Corus Cogifer have successfully completed the supply of a complex layout for Network Rail

Corus Cogifer Switches and Crossings have successfully completed the supply of a complex layout for Network Rail at Cardiff.

Network Rail have identified that the Cardiff West Junction ladder components are approaching the end of their maintainable life and will not last until 2010 when the entire layout in the vicinity of Cardiff Station is due to be re-modelled. This will consist of some rationalisation to the track and signalling layout but with increased operational flexibility. To provide a substantial life extension to the track, Network Rail are carrying out a complete renewal on a like for like basis before the remodelling works in 2010/2012. The layout manufactured by Corus Cogifer forms a key part of this renewal.

The layout, totalling 10 point ends, is comprised of 3 diamonds incorporating double slips, 2 diamonds incorporating single slips and 2 unique 1 in 3.733 fixed diamonds. The entire layout, measuring 180m x 25m, was assembled as a single unit in Corus Cogifer’s pre-fabrication yard in Scunthorpe. It has been manufactured in BS113A Rail section on over 350 Hardwood timbers and features 28 cast manganese crossings manufactured by Corus Cogifer in accordance with the latest Network Rail standards which call for higher levels of quality and resistance to fatigue.

Andrew Wozencraft, Infrastructure Maintenance Manager for Wales & the Marches, said: “We have been working very closely with Corus Cogifer to ensure that they meet the needs of the project that we will be carrying out at Cardiff West Junction.  We have undertaken regular inspections of the work and they have been helpful in accommodating any modifications that we have requested.”

The renewal works are to be undertaken by the Wales and Marches Network Rail Project Team based at Cardiff and are to be implemented during a 9 day block over Christmas 2005.