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London Blackfriars station celebrates ten years since dramatic rebuild
Thameslink’s London Blackfriars station is celebrating ten years since its dramatic reconstruction in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Completed by Network Rail as part of the Government-funded Thameslink Programme, the re-construction created space for the station to accommodate longer Thameslink trains. Running at a high frequency on an expanded network, Thameslink services have now linked cities across central London with destinations as far apart as Cambridge and Brighton.
The rebuild also created the world’s largest solar-powered bridge. Boasting an impressive 4,400 solar panels, spanning the entire roof (about 23 tennis courts in size), it generates around half the station’s electricity. At almost 900,000 kWh a year, this is enough to make 30 million cups of teamper annum and reduces CO2 emissions by around 513 tonnes.
To mark the tenth anniversary, Thameslink has put together ten top facts championing the station’s rich history and exciting future (included below). A passenger photo competition to celebrate what many say is the best station view in London has also created stunning artwork now on permanent display in the south entrance.
Thameslink and Great Northern Managing Director Tom Moran said: Blackfriars, sitting above the Thames, is quite literally the ‘link’ in Thameslink and the jewel in the crown of our expanded network. Its platforms give spectacular views up the river to Tower Bridge and its green credentials are second-to-none. I’m delighted to be celebrating its tenth anniversary.’
Photo entries were judged by Tate Modern Director Frances Morris, Rail Minister Wendy Morton MP, Transport Focus CEO Antony Smith, Thameslink & Great Northern Managing Director Tom Moran, Network Rail Sussex Route Director Katie Frost and Blackfriars station assistant Donna Redding.
Frances Morris, Director of Tate Modern said: ‘Over the past ten years, Blackfriars has brought hundreds of thousands of Thameslink passengers to our home on the south bank of the Thames, and the station’s platform over the river has provided some incredible new views of Tate Modern. It was a real honour to be a judge for the tenth anniversary photo competition.’
Network Rail route director for Sussex Katie Frost said: ‘The rebuilding of Blackfriars didn’t just create a beautiful and more sustainable station but also built a crucial part of what was effectively a new railway. It was a massive undertaking and a shining example of how engineering ingenuity and creativity can create something both stunning and functional.’
Rail Minister Wendy Morton said: ‘For the last decade Blackfriars has been a stunning addition to central London. Idyllically situated astride the Thames it is a prime example of the success of rail in London, giving passengers easy, green and comfortable journeys every day, something this Government is delivering to passengers all across the UK.’
Image credit: Barbara Hough – Winner
Image credit: Tim Dunn – Second Place
CIRO announces dates for highly anticipated conference
Chartered Institution of Railway Operators has released dates for its highly anticipated learning conference. The two-day event, offering over 30 hours of learning and development content, will be held on 14 and 15 June. CIRO is able to offer this incredible free resource thanks to the continued support of its corporate members.
The Rail Ops 2022 event is being held virtually and members will be able to develop their knowledge in the 13 areas of CIRO’s professional operator’s development tool, POD. It is also open to non-members and is a great opportunity for industry players to learn about the benefits of a CIRO membership.
There will be various specialist rooms created online where guests will find a wealth of useful resources and be able to speak to various industry experts.
Topics to be covered include: Incident & Emergency Management, Performance Management, Delivering Passenger & Freight Services, Managing Safety, Delivering Customer Services, Operational Planning & Timetabling, Train Movement Control Systems, Rolling Stock & Fleet Management, Railway Engineering Maintenance & Renewals Management, People & Change, Railway Organisations Business Context, and Finance & Investment Planning.
CIRO CEO Fiona Tordoff said: ‘Professional development is at the forefront of the Chartered Institute of Railway Operators’ priorities. We’ve been working on creating tools and assets to help the industry progress for over two decades. Hosting a free learning event for the industry to help everyone understand all aspects of the railway system is important to us as we seek to improve access and remove barriers to learning for all, regardless of position or experience. Those working on their development already and those who are new or considering joining CIRO are equally welcome.’
