MML Electrification: progress updates

[Spire Sam]

Could it be that something gets announced along with the launch of GBR which seems like it'll be May time? With GBR being headquartered in Derby I can see the government wanting to announce MML electrification to Derby alongside it.

 

[Western Sunset]

So are they to wire part of Chadd Sdgs?

 

[Nottingham59]

So are they to wire part of Chadd Sdgs?

Looks like it. RS4 was specifically to Chaddesden Sidings, not the junction on the main line

 

[Mikey C]

Could it be that something gets announced along with the launch of GBR which seems like it'll be May time? With GBR being headquartered in Derby I can see the government wanting to announce MML electrification to Derby alongside it.

Reannounce electrification.

Or should that be re-re-re-reannounce MML electrification, the number of times it's happened

 

[Flying Phil]

How much has the current MML electrification works in the east midlands have benefited from preparatory works from the previous MML electrification before grayling cancelled?

There seems to be some rebuilt bridges and groundworks from the previous scheme that have helped.

Of course the new GCR bridge over the MML was put in in a hurry in 2017 due to the imminent MML electrification through Loughborough....But will NR be first to have electric trains running under or will the GCR have trains running over?
However the GCR are still awaiting Planning consent for the final stages.

 

[WestCountry]

Grove Lane Bridge in Barrow collapsed a few years later, after electrification had been announced, so presumably was rebuilt to required standards.

Only part of one spandrel wall and abutment collapsed - the arch barrels weren't affected at all and the damaged area rebuilt as-was so no change to clearances. It looks like a relatively high arch so might not need altering though.

 

[kevjs]

Of course the new GCR bridge over the MML was put in in a hurry in 2017 due to the imminent MML electrification through Loughborough....But will NR be first to have electric trains running under or will the GCR have trains running over?
However the GCR are still awaiting Planning consent for the final stages.

At the rate they've been going I wouldn't be surprised if the GCR had electric trains running OVER the bridge before the MML...

 

[Killingworth]

Maybe the first public signs of preparations in the Sheffield area today. Letters have been received by residents near Dore & Totley station warning of ground investigation work next month.

 

[chorx18]

The wooden pegs have advanced a bit further North. From my observations yesterday (DBY-STP), they are now up to around milepost 127, although I couldn't see anything around Derby station or Etches Park.

 

[Edvid]

On the sub-contracting front, another two firms have signed up in an engineering / consultancy capacity.

Firms power up with Midland Mainline project

An engineering and consultancy duo has secured work on a headline power project. PBH Rail Group and HBPW Consulting are supporting… | Engineering | Transport | Yorkshire & The Humber | National | Investment | Commercial Partnerships | Manufacturing & Construction |

bdaily.co.uk

An engineering and consultancy duo has secured work on a headline power project.

PBH Rail Group and HBPW Consulting are supporting the Midland Mainline Electrification Programme.

Bosses say the scheme will electrify sections of the line between London and Sheffield, boosting efficiency and replacing diesel trains with electro-diesel rolling stock.

The 18-month project, awarded by SPL Powerlines UK, will see York-based PBH Rail Group and HBPW Consulting spearhead work on three route sections: Sheet Stores Junction to Chaddesden Sidings; Chaddesden Sidings to north of Toadmoor Tunnel; and Trent East Junction to Nottingham.

It will also see the installation of new overhead line equipment, bridge and tunnel modifications and station upgrades.

PBH Rail Group’s track team will manage the lowering and alteration of existing track and oversee drainage and track bed design modifications.

Retford-based civil and structural design firm HBPW Consulting will manage bridge and structure adjustments.

 

[swt_passenger]

Is “north of Toadmoor tunnel” as in the previous quoted press release a significant extension compared to earlier discussions, where Chaddesden Sidings seemed the end of the work area?

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Is “north of Toadmoor tunnel” as in the previous quoted press release a significant extension compared to earlier discussions, where Chaddesden Sidings seemed the end of the work area?

Originally , from press releases, Modern Railways, Wikipedia etc I had the sections as follows.

