Leading supplier of Road-Rail Vehicles to the UK ’ s rail network
Collaborative Working Delivers Critical Repairs to Historic Welsh Landmark
TXM Plant , recognised as one of the UK ’ s leading suppliers of Road Rail Vehicles ( RRVs ), owns a fleet of over 285 RRVs , and more than 1,000 complimentary attachments to support a wide variety of projects across the country .
With a focus on delivering operated RRV hire , TXM also offers complementary services including Plant Operations Scheme ( POS ) services and ALO planning . With over 25 years ’ experience working within the rail sector , TXM Plant delivers both planned and emergency works to many of the UK ’ s leading contractors , covering key areas including maintenance of the track network , enhancements , and major project works . These works include renewal and refurbishments , overhead line electrification works , structural inspection and maintenance of bridges , tunnels , and other assets , as well as off-track activities such as drainage and vegetation management .
Barmouth Viaduct
The iconic Grade II listed Barmouth Viaduct , a unique and historic Welsh landmark , will benefit from a three-year , £ 25m restoration and upgrade programme managed by Network Rail . The viaduct , an essential transport link for North West Wales , will protect the industrial heritage of Wales , ensuring vital transport links can continue to serve the local communities and visitors for many years to come .
The entire restoration will involve replacing more than 1,000 timber and metal elements of the viaduct , which are rotting or decaying , as well as the entire 820m length of track . To ensure the viaduct ’ s industrial heritage is not threatened , components are being replaced on a ‘ like-for-like ’ basis to retain the structure ’ s historic integrity . The restoration work has been carefully planned to take place in three stages to minimise disruption and includes three shorter , full closures of the viaduct , rather than one long , full closure .
Working collaboratively with Alun Griffiths ( Contractors ) Ltd , TXM Plant was involved in the planning of the first stage of work that ran from 16th October to 2nd November last year . Working closely with the team at Alun Griffiths , TXM ’ s planners conducted extensive early surveys to effectively identify site access and logistics constraints that might impact the use of TXM ’ s Monster Cranes .
The Monster Crane , based on the SK200 Monster Bug , is capable of towing three trailers of up to 56 tonnes , without the need for additional vehicles . The machine requires no outriggers meaning full lift and carry duties are available , preventing potential damage lineside , with the ability to travel under live OLE .
TXM ’ s teams produced efficient and cost-effective solutions that considered and mitigated any potential challenges that might have impacted the delivery programme and provided everything needed to ensure the project got off to a flying start . TXM ’ s Monster Crane , featuring a GKD system , is the only Rail Mounted Crane of its size that has full lift and carry capabilities that proved ideally suited to the works on the bridge and its limited clearance .
Working round the clock , TXM ’ s Monster Cranes undertook a variety of key tasks including lowering three-tonne loads onto pontoons on the beach below the Viaduct .
Plant Operations Scheme service
TXM Plant ’ s Plant Operations Scheme ( POS ) service is an assurance service designed to reduce risks on-site while ensuring the right plant and equipment is selected for the planned works .
TXM ’ s POS team worked collaboratively with Alun Griffiths to ensure on-site risk was assessed and reduced from the outset . Calling on the collective experience of both companies , early engagement ensured full support with on-track plant ( OTP ) delivery , storage , access , and operations , as well as the thorough planning of works including site visits , was completed prior to the start of the first stage of the works .
Challenges
With the ‘ firebreak lockdown ’ announced in November 2020 , meaning fewer people travelling , the opportunity to deliver an extended amount of work more efficiently while impacting fewer people was agreed . Transport for Wales and the wider supply chain extended the stage one works for a further 48 hours to allow restoration work to progress on the timber span .
TXM ’ s teams , and the wider supply chain , worked together around the clock to deliver the Barmouth Viaduct programme and to help maintain critical services on the Cambrian Line and throughout the Wales and Borders network . Despite the challenges COVID-19 presented and tricky weather conditions , real collaboration ensured that the works were delivered safely and on time to successfully complete the initial stage of the upgrade .
With the first stage successfully completed on time , restoration works will continue over the next two years , with blockades planned for the next two years . The second stage is due to start on 17th September 2021 and is planned to run until 18th December 2021 . The third stage is likely to take place between October and December 2022 .
Looking to the future
TXM Plant is proud to be involved in the restoration of this historic structure and looks forward to working in collaboration with Alun Griffiths to supply a safe and efficient service for the second stage and supporting more projects with the Monster Cranes in the future .
Visit www . TXMPlant . co . uk to explore the company ’ s versatile fleet and service capabilities . Follow @ TXMPlant on LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest news and events .
Park Lane Industrial Estates , Park Lane , Off Wigan Road , Ashton in Makerfield , Wigan , WN4 0BZ Tel : 01908 443000 Email : sales @ txmplant . co . uk www . txmplant . co . uk