Whiteball Tunnel Engineering - February 2014

Since the 18th January 2014, Network Rail has been embarking on a complicated project to carry out works to repair Whiteball Tunnel in partnership with Amco Rail. The 1000m long tunnel built in 1842 and straddles the Somerset/ Devon boarder between Taunton and Tiverton. To prevent potential brick fall the tunnel lining had previously been relined with a Ram Arch wire mesh system two years ago. During the January closure new concrete lining has been applied to the worst areas and main crownbrick arch to prevent future deterioration of the tunnel, and improve safety. Work has also been carried out to improve water drainage and embankment stability on both the Taunton and Exeter sides of the tunnel. A future phase of works will see the sides of the tunnel receive a similar concrete spray treatment, in partnership with Amco a new type of train wagon/ platform has been developed, which will allow work to be carried out from the stable platform of the wagon while trains will be able to pass on the opposite line without posing a danger to workmen. This collaborative effort by Amco and Network Rail have provided a unique solution to allow work to be carried out on the remaining phase without the need to close the mainline again. Unfortunately for normal rail passengers, Network Rail were forced to close the line for three weeks between the 18th January until the 9th February in order to carry out this complex piece of work within the confined space of the tunnel. During the three-week closure passengers were transferred onto a well-organised bus service between Taunton, Tiverton and Exeter, while selected train services operated via Yeovil & Honiton to Exeter. Network Rail saw the closure of the Taunton – Exeter mainlines as a positive step to incorporate three separate upgrade projects into one programme, this enabled them to tackle the tunnel and the railway infrastructure at the same time, without having to close the railway in the future. Around three miles of track have also been renewed and seven units of switches and crossings re-laid separately at Taunton and Tiverton. The upgrade work has been in the planning for over three years, and once complete will enable trains to travel at a higher speed and improve journey times. This co-ordinated and efficient effort will significantly help boost rail performance whilst complementing Network Rail's long-term aspiration to improve services between Bristol and Exeter. Network Rail have invested a total of £15m on the essential upgrade / renewal works.

4th February 2014 A road rail plant excavator lays ballast in preparation for newly designed water tanks to be lowered into place. Previously these tanks were manufactured from concrete, but have been re-engineered to be durable and lightweight saving money and reducing complicated manual handling issues. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 4th February 2014 - A drilling rig machine can be seen drilling the sizes of the tunnel walls during the 2014 blockade to attach the ram arch system to the sides of the running tunnel. Overhead the first phase of concrete spraying can be seen completed. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 A former workmans cabin/ hut is still in place at the mouth of the Whiteball Tunnel east portal. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 With shot creating complete on the crown of the tunnel a drilling rig is viewed drilling metal studs into the brick arch ready for Phase 2 works where concrete panels and further shot creating will be carried out from a purpose built set of wagons, allowing men to work safely while the opposite track remains open to rail traffic via single line working. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 A view inside Whiteball Tunnel looking west towards Exeter on the 4th February 2014. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 Former track workers recess built into the walls to allow workers to vacate the track as trains passed through the tunnel. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 Whiteball Tunnel - East Portal Downside (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 Whiteball Tunnel - East Portal (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 A Total Rail Solutions 'Gator' transports media personnel into Whiteball Tunnel to visit the work site. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 The East Portal of Whiteball Tunnel looing towards Exeter. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 Two excavators stabilize the bank at Whiteball by passing ballast and rocks to one another and then grading the sides of the embankment accordingly on the 4th February 2014. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 Long Arm excavators work to stabilise the embankment at Whiteball Tunnel removing and repositioning soil to reduce the steep sizes of the cutting on the 4th February 2014. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 Long Arm excavators work to stabilise the embankment at Whiteball Tunnel removing and repositioning soil to reduce the steep sizes of the cutting on the 4th February 2014. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 4th February 2014: Additional water drainage works carried out at Whiteball Tunnel. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 4th February 2014: Earth is removed from the worksite and returned to the site entrance for unloading. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 4th February 2014: View stood on the 'up' main facing West at Marlands. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th February 2014 4th February 2014: Earth is removed from the worksite and returned to the site entrance for unloading. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

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