MML Electrification: progress updates

[59CosG95]

That would be the troughing on these pictures? taken at Rushton looking South and North.

Close but no cigar! This is the track drainage being taken care of, but I'd expect the S&T (Signalling & telecoms) cable troughing to be replaced too. I think there needs to be a minimum depth of track drainage below the low rail level, so replacing those where required is also part of the job here.

 

[themiller]

Close but no cigar! This is the track drainage being taken care of, but I'd expect the S&T (Signalling & telecoms) cable troughing to be replaced too. I think there needs to be a minimum depth of track drainage below the low rail level, so replacing those where required is also part of the job here.

Does remedial work such as this go on the electrification budget?

 

[59CosG95]

Does remedial work such as this go on the electrification budget?

Well, that largely depends on whether the existing troughs can fit any more cables in - electrification projects need lots of earthing and bonding cables of various types. RSCs (Return Screening Conductors) typically have the largest cross-section of any cables in troughs (to soak up the vast majority of lineside induced current) so would probably require larger troughs than existing.
I've noticed that in cesses which see a lot of footfall (e.g. limited clearance areas) that rigid plastic 'clip-on' troughs are increasingly being used as the concrete types can crack, with the potential for twisted ankles, animal ingress etc.

Equally, where resignalling is also present, this may be covered in the signalling budget, or the E&P budget where telecomms cables (for lineside/signal post telephones etc.) require upgrade/renewal. It's rarely one team's responsibility.

 

[themiller]

Thanks for that comprehensive answer. I’m a bit puzzled by the notion that power and data cables run in the same duct. In my line of work there had to be segregation between the two even down to dado trunking in offices.
In the case of drainage, would that not come under maintenance on the basis that if it needs to be done it’s a backlog of work that should have been done by others as proper management of assets?

 

[GRALISTAIR]

In the case of drainage, would that not come under maintenance on the basis that if it needs to be done it’s a backlog of work that should have been done by others as proper management of assets?

Not to get too OT but does apply to MML - but electrification is not just about electrification IMHO. You get bridge renewals, level crossing removal/improvement, signaling renewed/improved, drainage improved, vegetation removal etc etc etc. All charged to electrification of course.

 

[Ploughman]

You also get Track Renewals and Realignments of Plain line and Junctions. (sometimes earier than would be the norm)

 

[jfowkes]

Thanks for that comprehensive answer. I’m a bit puzzled by the notion that power and data cables run in the same duct. In my line of work there had to be segregation between the two even down to dado trunking in offices.
In the case of drainage, would that not come under maintenance on the basis that if it needs to be done it’s a backlog of work that should have been done by others as proper management of assets?

Depends on the cost comparisons. If more-expensive-but-appropriately-shielded data cabling running in the same duct is ultimately cheaper to install and maintain, or just easier to fit in a particular amount of space, then you might select that option.

 

[swt_passenger]

In the case of drainage, would that not come under maintenance on the basis that if it needs to be done it’s a backlog of work that should have been done by others as proper management of assets?

Note in the earlier photo attachment they mention track lowering through bridges. Significant track lowering would logically require equivalent drain lowering, but that could well be over a significantly longer length, to keep the drain flow correct.

 

[D365]

My original post was not very concise, the point I was trying to make, was with electrification to Corby; Wellingborough and Kettering and Corby commuters have lost their Inter City commute, will the same happen to Market Harborough when electrification arrives at the town?

To clear up any misunderstanding: the reason for being of the InterCity Class 810s (well half of it) is to take advantage of the Market Harborough electrification.

 

[Flying Phil]

There was some work being done trackside between Braybrooke and Desborough (Just North of the Garden centre), but I think it is just more vegetation clearance.

 

[59CosG95]

Engineering work klaxon: Buses are replacing trains between Luton & Bedford on the morning of the 18th of April (a Sunday). EMR services seem to be unaffected, so I wonder if this is an OLE-related matter (or it could be the earthworks nr Harlington again).

 

[InTheEastMids]

Market Harborough local media are reporting that "work is starting" by National Grid's team on the new Braybrooke substation to complete "Autumn 2022" (which I think in PR terms means any time before 31/12/2022).

Work Starts On Rail Electricity Substation Project – HFM (harboroughfm.co.uk)

Work is starting to build a new electricity substation beside the railway near Desborough.

It will go up on land adjacent to the A6, approaching the B576 junction, and provide power for when the tracks are electrified between Market Harborough and Kettering.

Contractors working on behalf of National Grid are beginning to clear vegetation to make way for the facility, which will be about the size of one and half football pitches.


Construction set to be completed by autumn 2022.

