Platform Works Underway as TransPennine Express Goes Electric

The first electric TransPennine Express trains have been introduced by ScotRail and will operate between the North West of England and Scotland. The train carriages are a lower height than standard stock and a number of station platforms are being reconfigured to accommodate the faster, cleaner trains.

CPR have been awarded the contract to reduce the platform heights at five stations in Scotland, namely; Kingsknowe, Kirknewton, Pollocksheilds East, Slateford and Waverly Stations.

Works will primarily consist of riser walling, relaying of cope and surfacing of the platforms. The CPR Rail and Surfacing Teams will lift and replace the copes, break out the brickwork on the riser walls and rebuild the platforms to the specified heights. Finally, they will excavate the existing tar and relay as per specification. Additional works will include construction of ramps at all stations.

The works at Waverly Station will require special consideration, as it had an estimated 22,582,342* entries and exits in 2016-17 . Items such as slip resistance, buried utility services, notification to line-side neighbours and the public, and any temporary works must all adhere to strict standards.

*Source: Office of Rail and Road