About the Project:

The proposed works included the renewal of deteriorating track at four high priority overbridges located in Ballymena and Coleraine track sections.

• OB91 (MP 27.25 between Antrim and Ballymena)

• OB93 (MP 28 between Antrim and Ballymena)

• OB130 (MP 40 near Glarryford)

• OB151 (MP 49 near Ballymoney)

The problems identified at the 4 locations included, tight locations at the bridges, poor vertical track profiles and poor track drainage.

The key deliverables were:  

• Renewal of deteriorating track and ballast at 4 no. bridges

• Installation of track drainage; and

• Installation of permanent cable route at 2 locations.

OTT were responsible for delivery of all aspects of the track renewals. 

• Design Validation

• Installation of 1.2km of track.

• Sleeper laying

• Placing of rail

• Welding

• IRJ Installations

• Tamping 

• Stressing program and Stress welds

• Track Hand Back 

Communication was key to the success of this project and regular meetings were setup with all key stakeholders to ensure that the project was delivered on time, and to NIR Standards. Pre and post works were carried out over several months. However, the main element of the track renewals was carried out during a 10-day blockade.

During the core blockade OTT installed all new rail, ballast and infrastructure required to renew the line. This was supported by our sub-contractor McCulloch’s who supplied the Sleeper lifters and TRT’s for the rail installation. All permanent welds were then completed, followed by final grinding and inspections. The sleeper beds were filled with top ballast and the ballast shoulders were formed by RRV’s. OTT restored the Track Geometry as per the new design, including slews, cants and cant deficiencies whilst managing the tamping process. This was supported by the NIR tamper team, who are now able to do regular maintenance at the 4 bridges. The upgrades will ensure that the bridge clearances are kept within tolerances for many years.

OTT’s Handback engineers ensured that the track was handed back at 50mph which allowed Translink Operations to minimise delays for the traveling public.