the National Transport Authority – was part of providing a fourth direct route into Dublin city centre via Heuston Station. It involved upgrading a branch line serving as a direct connection to the Kildare commuter areas, both North and South of the city.
GRSL works as part of the upgrade of the 735m long tunnel will now allow commuter trains to operate through it for the first time, and will improve the congestion around Kildare.
The project was reliant upon GRSL’s multi-disciplinary in-house approach. Works in the tunnel include not only cleaning and repairing the masonry, but providing new signage, new lighting and new telecoms.
Separately, GRSL carried out site investigation works on the existing steep embankments leading to the tunnel. The project examined the stability of the existing embankments and recommended stabilising works required for the reopening to commuter usage.
GRSL’s building division upgraded both Drumcondra and Tara Street stations; this included the creation of new ticket gatelines and a new lift shaft.
Global Rail Services Ltd’s General Manager, Tom Staunton, had this to say about the successful conclusion of the project:
“The challenges of working around a live railway environment have been met head-on by our professional project management team.
“Meticulous planning and the experience needed working in a multi-stakeholder rail environment sets Global Rail Services apart.
“Many thanks to the team.”
Global Rail Australia has been awarded a new contract with Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) which involves the upgrade of the remote public address (RPA) systems on the Broadmeadows line as part of the PRIDE Local Hardware Upgrade Project.
PRIDE (Passenger Real-time Information Dissemination Equipment) is an electronic timetable and announcement system consisting of the control system (Metrol), control stations, public address systems, PRIDE ‘talking boxes’ situated on each platform, and electronic information displays.
The objectives are:
Melbourne Trains Australia (MTM), known locally as ‘Metro’, operates a fleet of 407 three-car train sets on 837 kilometres (520 mi) of track. There are sixteen regular service train lines and one special events train line. The train fleet travels over 30 million kilometres (19,000,000 mi) and provides more than 228 million customer boardings each year, over 14,000 services each week and carries over 415,000 passengers each weekday.
This project will see Global Rail Australia upgrading the existing remote public address system at 15 stations on the Broadmeadows line. The work commenced in November and is due to be completed in early December.
Global Rail Australia Pty Ltd is part of the Global Infrastructure Group and is a leading Australian 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. This is the latest in a long line of projects undertaken for MTM.
Global Rail Australia Pty Ltd. is moving though the gears, as the company works towards final completion of its contract at Caulfield Railway Station on behalf of MTM.
The project, which is being cleverly phased in two sections, so as to minimise disruption – North and the South – is on target for its completion date later next month. The complexity of the project while working on a live station is illustrated through the multiple daily interfaces, including: electrical power lines and train power lines (OHLE), numerous service and utility providers, as well as local councils, passengers, road users, station staff and the local university campus. This has seen Global Rail Australia demonstrate its expertise in the safe management of stakeholders while executing works in a live railway environment.
The works, which form part of the (Aus) $100m upgrade of the Frankston railway line, include the extension to the existing canopy coverage on Platform 1 and 4, and are progressing well, with the Southside works now complete.
Global Rail Australia is fully responsible for the planning, supply, fabrication and installation of all the station works, which will significantly improve the commuter experience.
CEO, Ivan Holloway is pleased with progress to date and said:
“As a preferred supplier to Metro Trains Melbourne, Global Rail Australia has hit the ground running with this complex railway construction project. The project, which involves multi-disciplinary activities in a live station environment, is being delivered to the highest quality and has a blemish free record to date.
“We look forward to completing the North Section in the same manner and concluding this project to improve the overall aesthetic and functionality of this important railway precinct.”
Global Rail Australia is part of the Global Infrastructure Group and is a leading Australian provider of design, construction and commissioning services for clients across a wide range of engineering and infrastructure industries. The company was selected as the preferred contractor on this project for its in-house capabilities, scale and supply chain partnerships.
Global Rail Services has commenced works for Irish Rail to upgrade CCTV and PA Systems at Connolly Platforms 5,6 & 7 and Tara Street South Entrance and Platforms 1 & 2
The multi-disciplinary contractor has its own dedicated in-house Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) division and will be providing a full-turn key service for the works:
This full scope includes for the supply, install, test and commission of:
Global Rail Services is a long term M&E framework partner to Irish Rail and this new project award evidences the high regard for the quality of Global Rail Services work over several years.