 

[swt_passenger]

Market Harborough local media are reporting that "work is starting" by National Grid's team on the new Braybrooke substation to complete "Autumn 2022" (which I think in PR terms means any time before 31/12/2022).

Work Starts On Rail Electricity Substation Project – HFM (harboroughfm.co.uk)

One and a half football pitches? Really?

 

[John R]

One and a half football pitches? Really?

That surprised me too. Maybe they mean 5 a side pitches!

 

[GRALISTAIR]

One and a half football pitches? Really?

Well when we are talking very high voltage electricity from the National Grid and all the switchgear etc, all the necessary safety protocols and fencing soon start to take up space. I remember the (MPATSC? I think? ) at Lostock Junction on the Manchester -Preston line took up quite some space and that is not even a high voltage grid feeder!

So I am not too surprised myself.

 

[Nottingham59]

Patford Bridge substation is 80m x 60m, so that sounds about right. Remember Patford has two separate sets of equipment, each fed from a separate circuit on the power line. Best seen in satellite view:

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

www.google.co.uk

Notts County football ground to the same scale:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Meadow+Lane/@52.9425586,-1.1387659,18z/

 

[WAO]

Try:

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

www.google.co.uk

WAO

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Apr 2021 ==

..and there's this at the end of a buried "extension lead" from the Northampton loop, onto the main WCML:

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

www.google.co.uk

For information.

WAO

 

[Flying Phil]

Market Harborough local media are reporting that "work is starting" by National Grid's team on the new Braybrooke substation to complete "Autumn 2022" (which I think in PR terms means any time before 31/12/2022).

Work Starts On Rail Electricity Substation Project – HFM (harboroughfm.co.uk)

Despite the tone of the headline, there is no sign of any work on the substation site itself. It is still a field beside the pylon!

 

[Kneedown]

Progress update as I don't see it mentioned earlier. Kettering to Kettering North Junction/Glendon Nth, the majority of TTC horizontal gantry arms appear to have been fitted to the uprights over the fast lines, with only a few missing.

 

[59CosG95]

A mini-update on the Sectioning & Feeding plans for the MML, both KO1 & KO1a, based off the Major Feeding Diagram. (Correct to 13/4/21)

Existing (pre-works): Black
New (KO1): Red
To be removed (KO1): Green
Other Projects: Light Blue
New (KO1a): Brown
Future Scope: Purple

Kilometres from St. Pancras.

Current AT Feeding Area

• Kentish Town SATS (2.8km); installed as part of Thameslink Programme.
• Legacy Grahame Park FS (13.5km) replaced by Grahame Park SATS; part of Thameslink Programme. Can still feed south of OHNS from 132kV grid (DNO).
• Borehamwood ATFS (21.7km); installed as part of Thameslink Programme. Connected to Elstree Grid (400kV).

Current RC/BT Feeding Area - to be de-boostered

• Radlett (Track Sectioning) Cabin (24.3km); TSC to be replaced by Radlett Station TSS (24.3km) as VCBs not viable point of isolation.
• Napsbury TSC (30.0km); to be sited on Up side of MML. Possibly off the N Orbital Commercial Park? Future scope for ATs. Design Contract awarded.
• Sandridge Road (St Albans) MPTSC (34.2km) - existing. Fate unknown; presumably to be replaced by East Hyde MPTSC.
• East Hyde MPTSC (42.6km); to be sited on Down side of MML. Compound established off Cooters End Ln in 2017, but only now being filled with materials. Assumed to replace Sandridge Rd MPTSC. Future scope for ATs. Design Contract awarded.
• Luton Hoo TSC (46.1km) - existing. Fate unknown.
• Leagrave SATS - no idea where it’s planned to be. Possibly SE of the station? Assumed to replace the one at Luton Airport Pkwy. Possibly descoped?
• Long Meadow Farm (Chalton) ATFS (56.2km), replaces Sundon FS (57.1km on 132kV circuit). Old FS still in use AFAIK. Future scope for ATs. Connected to Sundon Grid (400kV).
• Ampthill TSC (67.3km); upgrade with new ASG building complete. Old Ampthill TSC now decommissioned (and removed).
  • Originally proposed as Ampthill SATS, but ATs possible to be added in future scope.​
  • -25kV busbar permanently earthed.​
• Elstow TSS (76.624km) added over the Slow lines only. Located north of the stone terminal.
• Bedford TSC (79.8km); upgrade with new ASG building complete. Old Bedford TSC (79.76km) now decommissioned but still on site.
  • Originally proposed as Bedford ATS, but AT possible to be added in future scope.​
  • -25kV Busbar permanently earthed.​
  • Future scope to cater for Marston Vale line if wired.​
  • No bus-section provision made as Bedford TSC would become an ATS if MML goes full AT.​

