WRTL floodlighting improves railway safety

WRTL's i-MasT Division has installed new floodlighting to improve safe night time working and access at the Preston Croft Street Depot.

The project followed staff complaints about failed lamps, which could not be replaced due to the structural integrity of the lighting masts.

The improved lighting also contributes to the overall EEA Junction Lighting at Preston Croft.

Throughout the project, the WRTL i-MasT team showed commitment and skill to work well alongside the Network Rail Lancs and Cumbria Infrastructure EandP Maintenance team.

They overcame various obstacles within the project to install the lighting masts within a tight timescale, meeting the requirements of the operational rail network for improved access.

At this major Network Rail Junction point, the West Coast Main Line is joined by links from Manchester Yorkshire and the East Coast so it is especially important that all safety equipment is maintained at a peak level of operating efficiency.

The i-MasT team was initially asked to look at maintenance work on the two Tower Masts which provide essential floodlighting for engineering and maintenance work at the Preston Croft Street Depot.

The lighting illuminates either end of the sidings to allow train drivers safe passage from their train units to the approved access points, to provide a safe walking route to and from work.

After investigation, including removal of the existing towers, it was agreed that a full replacement had to be made as the quadrants of the existing foundations proved to be in a poor condition.

WRTL's i-MasT was then asked to replace the existing high mast lights, as they had demonstrated their competence and professionalism during the maintenance work.

This included tricky overhead crane work, close to overhead electrics during a planned isolation, and around a planned possession on a rail siding located off the West Coast Main Line.

Also, they could cover all aspects of the contract from design to manufacture, installation and post-installation maintenance.

The i-MasT system demonstrated excellent light distribution control with high efficiency, energy saving floodlighting, and unique new Guided Runner and Parachute Braking headframes.

These headframes ensure safe and easy maintenance by enabling the assembly to be safely lowered to ground, even in wind speeds over 30 mph, for high safety and easy routine maintenance of the installation for low lifetime costs.

The task involved taking possession of the section of the West Coast Main Line overnight (from approx.

midnight to 6 am) and lowering the 30m high masts between the overhead electrical equipment, then fastening them down securely, attaching all the electrics.

This was eventually achieved despite unexpected difficulties on site.

The lighting has proven more than adequate for the purpose they were designed for and have allowed maintenance teams to carry out safe maintenance from the access points located at the depot.

Client: Electrification and Plant Network Rail.

High mast floodlighting scheme design and installation: i-MasT Division, WRTL Exterior Lighting .

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