Global Rail Services are registered with the authorised Electrical Safety Supervisory Body (ESSB) and they are also certified and compliant with both The Energy Act 2006 and the Commission of Energy Regulation (CER). The Dublin based business, is also an RGI registered mechanical installer.
Aiden Kelly, who manages all mechanical and electrical projects at Global Rail Services commented:
“This continues to cement Global Rail Services as one of Irish Rail’s preferred M&E specialists.
“We have a full compliment of staff to tackle the most complex of projects, either as stand alone projects or as part of a wider multi-disciplnary offering.
“Works are progressing well – it has been a great team effort to date.”
UK Rail Infrastructure Contractor – Global Rail Construction Ltd (GRCL) – are pleased to confirm the award of their first project for the Alstom Babcock Costain (ABC) Electrification Ltd joint venture.
The project at Barnt Green – part of the Midland Mainline electrification works – comprises civil engineering works to provide and install new ducting through the station platforms, including the subsequent remedial works to the platforms to bring them back into full service.
ABC as one of the largest electrification businesses in Europe, secured two significant UK Frameworks in 2014 covering Network Rail routes in Central (LNW South) and Western and Wales, which include a number of significant UK programmes to provide and upgrade electrification to the Valley Lines, Great Western Rail Modification (GWRM) and Bristol Patchway to Swansea routes over a seven year period.
Electrifying key UK rail routes will mean faster, greener, quieter and more reliable journeys for thousands of passengers. More seats than diesel trains and superior performance will give journey-time savings.
ABC was formed in 2012 to support Network Rail in meeting these challenges.
The works involve detailed planning and co-ordination of works activities, of which GRCL will combine their engineering and delivery expertise, to meet the requirements of this complex, multi-faceted scheme, which demands experience and know-how.
GRCL are delighted to have the opportunity to work with a client of such size and industry standing and look forward to effectively delivering these works.
Marco Lombardelli, Owner and Managing Director of GRCL commented:
“Global Rail Construction Ltd look forward to delighting ABC – delivering on our promise – with the hope of developing a long term working partnership.”
Global Rail Services, the Irish infrastructure-contracting arm of the Global Infrastructure Group, are on track with their civil engineering and building works for Irish Rail.
The major improvement works at three stations – on the Dublin to Rosslare lines at Rathdrum and the Dublin to Sligo lines at Mullingar and Lexilip Louisa Bridge – will further enhance the passenger experience for commuters.
The scope of works include the installation of new footpaths, footbridges, widening of road entrances, new kerbs and ramps, upgrading of handrails, new lighting columns, ducting and chambers, new signage and platform reinstatement works including new platform markings.
Global Rail Services are working with long-term client Irish Rail, to further improve and enhance the accessibility in and around the stations.
The team is meeting daily challenges, as the works are being completed in a fully operational station environment. Global Rail Services as an experienced railway contractor are meeting these head-on and delivering a fully co-ordinated programme of activities that keep disruption to the absolute minimum.
Mitigation measures include, separating the access areas from work areas with temporary partitions to protect members of the public from materials and equipment.
The three concurrent sites are currently on schedule for their completion date later this year.
GRA Networks Ireland is a telecommunications specialist based in Dublin and is pleased to annouce the successful completion of our antenna installation work on behalf of Newstalk Radio.
The station which brings an exclusive talk based format sharing the best in opinions, analysis, entertainment and sport, had previously shared its transmission with Ireland’s national television and radio broadcaster RTE, however, approached GRA Networks Ireland to create an independent operation.
The scope of works involved the installation of Skymast S.4Y Yagi antennas and the running of EC400 10mm Coax cable from each antenna to comms rooms across eleven separate sites throughout Ireland – from Achill Island to Holywell Hill, Donegal – all within a two week deadline.
Due to the tight timeframe and the need to provide seamless integration from the old to the new to maintain a fully operational radio news service, GRA Networks Ireland collaborated closely with Newstalk, who accompanied GRA Networks Ireland each day, to ensure the swap over from the old system to the new system was undertaken with minimal impact to them.
