Machynlleth Depot Upgrades

A Design & Build project to supply a brand new tandem wheel lathe facility with new building and new p-way siding.

Customer

Transport for Wales

Date Completed

2023

Sector

Rail Infrastructure

Project Overview

A Design & Build project to supply a brand new tandem wheel lathe facility with new building and new p-way siding

Civil Engineering, Cairn Cross Engineering, Infrastructure, Rail Network
 
01.

The Challenge

In preparation for replacing the Class 158 units with the new CAF Class 197 units, depot upgrades are required at Machynlleth Rail Depot. The new upgrades will facilitate the maintenance and running of the 197 units.

Civil Engineering, Cairn Cross Engineering, Infrastructure, Rail Network
 
02.

The Solution

The project was undertaken by Cairn Cross as a Principal Contractor as a design and build  requirement. New CET, fuelling and potable water facilities were installed along with structural steel alterations for a new movile access platform and jib crane. A new modular building was constructed to allow welfare facilities for the CAF team members.

Civil Engineering, Cairn Cross Engineering, Infrastructure, Rail Network
 
03.

The Result

The upgraded depot facilities allow more maintenance work to be carried to the new fleet of rolling stock trains.

.

Transport for Wales’s Machynlleth train maintenance depot in North Wales has completed a series of upgrades to maintain their new CAF Class 197 rolling stock units.

These improvements were necessary to prepare the depot for the arrival and maintenance of the new CAF Class 198 train units, replacing the existing Class 157 fleet.

Cairn Cross, acting as Principal Contractor, delivered the design and build solutions to address these needs.

The scope of the project included the installation of new Controlled Emission Toilet (CET) servicing facilities, a new fuelling system, and upgraded potable water infrastructure.

A new storage shed extension of 10 metres were constructed complete with lighting, electrics including additional structural steel alterations to accommodate a new mobile access platform and jib crane, enhancing maintenance capabilities.

Furthermore, a new modular building was constructed to provide dedicated welfare facilities for the CAF team members stationed at the depot.

The result of these upgrades is a significantly enhanced depot facility, capable of handling the increased maintenance demands of the new rolling stock.  The improvements will allow for more efficient maintenance work to be carried out on the Class 197 units, ensuring their reliable operation and contributing to a smoother, more modern rail service.

The project presented the challenge of adapting the existing depot infrastructure to accommodate the specific electrical requirements. Cairn Cross’s mechanical and electrical team assisted in the inclusion and upgrade of increased shore supply and DNO connections.

“We are proud to have delivered these works for Transport for Wales at Machynlleth to enable them to continue upgrading their services. The location provided various challenges which we was able to overcome with the client and supply chain” Paul Brown, Project Manager.