* RS1 – Kettering to Wigston South (includes Market Harborough and Braybrooke grid feeder).
* RS2 – Wigston South to Syston
* RS3 – Syston to Trent Junction.
* RS4 – Sheet Stores Junction to Chaddesden Sidings (Derby).
* RS5 – Trent Junction to Nottingham.
* RS6 – Chaddesden Sidings (Derby) to Toadmoor Tunnel. (Now north of Toadmoor?)
* RS7 – Toadmoor Tunnel to London Road.
* RS8 – London Road to Sheffield North.

So to me it only looks like RS6 will include doing Toadmoor tunnel as well, and RS 7 will be from the north of the tunnel to possibly the Grid Feeder which I assume will be in the Chesterfield area?

 

[zwk500]

Originally , from press releases, Modern Railways, Wikipedia etc I had the sections as follows.

* RS1 – Kettering to Wigston South (includes Market Harborough and Braybrooke grid feeder).
* RS2 – Wigston South to Syston
* RS3 – Syston to Trent Junction.
* RS4 – Sheet Stores Junction to Chaddesden Sidings (Derby).
* RS5 – Trent Junction to Nottingham.
* RS6 – Chaddesden Sidings (Derby) to Toadmoor Tunnel. (Now north of Toadmoor?)
* RS7 – Toadmoor Tunnel to London Road.
* RS8 – London Road to Sheffield North.

So to me it only looks like RS6 will include doing Toadmoor tunnel as well, and RS 7 will be from the north of the tunnel to possibly the Grid Feeder which I assume will be in the Chesterfield area?

It would make sense that tunnel is wholly within one RS area. Presumably the boundaries have been adjusted since that rather broad list was published to reflect the more sensible segmentation for actual design. Any design through the tunnel will presumably need to terminate wire runs a short distance outside each portal and provide switchgear to allow the tunnel to be isolated for inspection/ an incident.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

It would make sense that tunnel is wholly within one RS area. Presumably the boundaries have been adjusted since that rather broad list was published to reflect the more sensible segmentation for actual design. Any design through the tunnel will presumably need to terminate wire runs a short distance outside each portal and provide switchgear to allow the tunnel to be isolated for inspection/ an incident.

Thank you. What you have said is nice and clear and concise and what I was trying to say - thanks again.

 

[edwin_m]

I seem to recall Toadmoor Tunnel was a problem area, so it may require a solution such as track lowering, tighter clearances or conductor bar. Any such solution would need some kind of transition each end, and it makes sense that the package should extend far enough north to encompass whatever this ends up being. The alternative of ending the design south of the tunnel risks abortive work if, when the transition is eventually designs, it overlaps the section designed (and maybe built) already.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

And here is an enlarged map of the bit in question. EDIT as pointed out below this is Clay Cross tunnel. Later in thread Toadmoor is shown.

 

[Bald Rick]

View attachment 179272And here is an enlarged map of the bit in question.

Thats Clay Cross tunnel.

Toadmoor tunnel is just north of Ambergate Junction. It will be the most awkward 118metres of the whole job.

 

[baz962]

View attachment 179272And here is an enlarged map of the bit in question.

You also have Wingfield tunnel in between Toadmoor and Claycross. Wingfield and Claycross are high , long and straight. Toadmoor is on a curve and quite low , be nice if they make it less bumpy too

 

[59CosG95]

Thats Clay Cross tunnel.

Toadmoor tunnel is just north of Ambergate Junction. It will be the most awkward 118metres of the whole job.

Particularly as it's also:

1. Grade II Listed, and
2. in the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site.

Both of these mean that opening the railway out, à la Cofton Tunnel (between Longbridge & Barnt Green, https://warwickshirerailways.com/lms/mrcof1669.htm) is categorically not happening. Just to nip any speculation in the bud before it even commences!

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Thank you everyone. I have left the post largely unedited but pointed out that it is Clay Cross. Please find attached the correct location of Toadmoor courtesy of OpenRailway dot org

 

[LowLevel]

Thats Clay Cross tunnel.

Toadmoor tunnel is just north of Ambergate Junction. It will be the most awkward 118metres of the whole job.