Newstalk were very complimentary with regard to the progress and work practice that GRA Networks Ireland’s crew displayed and sent their thanks to the team for completing the project on time.
The works required maticulous planning and project management both on and off site and General Manager, Tom Staunton said:
“We are very pleased to have completed these works successfully.
“This was a challenging programme, however, our teams worked seemlessly with the clients intergration team to create the required solution.”
The UK arm of the Global Infrastructure Group – Global Rail Construction Ltd – is pleased to announce that it has secured the civils package associated with the construction on 2No Sub-Stations as part of the Reading 10-Car Upgrade works, which form part of Network Rail’s wider £38bn investment through to 2019.
The project supports the delivery of the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) capacity metric for London Waterloo, which indicates that it is necessary to provide capacity to accommodate an additional demand of 9,700 passengers in the three-hour morning peak.
Global Rail Construction will supply traction power supply infrastructure to enable the operation of 10 car services on the Reading to London Waterloo and Aldershot via Ascot to London Waterloo routes. This will relieve overcrowding, particularly between Virginia Water and London Waterloo in the morning peak.
The full project scope of works is split into three categories:
DC Enhancements:
HV Enhancements:
Electrical Track Equipment (ETE) Enhancements:
The project will have major interfaces with the Reading and Ascot to London Waterloo Train Lengthening, which is carrying out work in the same area over the same timescales, the Feltham re-signalling project, a project that Global Rail Construction are currently delivering significant works for and, the Wessex capacity programme, which could overlap with possession requirements.
The delivery of the significant capital investment on the Wessex Route in CP5 is complex; therefore an integrated programme between stakeholders will be produced, to manage the interfaces between various projects.
The works commence in September 2016 and will run through to January 2017 and are contracted through HVMS – Network Rail’s current E&P framework contractor for the Southern Region.
Jim Cuell, Global Rail Construction’s Commercial Director, was delighted with this award and said:
“The Wessex area has seen us delivering on many important Network Rail enhancements such as ASDO and Feltham Resignalling and this win is reward for our outstanding delivery record.
“Our estimating team under the direction of Don Osborn, delivered another compelling bid and as a board, we are grateful for the efforts of the whole tendering team”.
Global Rail Construction Ltd, the UK rail infrastructure contractor, has secured Lot 4 on behalf of Transport for London (TfL), a contract which forms part of its five-year Station Works Improvement Programme (SWIP).
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 and provides a fully tested and commissioned service on both Network Rail and TfL controlled infrastructure.
This represents the third success for Global Rail Construction from four lots tendered for, in conjunction with TfL’s proposed £330m stations upgrade programme framework, which will bring improvements to over seventy stations on TfL’s infrastructure.
Lot 4 includes electrical works to the stations and can include multiple packages of works at various locations. Managing Director at Global Rail Construction, Marco Lombardelli said:
“Being able to offer either sector-specific services or a fully managed turnkey solution across a range of activities, including project management, allows Global Rail Construction to specialise in the design, installation, commissioning and testing of railway critical infrastructure.
“Global Rail Construction’s in-house expertise and flexible management approach, based on decades of engineering and delivering solutions, has resulted in this further success.
“We are successfully delivering a range of projects on TfL’s infrastructure and are delighted that TfL has rewarded our innovative approach to this framework.”
The framework agreement, which is for an initial five years, and could be extended by three more years, was let by TfL to give smaller specialist contractors greater freedom to value engineer and innovate.
Global Rail Construction is expecting mobilisation for these works to commence shortly.
Global Rail Construction Ltd. is delighted to announce the continuation of its ongoing partnership with Balfour Beatty Engineering Services, with the award of Package 5A, which forms part of the sub-surface rail line upgrade on behalf of Transport for London.
The full scope of the contract includes the design, installation, test and commissioning of 11kV and 22kV cables together with associated HV cable diverts and fibre optic pilot cables, and the decommissioning of four HV cables.
Global Rail Construction Ltd’s scope of works incorporates full material logistics, management and the installation of all necessary cable route containment from Neasden BSP through to Cobourg Street.