To register for the Rail Ops Conference 2022, visit https:// register.railops2022.com/institution-of-railway-operators-2022
Confirmed speakers are: • Howard Smith – Chief Operating Officer for Crossrail / Elizabeth
Line. • Duane Scott – Head of Operational Strategy and Performance for
Northern Railway. • Kim Bucknell – Head of Customer Service East & Revenue
Protection Abellio Greater Anglia. • Matthew Lee – Commercial & Customer Experience Director
Lumo. • Piers Connor – International Railway Systems Consultant. • Ellie Burrows – Route Director Network Rail. • Andrew Pennington – Head of Planning South Western Railway
Alliance. • Tim Craddock – Regional HR Director Network Rail. • Toufic Machnouk – Director, Industry Partnership for Digital
Railway, Network Rail. • David Horne – Managing Director London North Eastern Railway. • Jason Wade – Head of Retail Operations Northern. • Chris Gibb – Chief Executive Officer Scottish Rail Holdings. • Denise Wetton - Central Route Director Network Rail.
Robel speeds up automation in track maintenance
Nexus has appointed engineering specialists Taziker to carry out a major bridge replacement project on the Tyne and Wear Metro this summer. The Tanners Bank bridge, which is located on the Metro line between Tynemouth and North Shields, in North Tyneside, is to be removed to allow an entirely new bridge to be fitted.
Taziker, a Lancashire based firm which specialises in big infrastructure schemes, will carry out the work on behalf of Metro’s operator, Nexus, in July. Nexus needs to replace Tanners Bank bridge due to its age. The current structure dates all the way back to the Victorian era. Taziker will remove the old bridge and use a specialist lifting rig to install the new bridge during a major line closure on Metro.
The work will help to secure a key piece of Tyne and Wear Metro’s infrastructure for many years to come. North Tyneside Council and Nexus are working in partnership to improve this key road into the Fish Quay as part of the council’s wider North Shields regeneration plan, as well as making sure the Metro can run smoothly for decades to come.
The project, funded through a £2.7 million grant from the Department for Transport’s Highways Challenge Fund, £300,000 from the Metro Asset Renewal Programme and £103,000 from North Tyneside Council, will see clearance beneath the bridge raised to allow large HGVs and double decker buses to get to and from the fish quay.
Major Projects Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: ‘We are delighted to be working with Taziker on this major bridge renewal project in North Tyneside.
‘Taziker have a fantastic track record in delivering big engineering schemes like this, and planning is already well underway ahead of the works taking place in July.
‘The replacement of the bridge is a big engineering challenge, and when the work takes place it will only be the second time that we have completely removed a Metro bridge and replaced it in this way. The new bridge deck will be lifted into place using specialist heavy duty lifting equipment during a major line closure.
‘This is a vital part of Metro’s infrastructure which needs to be replaced as it’s life expired. The current bridge was built in 1863 and has served Metro for the last 41 years – but this summer is the right time to replace it.
‘The new structure will ensure that we can run trains in this area for many more generations to come, and the new one will allow greater clearance above the road that more buses are able to get down to North Shields Fish Quay.’
Rail industry leaders come together to help shape the future of station development with sustainability taking centre stage
An array of rail and property experts will gather in London on 28 June 2022 to debate how the rail stations can be developed using the latest innovations and sustainable approaches, and how the industry might maximise the wider area regeneration opportunities. The Rail Station Development and Regeneration Conference returns for its eighth year as a hybrid event, where industry leaders will be able to meet in person following a virtual only edition during the pandemic.
Among the keynote speakers at this year’s conference will be Malcom Pitt, Stations lead for Great British Railways Transition Team who will examine how reforms to the rail industry, including the creation of the Great British Railways state-owned body, might impact future station development.
Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail, will examine the changing needs of station development, and how these projects contribute to economic growth. He’ll also explore the best ways to engage with local communities on station use.
