Project Title: Brixton Crossover, London
Background:
The 21km long Victoria Line was the first new underground line to
be built after the Second World War. The line was London Underground's
first automated train operated service. The tracks were constructed
in the conventional form of 95lb bullhead rail on timber sleepers,
all held in place by concrete. The crossover to the north of Brixton
station was designed to allow trains to enter either of the station's
platforms and leave from either platform, proceeding north at a
full line speed of 72km/ph. The crossover currently experiences
some 250,000-train movements per year, making it the most heavily
used junction in the UK.
Requirement:
The existing rails, timber sleepers and concrete had deteriorated
over the past 30 years to such an extent that they reached the end
of their useful life. London Underground and Infraco BCV agreed
to replace the crossing between 5th and 26th August 2000. The crossover
is located 60m to the north of Brixton station in tunnels 25m below
the ground and stretches over a length of 120m. The old crossover
parts had first to be removed: 58 tonnes of running rail, 24 tonnes
of timber sleepers, 420 tonnes of concrete and 23 tonnes of chairs
(the bullhead equivalent to flat bottom base plates). Robore was
appointed to remove the existing concrete base.
Constraints:
- Restricted access
- Pollution control
- Time limitations
Techniques Used:
- Brokk 150
Conclusion:
The project was completed on schedule and the Victoria Line resumed
a normal operating service on Saturday 26th August 2000.
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