Two sets of track point switches between Haymarket and Monument stations in central Newcastle have been replaced as part of the ongoing Metro: all change modernisation programme. The work took place over a single weekend and saw the 40 year old equipment replaced at the Prudhoe Street crossover.<\/p>\n
The work saw the removal and restructure of walkways as well as lifting up entire track panels to replace the old sleepers. The old electro-hydraulic points machines were replaced by new more efficient electrically driven point motors. These are a more reliable and proven technology with less moving parts and components. They also don\u2019t require hydraulic fluid which makes them both more environmentally friendly and easier to maintain.<\/p>\n
As part of the Metro: all change modernisation programme a total of 32 sets of points are due to be replaced and so far work has been completed on 20.<\/p>\n
Michael Ellison, Director of Rail for Nexus, said: \u201cThis was essential modernisation work in the Metro tunnels deep beneath Newcastle to replace one of the most important junctions on the network. This is a part of the Metro system that passengers never get to see. It was crucial work, part of our modernisation programme. The points machines in that tunnel were 40 years-old and they needed to be replaced. The tunnels are a challenging environment to work in but our teams have carried out the work with a minimal amount of disruption. I\u2019m also delighted that Nexus was able to deliver this work in-house, using our own staff and equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The junction between Haymarket and Monument is a key section of the Metro with 450 train movements a day, showing just how crucial the replacement of these points was to the smooth operation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Two sets of track point switches between Haymarket and Monument stations in central Newcastle have been replaced as part of the ongoing Metro: all change modernisation programme. The work took place over a single weekend and saw the 40 year … Continue reading