What does the UK Government’s “levelling up” agenda mean for stations? David Worsley, Head of Rail Specification & Delivery at Transport for the North, will shed light on the issue and how stations can deliver infrastructure fit for the future.
The day event which will be available to attend online, will be chaired by Jonathan Chatfield, Head of Policy (Freight & Stations) at the Rail Delivery Group. He has nearly 30 years’ experience in the UK rail industry, having previously worked for a train operator and Network Rail.
Mr Chatfield said: ‘This conference brings together some of the best thinkers in the industry to help us explore the biggest challenges facing the development of rail station infrastructure and the wider regeneration opportunities.
‘It’s a key time for the sector as we look to develop innovations and grow confidently out of the Covid-19 pandemic. In doing so, create the sustainable rail infrastructure of the future for passengers.
‘They’ll be an opportunity to network in-person with senior representatives from rail and property, including those leading on station development projects.’
The eighth Annual Rail Station Development and Regeneration Conference will take the form of an in-person event at the international law firm, Addleshaw Goddard in London, but the content will also be delivered virtually for registered delegates.
The event is organised by Waterfront Conference Company, which delivers physical and virtual policy conferences for the planning, energy, rail, and ports sectors. For more information and to register for the Rail Station Development and Regeneration Conference 2022, visit the event website at https://waterfront.eventscase.com/ EN/stations22 or for other Waterfront events, visit https://www. waterfrontconferencecompany.com/.
News in brief
Relec Electronics extends ac-dc modular brick power supply range with Cincon PDF700
A new series of ac-dc power converters from leading power supply manufacturer, Cincon, have been added to Relec Electronics’ range of ac-dc power supplies. The PDF700S series of ac-dc converters is made up of five full brick sized models. Each offers 700W of output power and output voltages of 12, 24, 28, 48, 56Vdc derived from a universal, power factor corrected input range of 90 ~264Vac. All models in the series are full-brick ac-dc converters, supplied in a ½” tall baseplate-cooled package.
The ac-dc converters have a high operating efficiency up to 91.5 per cent, when combined with a baseplate temperature range of -40°C to +100°C, provides exceptional power density.
Standard control functions include remote on/off & ±5 per cent adjustable output voltages. Protection features including input UVLO (under voltage lock out), output over-current, output overvoltage, over-temperature and continuous short circuit conditions.
The Class I PDF700S series is certified to IEC/EN/UL 62368-1 for international use, with operation at altitudes up to 5,000 metres.
Northern receives special recognition at Women in Rail awards
Northern was picked out of 300 nominations and shortlisted entries in the awards ceremony dedicated to celebrating the contribution of women to the UK rail industry. Northern launched a new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy in 2020 with the aim of creating a culture where everyone who works for us or travels with us feels included and valued.
Railtex / Infrarail showcased the full potential of the railway industry From 10 – 12 May 2022, Railtex / Infrarail took place at Olympia London. The UK’s number one event for the rail industry brought together a total of 3,707 industry professionals, mainly from the UK. With topics from decarbonisation, investments to create a more sustainable rail industry to the digitalisation of rail transport, the exhibition once again showcased the full potential of the railway industry and provided a central meeting place.
‘More than 3,700 attendees from management, engineering, planning and technical design backgrounds came to the iconic buildings at Olympia London to create meaningful collaborations and form the future of railway. We are proud to be a part of this again and to support the rail industry’s progress in the modern, postpandemic world’ says Olaf Freier, Railtex / Infrarail Portfolio Director, on behalf of Mack-Brooks Exhibitions.
A total of 130 exhibiting companies from 14 countries with strong involvement from the UK and from countries including Turkey, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland showcased a wide variety of new products and innovative technologies. The focus for this year was clear: Greener and sustainable product solutions, decarbonisation and digitalisation.