The sub-surface rail line (SSR) power upgrade project primarily comprises the introduction of new rolling stock and signalling systems. As well as providing a greatly improved passenger environment that includes air conditioning, the new trains, coupled with the introduction of new signalling, will permit faster station-to-station running times and higher train service frequencies.
Global Rail Construction Ltd. has been awarded a second consecutive Network Rail Star Award for its exceptional approach to the management and control of health, safety, welfare and environmental practices at its sites on the Great Western Electrification Project (GWEP).
One of the largest single infrastructure projects of its kind, GWEP will provide more reliable, greener and quieter journeys for thousands of passengers. Around 1,000 kilometres of railway will be electrified between London and Cardiff for the introduction of new Intercity Express trains by Hitachi.
This major project will see Global Rail Construction Ltd. using its vast rail engineering experience to help deliver infrastructure works to bring GWEP into service, with most of the works being completed during the current control period.
Global Rail Construction Ltd 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.
Owner and Managing Director, Marco Lombardelli, said: “This is testament to the operational cultures that we have developed, and working practices that our staff and supply chain have fully embraced, and this recognition is richly deserved. Having been issued a full Principal Contractors Licence, we intend to continue to work hard to ensure that we meet and exceed both our own and our clients’ expectations.
“The last three months have been incredibly exciting, with a worldwide rebrand of our UK and overseas activities, under the banner of the Global Infrastructure Group. I look forward to reporting further successes in the future.”
Global Rail Services Ltd. – part of the Global Rail Infrastructure Group – has just been awarded the Luas Light Rail Cross City BXD Signalling, Electrical and Telecoms package on behalf of Efacec Portugal.
Luas Cross City is a new 5.6km light rail line that will run from Dublin city centre to Broombridge in the north west of the city.
Efacec is the Principal Contractor and responsible for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of the Control Systems for this new LUAS line, which has 13 stops and connects the current Green Line from St. Stephen’s Green through the city centre with the Red line at O’Connell St.
Global Rail Services’ specialist contract includes a full railway systems installation and commissioning scope of signalling, electrical and telecommunications.
Specific items of work include:
The contract commencement date for planned works is September 2016 – and Global Rail Services is currently fully mobilising to meet this date. The project is due for completion at the end of 2017.
Tom Staunton, Global Rail Services General Manager, said of this award:
“We are delighted to be partnered with Efacec on this important infrastructure project, which provides further connectivity into the centre of Dublin. Due to its size and scope complexities, this new contract award shows the confidence Efacec has in Global Rail Services’ abilities. It is these credentials which demonstrates the full scope of Global Rail Services’ expertise across railway systems, much of which has already been seen on previous contracts implemented for the RPA.’
GRA Networks Ireland has announced its appointment as the preferred supplier of construction services for Kona, on behalf of the Irish Defence Forces.
GRA Networks Ireland was appointed to install a new mast at Renmore Barracks, Galway, after the previous 65m lattice mast failed its structural analysis test. Kona won the tender for the decommission of this tower, appointing GRA Networks Ireland to assemble and install the new 65-metre tower, with works including:
GRA Networks Ireland is a multi-disciplined provider offering a comprehensive suite of services including design, construction, installation, commissioning and maintenance of both fixed line and mobile communications networks.
As a full service telecommunications contractor, GRA Networks Ireland provides a comprehensive range of services from upgrading existing infrastructure, to building new mobile phone towers and other wireless network infrastructure.
The Bayside Rail Project (BRP) is the A$100m upgrade of the 42.7km Frankston railway line connecting Melbourne city centre with the south-eastern suburban city of Frankston. As part of the BRP, improvements are required at Caulfield Railway Station which include the extension of existing canopy coverage on both the Monash University (Platform 4) and Caulfield Racecourse (Platform 1). This is intended to:
Global Rail Australia’s involvement
Global Rail Australia, as the preferred contractor, will manage the supply, construction and installation, of the covered walkways at Caulfield Railway Station. The scope of works includes:
Global Rail Australia is part of the Global Infrastructure Group and is a leading Australian provider of design, construct and commission services for clients across a wide range of engineering and infrastructure industries. The company was selected as the preferred contractor on this project for its in-house capabilities, scale and supply chain partnerships.
GRA Networks Ireland has completed the installation of a meteorological mast at a wind farm in Tievenameenta, County Tyrone.