Current Boosterless Classic Feeding Area

• Bedford North TSS (80.79km) added, originally over the Slow lines only. All lines covered.
• Sharnbrook MPTSC (91.0km); complete.
  • Originally proposed as Sharnbrook MPATS, but ATs possible to be added in future scope.​
  • -25kV Busbar permanently earthed.​
• Irchester (Wymington) TSC (98.3km); complete.
  • Originally proposed as Irchester SATS, but ATs possible to be added in future scope.​
  • -25kV Busbar permanently earthed.​
• Harrowden TSC (109.7km); complete.
  • Originally proposed as Harrowden ATS, but AT possible to be added in future scope.​
  • -25kV Busbar permanently earthed.​
  • No bus-section provision made as Harrowden TSC would become an ATS if MML goes full AT.​
• Kettering North TSC (119.9km); complete.
  • Originally proposed as Kettering North SATS, but ATs possible to be added in future scope.​
  • -25kV Busbar permanently earthed.​
• Braybrooke ATFS (131km). To feed in classic originally, with AT scope possible in future. To be fed from new National Grid connection at Market Harborough; complete by 'Autumn 2022'.
  • Yet to be constructed. Most likely deferred to KO1a.

KO1A Electrification to end south of Bridge 28F ~134km.
Hendon Lines Electrification originally part of GW scope (Acton Yard to Hendon via Dudding Hill). Carlton Rd Jn - Junction Rd Jn (GOBLIN) originally part of GOBLIN Electrification scope. Both descoped.

 

[Flying Phil]

As reported by Kneedown there are quite a few horizontal booms now installed North of Kettering at Glendon junction on the MML. Two views South and North.

There are no Bedangled "bits" and no change further North at Rushton.

 

[59CosG95]

As reported by Kneedown there are quite a few horizontal booms now installed North of Kettering at Glendon junction on the MML. Two views South and North.View attachment 94366View attachment 94367

There are no Bedangled "bits" and no change further North at Rushton.

Thanks for the updates gents. I wouldn't expect any changes to the current (pardon the pun!) situation until wires are run as far as the TSC; easier to get the crossovers out the way early I think.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Apr 2021 ==

MML Wiring Progressometer 48.0 (Updated as of 15th of April 2021)
Mileages are from St. Pancras. Unless mentioned otherwise, all reference to the "Fast" side refers to tracks on the western side of the "10-foot" (centre of the track pairs), and the "Slow" side for the tracks on the eastern side.
Foundations, steelwork, catenary & contact complete. Sectioning Arrangements now in a separate list.

South of Bedford

• 16 new structures have been erected to replace headspans between Cricklewood & the North Circular; these are confirmed to be part of the works for the new Brent Cross West station.
• Until the OLE on the Fasts is upgraded for 125mph multi-pan running, the Class 810s will be restricted to diesel-only south of Bedford.

Bedford (49m 65ch) - Wellingborough (65m 09ch); LIVE

• Wires through Bedford on the Down Fast (P4) are now complete. Additionally, the existing wires on Platforms 2 & 3 are now extended to Tensorex portal SPC2/80/599, replacing the former Balance Weights north of the island platform. All roads wired from Bedford to Wellingborough.
• Bromham Rd O/B now reopened - the temporary footbridge has been removed.
• Irthlingborough Road Bridge has now been replaced - its reopening date was pushed back to December 2020.

Wellingborough (65m 09ch) - Kettering (72m 01ch); LIVE

• Work to return the 4th platform (P4) at Wellingborough to public use is now complete. The Up Slow between Kettering & Sharnbrook is now in full use.
• All lines are now wired within Wellingborough station. These continue along all lines to Kettering.
• North of Wellingborough, the Down Goods Loop (west of the Down Fast) and the Arrival/Departure Line (adjacent to the now-in-service Up Slow) are now wired, along with the westernmost siding in Wellingborough Up Yard. There doesn't seem to be any concrete plan to put northern access into the yard yet, though.