Both exhibitors and visitors were highly satisfied with their newly established business relations. Richard Lenthall, the Vice President of voestalpine Railway Systems mentioned, ‘Railtex / Infrarail 2022 provided not only the opportunity to reconnect with our customers in person, but we also had a chance to meet new ones. During the three show days, we were able to update our customers on new products where they could see them in person, and without a doubt, this process would not be the same over teleconference. Also, the exhibition provided the perfect stage for business conversations to happen and to engage with quality customers in person.’
Extensive supporting programme Across the three days, visitors and exhibitors of this year’s show had the opportunity to attend a rich supporting programme, including keynote speakers from leading industry names, technical seminars, project updates and Q&A sessions covering current topics for the railway industry. The programme included two conference streams: The Future Focus Conference and Unlocking Innovation, two recurring features organised by the exhibition’s main show partner RIA – the Railway Industry Association.
During Tuesday’s Opening Ceremony, Nicola Hamann, Managing Director of Mack-Brooks Exhibitions, welcomed all attendees and expressed her gratitude for joining Railtex / Infrarail 2022 and making this edition a huge success. The opening ceremony carried on with a message from Darren Caplan, Chief Executive at Railway Industry Association (RIA), expressing their views on the future of the industry.
Bill Esterson MP, Shadow Minister for Business and Industry, Simon Blanchflower CBE, Non-Executive Director and Strategic Advisor at FICE and Helen McAllister, Programme Director at GBRTT, were also present to share insights about the latest developments within the railway industry.
In addition to the conference programme, RIA’s Meet the Buyer programme once again offered networking opportunities to participants. Furthermore, the product demonstrations and the on-track display were popular features of this edition.
Date of the next show As the one-stop-shop for the entire railway sector and central platform for companies to showcase their latest products, Railtex will continue to play a key role in the light of the current industry developments. Many exhibitors at this year’s show have already announced that they will exhibit again at the show in 2023. The next edition of Railtex will take place from 9 – 11 May 2023 at the NEC, in Birmingham.
Manchester to get 21st Century signalling overhaul over Queen’s Jubilee weekend
Over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday, Network
Rail will complete a major signalling overhaul in Manchester to modernise journeys into the city. A 132-year-old signal box near Philips Park will be removed, with control of the signalling equipment moving to Manchester’s state-of-the-art rail operating centre. Signals are like traffic lights for trains and bringing them into the 21st Century will help more trains to run on time between Manchester and Stalybridge.
More than 450 engineers will work around the clock from Thursday 2 June, ready for the railway to reopen for passengers on Monday 6 June. People needing to travel between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge during this time should plan ahead and check their journey with National Rail Enquiries to keep their plans on track.
This is part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade which will bring faster, more reliable services for passengers travelling between York, Leeds and Manchester.
Neil Holm, Transpennine Route Upgrade Director for Network Rail, said: “This major investment will unlock more reliable journeys for rail passengers in Manchester, as well as the potential for faster trains in the future.
‘I know that people will be travelling across the country to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, so I’m sorry if our work impacts their plans. We’ve worked with our train operating partners to plan alternative routes and bus replacements to keep disruption to a minimum.’
Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express, said: ‘This is another key step for the rail industry towards delivering a railway fit for the 21st Century and the work over the Jubilee Bank Holiday will help deliver better reliability for our customers.
‘Due to the major engineering work taking place, there will be a number of service alterations for TransPennine Express services. Our customers are advised to allow for additional time for journeys and to check carefully for the latest advice before they travel. Ongoing strike action by the RMT union will also affect services on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June, and we are urging people to avoid travelling on our services on those dates and to travel either side of the weekend instead.’
Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, said: ‘This is another big milestone for the improvement of the railway in the north. Alongside this there are other projects taking place over the extended weekend and with large events and potentially nice weather taking place, we urge customers to check before they travel so they can plan their route.’
It comes as progress continues on a major scheme to raise the height of two bridges – Granville Street and Southampton Street – so that electric wires can eventually pass beneath them. Clearing the way for a fully electrified railway between Manchester and Stalybridge will ultimately give passengers a cleaner, greener way to travel.
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