Client: OSL Global

Duration: January – June 2021

Location: Island Line, South Western Railway

Project Overview:

South Western Railway announced engineering works on the Island Line in advance of the introduction of the Class 484 trains in 2021; the most extensive transformation works to the line’s infrastructure since electrification in 1967.  The £26m investment to modernise the Island Line route, providing an efficient, effective and reliable service to passengers, has transformed travel on the Isle of Wight.

The programme included upgrades to the infrastructure delivering improvements to signalling, ride quality, customer access, and improved reliability.

TXM Solution:

TXM Plant collaborated with OSL Global in delivering a challenging upgrade of the Island Line, a unique location isolated from the rest of the UK’s national rail network.

TXM’s POS team was involved in the early planning stages of the works, liaising with OSL Global in delivering plant and equipment, including the Liebherr A900, Colmar, PC 138, Unimog, and the D37 Dozer. TXM’s Mobile Workshop was also on-site, providing critical spares, consumables and resources.

Enhancements of the track to improve the quality of ride for passengers and upgrade to platforms across the route were completed. This included the construction of a new passing loop at Brading, including re-doubling of a single line track section (400 yards) without engineering trains in a ten-week blockade possession, utilising trailers, boxes, and a standard single line working renewals.

After taking the first delivery of Shell GTL (Gas to Liquid) fuel last year, TXM utilised the new low emission fuel on several machines throughout the works. GTL fuel, a cleaner-burning alternative to diesel and exclusively supplied by Certas Energy, aids in significantly reducing harmful emissions, thus improving local air quality. 

The fuel has been proven to immediately reduce local emissions of air pollutants, including Nitrogen Oxide by up to 37%, and Particulate Matter by up to 90%. Producing less odour, less smoke, and reduced engine noise, GTL fuel creates a healthier working environment for operatives while reducing disruption to the local community. 

Result:

TXM Plant successfully delivered works with safety, reliability and collaboration at the forefront. With a number of challenges, including weather conditions and the supply of plant at short notice, TXM collaborated with OSL Global and the wider supply chain to deliver works on time, with zero incidents and accidents. 

To find out more about our services, contact sales@txmplant.co.uk or call 01908 443 000.