I can't imagine wiring a small rugby ball shaped tunnel will be much fun. Shame the platform lines formation is long gone

 

[Bald Rick]

I can't imagine wiring a small rugby ball shaped tunnel will be much fun. Shame the platform lines formation is long gone

I cant remember what the solution is, but there’s little scope for track lowering, and it‘s listed, so I think it may well be a permanently earthed section on minimum physical clearances. Someone will be along soon no doubt to tell me I’m wrong!

 

[GRALISTAIR]

If it is listed that probably even rules out using polyurea elastomeric insulating paint too.

 

[themiller]

If it is listed that probably even rules out using polyurea elastomeric insulating paint too.

Just because something’s listed doesn’t mean that it can’t be modified or even de-listed and demolished. It just means that there has to be an application submitted along with a sufficiently strong justification.

 

[duffield]

Just because something’s listed doesn’t mean that it can’t be modified or even de-listed and demolished. It just means that there has to be an application submitted along with a sufficiently strong justification.

I understand it was constructed cut-and-cover, and it has no buildings or roads on top of it, so it might even be possible to dispense with a tunnel altogether (take the top off and put in cross members which could both support the sides and carry the OHLE?) if listed structure demolition consent was given, although I expect some cheaper and less controversial solution will be found.

As an aside, I discovered today that Ambergate itself used to be called "Toadmoor", hence the name of the tunnel (and "Toadmoor Lane").

 

[Mr. SW]

It is the portals that are listed

North and south portals of Toadmoor Tunnel (SPC 8 44 P1 and SPC8 44 P2), Ripley - 1311167 | Historic England

List entry 1311167. Grade II Listed Building: North And South Portals Of Toadmoor Tunnel (Spc 8 44 P1 And Spc8 44 P2). May include summary, reasons for designation and history.

historicengland.org.uk

North and south portals of Toadmoor Tunnel (SPC 8 44 P1 and SPC8 44 P2)

So presumably you could knock out the vault leaving the ends with short neutral sections. I would think. With little knowledge. And no research...

 

[edwin_m]

It looks to have some woodland above it. Even if this doesn't have some sort of protection, it might be unpopular locally to remove much of it to create cutting (which would have to be wider than the tunnel is).

 

[ChrisP99]

There’s a broader discussion around that to be honest, because personally I’m sick to the back teeth of people objecting to infrastructure improvements for protection of wildlife etc.

I fully understand how controversial and harsh that sounds, but when you see the farcical increase in costs of HS2 with the massive stretches of tunnels to appease a minority, it makes you think we’re going to be stuck with the railways we have forever.

The MML has always been the poor child of the mainlines, and the bare-minimum improvement of electrification has been like getting blood out of a stone over the years, so forgive me for desperately wanting this to happen!

 

[Richard123]

There’s a broader discussion around that to be honest, because personally I’m sick to the back teeth of people objecting to infrastructure improvements for protection of wildlife etc.

I fully understand how controversial and harsh that sounds, but when you see the farcical increase in costs of HS2 with the massive stretches of tunnels to appease a minority, it makes you think we’re going to be stuck with the railways we have forever.

The MML has always been the poor child of the mainlines, and the bare-minimum improvement of electrification has been like getting blood out of a stone over the years, so forgive me for desperately wanting this to happen!

The long tunnels were not to appease environmentalists, they were to appease some very affluent landowners who also donate large sums to the then governing party.

They did well from their donations, earning a very generous compensation scheme and billions of pounds of tunnels.

 

[GraphitProjekt]

There’s a broader discussion around that to be honest, because personally I’m sick to the back teeth of people objecting to infrastructure improvements for protection of wildlife etc.

I fully understand how controversial and harsh that sounds, but when you see the farcical increase in costs of HS2 with the massive stretches of tunnels to appease a minority, it makes you think we’re going to be stuck with the railways we have forever.

The MML has always been the poor child of the mainlines, and the bare-minimum improvement of electrification has been like getting blood out of a stone over the years, so forgive me for desperately wanting this to happen!

i totally feel that frustration except for me it's entirely aimed that at those who say "ew infrastructure is ugly", and use their disproportionate political power to nimby projects into the ground (national grid are seriously against this in East Anglia). Ecological concerns are much more valid and would not be much of a problem for HS2 if it weren't leveraged by nimbyism that wants nothing to ever happen. Laws protecting the environment are not actually in and of themselves obstacles to anything.