Channel Tunnel Rail Link Phase Two

Project

Channel Tunnel Rail Link Phase 2 – Contract 576

Client

ACT (Alstom/Carillion/TSO) Consortium

The Brief 

Supply circa 10 Kt of Cen 60 kg rail in 216 metre lengths for the new high-speed track between Ebbsfleet and the new Euro Terminal at St Pancras in London.

The Challenge

Difficulties involving rail delivery and weld quality had been experienced on Phase 1 of the project and the client was anxious to avoid similar problems on Phase 2.  High-speed track demands rail and welds of the highest quality and it was paramount that the long welded rail should meet exacting standards.

The demanding timescale for track-laying in both open track and tunnel environments meant that reliability of rail supply and a robust logistics package supporting rail delivery were also crucial.

The Approach

Corus utilised its market-leading welding expertise to produce long welded rail that met the client’s specification.  Proven and comprehensive Quality Assurance procedures, coupled with extensive experience in the production of long welded rail, meant that Corus was able to produce consistent, high quality welds.

To ensure reliability of delivery, Corus exploited logistics capability that has been developed and refined over many years of delivery of long welded rail to UK projects.  Corus’ specialised fleet of long rail carrier wagons was mobilised and the Corus logistics team worked closely with an experienced traction supplier to ensure efficient and effective management of train routes.

The Benefits

Utilising its long-established and proven expertise in rail manufacture and welding, Corus was able to provide competitively priced rail that met the exacting quality and performance standards of the high-speed rail environment.  The robust and reliable delivery service provided by Corus ensured that the product was delivered to the client’s work site in line with project schedules.