Network Rail is carrying out a major upgrade in the Severn Tunnel and Bristol area which is set to transform rail links between South Wales and England. This vital project will see Network Rail and contractors ARQ complete the transformation of the Severn Tunnel’s overhead power system, designed specifically to withstand the tunnel’s harsh, corrosive environment - making it more resilient, reducing the frequency of maintenance and helping to minimise disruption for passengers...
Running beneath the Severn Estuary, the 4.35-mile Severn Tunnel is one of the toughest environments on the UK rail network, where moisture and saltwater accelerate wear on equipment.
Since electrification, the overhead power system has been prone to corrosion and electrical wear, leading to more frequent maintenance. To address this, Network Rail’s Wales and Borders team has developed and successfully trialled an innovative new system. It uses a single 7km copper contact wire supported at regular intervals by modified bridge arms, to eliminate previous corrosion issues and improve performance.
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