Kettering (72m 01ch) - Glendon Jct (74m 00ch) - Corby (79m 40ch); LIVE

• All 4 lines are now wired through Kettering station. On the Fasts, wires finish at Tensorex portal SPC3/116/654 (also the live limit on the Fasts; 72m 40ch), while those on the Slows continue to Glendon Jct & Corby, and thence to the limits of wiring.
  Limits of Wiring:
  • Down Corby: GSM1/127/641.
  • Up Corby: GSM1/128/317.
  • Corby Reception Line: GSM1/128/478. (79m 68ch)
• Between SPC3/116/654 and Kettering North Jn, around 30 or so TTCs are in place on the Fasts; the vast majority now have Booms. By KNJ RRAP, a S1 monoboom Anchor portal, SPC3/119/326, has gone up over the Fasts, but is sans boom. Both legs await their struts. North of there, 3 TTCs are up, including booms.
• At Glendon, the new Kettering North TSC (AT-feeding capable) has been connected to the OLE on the Corby lines. Spanwires for the Main lines are coiled up O.O.U. until wires head to Market Harborough. Of the 3 TTCs south of the overlap & north of the overbridge, the northernmost one (SPC3/119/731/DF) is in and boomed, the central one requires a piling revisit, and the southernmost one is in and boomed.

Glendon Jct (74m 00ch) - Market Harborough (82m 74ch) - part of Key Output 1A

• Braybrooke Substation (ATFS) approved. To be located here: (https://goo.gl/maps/fuy1uZeDjdQ2).
• Enabling Works happened; the land has now been returned to its original state (possibly to keep land in original condition?). Civils & Electrical Design contract awarded. To be completed "Autumn 2022".
• The extent of wiring towards Market Harborough has now been as good as confirmed to reach the station. Approval has been given for final design work to be carried out on that section of route. De-vegetation work in the Braybrooke area has been carried out. No signs of work in the Rushton or Desboro' areas yet.
• Ground Investigation Works are taking/have taken place between Kettering & Great Bowden (north of Market Harborough); this implies Great Bowden will be the northern limit of wiring until further wiring gets authorised.

The Future - Midlands Engine Rail (Midlands Connect), MMLU Key Output 2 & HS2

• Electrification proposed from Market Harborough to Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham & Derby; as part of the Midlands Connect strategy. The March 2020 Budget committed to the scheme; details were alleged to be found in the July Spending Review. When this will actually be released (what with COVID-19) remains to be seen.
• Electrification proposed from Clay Cross HS2 Connection to Sheffield (Midland) as part of HS2 works.
• Currently, no electrification is proposed between Clay Cross HS2 Connection & Nottingham, or Tupton & Derby (via Belper).
  
  Any updates would be greatly appreciated.

 

[librarianallen]

Can someone please explain to me what the curious metal structure is at Wellingborough, north of platform three, between the Up Fast and the Down Slow lines?
It consists of five tall black steel columns, with a long grey horizontal board at high level.
Thanks in advance.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Can someone please explain to me what the curious metal structure is at Wellingborough, north of platform three, between the Up Fast and the Down Slow lines?
It consists of five tall black steel columns, with a long grey horizontal board at high level.
Thanks in advance.

Without seeing it, I'd hazard a guess at a board to prevent drivers from seeing the wrong signal?

 

[Bald Rick]

Can someone please explain to me what the curious metal structure is at Wellingborough, north of platform three, between the Up Fast and the Down Slow lines?
It consists of five tall black steel columns, with a long grey horizontal board at high level.
Thanks in advance.

Without seeing it, I'd hazard a guess at a board to prevent drivers from seeing the wrong signal?

^^^ This, almost certainly.

 

[Snow1964]

Thanks for that comprehensive answer. I’m a bit puzzled by the notion that power and data cables run in the same duct. In my line of work there had to be segregation between the two even down to dado trunking in offices.
In the case of drainage, would that not come under maintenance on the basis that if it needs to be done it’s a backlog of work that should have been done by others as proper management of assets?

That was case for many years, weren’t allowed to route telephone cables in same duct as mains cables.

I suspect with double insulated power cables, and many data cables now fibre optic cannot get any induction effects into data anyway, so having 2 cable troughs is pointless unless there are high voltage cables which need to be kept separate

 

[59CosG95]

That was case for many years, weren’t allowed to route telephone cables in same duct as mains cables.

I suspect with double insulated power cables, and many data cables now fibre optic cannot get any induction effects into data anyway, so having 2 cable troughs is pointless unless there are high voltage cables which need to be kept separate

The only situation that would occur on the MML is around O/Bs where the clearance is too small for allowing free-running AT feeders, although AT installation north of Borehamwood hasn't been undertaken yet (and probably won't until wires go further north of Mkt H'Boro, if that gets sanctioned).

 

[43066]

Without seeing it, I'd hazard a guess at a board to prevent drivers from seeing the wrong signal?

^^^ This, almost certainly.

^^^ This, absolutely certainly .

 

[InOban]

Maybe this is old news but I read on Twitter that the ORR has cleared Kettering and Corby for operation.

 

[Bald Rick]

Maybe this is old news but I read on Twitter that the ORR has cleared Kettering and Corby for operation.

Not old news at all, the letter came through yesterday afternoon.