The wind farm was built by civils contractor Roadbridge in 2015. Following its construction, a 65-metre mast was required on site. GRA Networks Ireland was appointed for this project by Kona, having been contracted for a similar project for the Irish Defence Forces, at a site in Galway. Works at Tievenameenta included:
GRA Networks Ireland is completing a project to reroute traffic and decommission transmission links for mobile communications company, 3.
In 2015, 3 failed to regain planning permission for the SDH monopole in Glasnevin, Dublin, after the local authority called for its immediate decommissioning. An Bord Pleanála, the independent statutory body, ordered that 3 remove the phone mast, despite warnings that it would cause major service disruptions for customers in Dublin, Louth and Meath.
The 45-metre mast in the Dublin Industrial Estate facilitates mobile phone coverage and 2G, 3G and 4G internet services for 3 and Meteor customers in the area and farther afield. Local residents wanted the structure removed due to its “visually obtrusive” nature – a decision which An Bord Pleanála upheld.
Glasnevin is a very important area for 3, serving a key section of North Dublin and carrying a lot of traffic via microwave dishes and fibre. GRA Networks was contracted by the mobile communications giant to complete a package of works to re-route links on Site 34 and decommission links on the tower. This includes included carrying out line of sight surveys, interconnects, and the patching and rerouting of traffic at several sites around Dublin.
So far, the following works have been completed:
Global Rail Construction Limited has been awarded the Network Rail Star Award for their work sites on the Great Western Electrification Project with an impressive score of 91.6%.
Network Rail’s STAR award programme recognises and rewards sites, work groups or compounds that meet and exceed high levels of health, safety and environmental risk control.
The assessments cover:
Commercial Director Jim Cuell said: “Many Congratulations to the whole GWEP Team for a great achievement. These awards are not won easily and the level of effort and commitment given by the whole project delivery and supporting QSE team is appreciated by all at GRCL.”
Global Rail Australia are delighted to announce the granting of our Commercial Builders licence Medium Rise. The licence which was given to CEO Ivan Holloway, will allow Global Rail Australia to build up to 25 metres in height and undertake bulk excavations up to a depth of 8 metres in throughout the State of Victoria.
The work permitted additionally includes structural and non-structural fit out work for buildings up to 25 metres in height and also structural landscaping associated with those buildings.
Global Rail Construction Ltd (GRCL) has been awarded a full status Network Rail Principal Contractor Licence – a key milestone for the UK railway infrastructure and systems contractor.
This licence provides the company with the opportunity to act directly as a main contractor for Network Rail on the delivery of major railway infrastructure projects across the UK.
After successfully being selected through Network Rail’s comprehensive supply chain selection process, and following a rigorous two-stage audit of GRCL’s systems and on site management, the Network Rail Principal Contractor Licence scheme assessed the competency and application of GRCL’s workforce, operating culture, processes, procedures and HSQE practices, concluding that it is fully assured to deliver works safely, and to the highest possible standard.
Global Rail Construction achieved a provisional licence in 2014, following a rigorous review of its procedures and the success of the works undertaken on a number of projects including the ASDO signalling project for Network Rail’s Wessex route.
Managing Director of Global Rail Construction, Marco Lombardelli, said: “This outstanding achievement is testament to the combined efforts of the whole team since gaining provisional status. Gaining a full Principal Contractor Licence validates Global Rail Construction’s commitment to the control of quality and safety assurance, and demonstrates a culture of railway excellence that is the very cornerstone of our business.
“These daily practices are part of our company’s ethos and core values and I am delighted with this result as we look to extend our offering into both new and existing rail markets. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank everyone involved in the process. It has taken a remarkable team effort and is acknowledgement of the commitment, determination and ability of our people.”
Global Infrastructure Group gained valuable press coverage this month through a double page spread in the July edition of Rail Engineer.
The article leads on the way railway infrastructure providers must employ innovation to add value for their clients, citing how the UK arm of the group – Global Rail Construction Ltd. – applied this to their recent ASDO project for Network Rail’s Wessex Route. The approach taken by rail engineering specialist Global Rail Construction Ltd. involved meticulous planning and high levels of collaboration to minimise disruption to the railway infrastructure.
Credit is also given to Global Infrastructure Group’s strengths in collaborating with other contractors, suppliers and stakeholders, and its ability to understand the multi-disciplinary nature of rail projects. The second half goes on to describe Global Infrastructure Group’s recent period of growth and rebranding, to provide its public and private sector clients with complete clarity around its unique infrastructure offering in the UK, Irish and Australian markets.
The publication was pleased to note the Group’s Safety Coaches programme, which will be of great interest and benefit to the industry.
Lough Rynn Castle is one of Ireland’s most luxurious castle hotels, set on the shore of Lough Rynn, surrounded by over 300 acres of breath-taking scenery. Trip Advisor reviews boast of it being a ‘hidden gem’ but the only drawback for guests to this majestic hotel was the lack of Wi-Fi and mobile phone coverage.
The black spot was targeted by Vodafone and Netshare Ireland and the work, which was awarded to GRA Networks, was executed promptly, efficiently and very discreetly so as not to cause disruption to any of the staying guests.
General Management of the hotel expressed their delight to Netshare Ireland regarding the efficiency of the GRA Networks team and have noticed a significant improvement in their coverage. Off the back of this significant improvement, Netshare Ireland are using the Lough Rynn project success as an example to other hotels in remote locations around Ireland.
Global Rail Australia, have recently been appointed as Framework Contractor for construction services on behalf of Yarra Trams, Melbourne.
The contract, which covers the largest operating tram network in the world, with over 250 kilometers of double track and 1763 tram stops, has an annual patronage of over 180 million.
As an experienced railway provider, with offices and in-house engineering support directly from Melbourne, Global Rail Australia were seen as the perfect partner of choice to work with Yarra Trams on this year long framework.
Global Rail Australia CEO Ivan Holloway said; ‘We are delighted to have secured this framework with Yarra Trams and look forward to developing a long-term partnership in our heartland of Melbourne’
Global Rail Construction’s Safety Coach Initiative – has been shortlisted by a panel of experts for the National Rail Safety Award.
As one of the most important National Rail Award categories, safety has always been high on both public and political agendas – and rightly so. Having been shortlisted the judges were clear on Global Rail Construction’s tangible commitment to improving safety.
Global Rail Construction’s Safety Coach initiative has been instigated as a long-term measure and is part of an embedded culture of practices to influence both employee and supply chain behaviours.
Just under a year ago, Global Rail Construction commenced its Safety Coaches initiative as part of its overall Behavioral Safety Management Programme. Safety Coaches are front line employees that act as the “Voice” and “Face” of the organisation. They are engaged and empowered to promote a culture of safety across all projects and provide the continued growth of our safety leadership team, values which are at the very heart of the business.
The next steps are to present to a further panel at the end of June, as Global Rail Construction look to further demonstrate their commitment to all railway stakeholders who come into contact with their day-to-day activities.
Having successfully secured the contract on behalf of regional train operator V-Line in August, to fabricate and install a new bridge superstructure in Victoria, Global Rail Australia completed the bridge installation works during a major railway occupation over a weekend shutdown starting on 19th May 2016.
Taking possession of the railway on Friday morning, Global Rail Australia worked to a fully resourced hour-by-hour program, providing round-the-clock contingency arrangements in respect of weather, plant breakdown and resources to complete the works.
Having already pre-fabricated the superstructure Global Rail Australia, were able to confidently strip out the existing life-expired structure, safe in the knowledge that the new bridge superstructure was within tolerance.
Having established an excellent working relationship with V-Line on previous projects, the team were able to co-ordinate their activities with the client and minimise the impact of their operations on the client and their stakeholders.
Providing a full turn-key solution allowed Global Rail Australia to act as the single point of responsibility throughout, managing staff and specialist suppliers to ensure that the track was re-instated and the railway was fully handed back on time at the end of the occupation on 22nd May 2016.
Hot on the heals of their other award success, Global Rail Construction have been nominated as finalists for the FSB Hertfordshire Business Awards.
Their nomination for the Green Award reflects the company’s sustainable approach to business in terms of reducing or removing the harmful impact that its products and/or services have on the environment; the business has also been selected as a finalist for Welwyn and Hatfield Business of the Year.
Global Rail Construction place a lot of importance on the role they play in their local community and this nomination, which highlights the businesses outstanding initiative, as well as sound management practices, also focuses on our boldness and imagination as a local enterprise.
These awards further demonstrate Global Rail Construction’s on-going and sustainable growth, which provides a platform for our long-term commercial success.
Our full listing can be found at: www.hertfordshireawards.co.uk
Global Rail Construction, having recently entered three categories at this year’s Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards, have been nominated as a finalist in all three for Business of the Year, The Environmental Award and also Achievement in International Business.
The Business of the Year award recognises demonstrable levels of growth and our robust plans for sustainable financial performance, whilst the Environmental Award has noted to date our responsible business practices in relation to the environment, community and people – aligning with our business core values.
Finally, the Achievement in International Business nomination recognises the successful trade of the wider Global Infrastructure Group of companies.
A representative from the Award category sponsor plus two independent judges presided over each entry and after a fiercely fought completion Global Rail Construction were shortlisted for these prestigious awards, awards that recognise the importance of the business in the Hertfordshire region.
Neville Reyner, Chairman of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Board, also moderated the entries.
The full list of finalists is available at http://www.hertschamber.com/2016-finalists.
Irish Rail as part of their rail network communications upgrade works, have awarded GRA Networks Ireland works as part of the 2-3 year phased roll out of GSM-R – which is the international wireless communications standard for railway communication and applications.
The system, which is used for communication between the train and railway regulation control centres, requires GRA Networks Ireland to install a series of Relocatable Equipment Buildings (REB) and telecoms towers.
The system on installation, will guarantee Irish Rail performance speeds at 310mph, without any communication loss and the system can transmit both data and voice.
Working to a phased completion program, GRA Networks Ireland has completed sites at Jonesborough, Limerick, Gormanston and Rush and Lusk and their multi-faceted team are providing to be a safe, secure and collaborative working partner.
Phase 2 has now commenced, as GRA Networks Ireland look to continue to reach the heights expected – by delivering works on time and to the required budget.
Global Rail Services project works on behalf of the National Transport Authority, are heading towards the completion date of Autumn 2016.
The large multi-disciplinary project – which has been commissioned by the National Transport Authority – is part of providing a fourth direct route into Dublin city centre via Heuston Station, by upgrading a branch line that will serve as a direct connection to the Kildare commuter areas – both North and South of the city.
Global Rail Services upgrade of the 735m long tunnel, will allow commuter trains to operate through it for the first time and is fundamental to addressing the current deficiencies around Kildare.
The project is reliant upon Global Rail Services multi-disciplinary in-house approach. Works in the tunnel not only include cleaning and repairing the masonry and providing new signage, new lighting and telecoms are also required.
Separately Global Rail Services carried out site investigation works on the existing steep embankments leading to the tunnel. The project examined the stability of the existing embankments and recommended stabilizing works required for the reopening to commuter usage.
Not to be left out, GRSL’s building division have also been busy preparing for the new passengers, by upgrading the both Drumcondra and Tara Street stations. Works include new ticket gatelines and a new liftshaft.
The project challenges around working in a live railway environment have been planned professionally by the experience rail team, allowing the project to stay on track for its completion date.
GRA Networks Australia has recently completed work on a new Vodafone Greenfield transmission site in Caroline Springs, Melbourne.
GRA Networks Australia has successfully concluded the work, which involved the installation of a new 30m monopole, along with the supply and installation of a new ROAM headframe.
The telecoms equipment installation included six panel antennas, eighteen RRU’s, eight fibres, along with all the associated Huawei BTS equipment including the installation of a new TX microwave link.
By promoting a safety culture through a series of events such as the All Ireland Safety Awards, the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) are able to credit those organisations who make a positive impact on the lives of their workers and the stakeholders they engage with.
Set-up to create conditions where Irish workplaces are among the safest and healthiest in Europe, the National Irish Safety Organisation Limited (NISO), provides:
With health and well-being central to their approach, Global Rail Services were commended for their continuous improvement in occupational health and safety management. This performance is achieved through the implementation and maintenance of an occupational health and safety management system which meets and is fully accredited to the requirements of OHSAS 18001:2007.