Welcome to the February project update
It may be the year of the tiger according to the Chinese calendar, but for the project team 2022 is well and truly the year of the Airport Line.
The next big step toward project completion is this weekend's shutdown of the Midland Line to tie in communications and signalling systems with the wider network. The three-day shutdown is necessary to ensure a safe workplace at Bayswater Junction for all disciplines involved in this set of works.
For passengers, this means services on the Midland Line will be cancelled and replacement buses will be operating from first service Friday 11 February until last service Sunday 13 February.
Meanwhile, inside the tunnels, fit-out works have further progressed, with walkways at 97 per cent and tunnel lights at 91 per cent completion.
A new set of works, installation of noise panels around the underground tracks, is also about to commence. More than 70,000 panels will be attached to the track slab between, and to either side of, the rail to reduce noise levels inside the trains and enhance the passenger experience.
Bayswater PSP back on the radar
With major earthworks within the Bayswater Junction site boundary coming to an end, the remaining eastern section of the principal shared path (PSP) can be tied in. These works are scheduled for February and March.
Topsoil placement, part of the landscaping package, is also underway around the stormwater basin adjacent to the PSP and Guildford Road.
The lift in the tunnel portal building is undergoing final cabling works, with commissioning to follow shortly. Throughout the building, anti-slip coating finishes are being applied, as are touch-ups to the structure's façade.
Redcliffe Station car park fit-out underway
'Ute' be surprised how much gear is required to fit out a car park – a lot! Line markings, wheel stops, fences, kerbs, speed bumps, cameras, reticulation… and a fleet of signs. Are we there yet? Almost!
Within Redcliffe Station, commissioning of the escalator has reached the halfway point. At the moment crews still need to use their own muscle power to walk up and down the stairs, however brand new passenger seating at platform level provides a convenient place to rest.
Hard landscaping and roadworks across the station precinct are reaching the final stages – especially immediately around the station building where newly-placed asphalt for the busway is currently curing.
Safety first at Airport Central Station
If you see a bunch of eggbeaters in this photo, we don't blame you! What you are really looking at are bollards located between the station entry and the main escalator. Their purpose is to stop travellers from taking luggage trolleys or large pieces of luggage on the escalator, making it a safer environment for all. For those travelling with luggage we have installed extra-wide lifts.
Complementing these activities, crews are busy installing the luggage trolley return station one level below now that tiling works are complete in all areas.
Outside of the building, base course works have commenced to reinstate the remaining section of the airport's short-term car park.
Train stop of another kind in High Wycombe
Ever wondered what’s at the end of the line? In the case of the Airport Line it's the stowage area at High Wycombe, designed to accommodate two additional trains. And at the very end of the track, just before the stormwater basin, are buffer stops. These devices use sliding friction to absorb energy in the (unlikely) event that a train needs extra braking assistance.
Within the station building, at concourse level, the crew is preparing for the installation of SmartRider fare gates.
At the eastern end of site, demolition works are underway to remove the concrete base of the wastewater treatment plant that was used as part of tunnelling operations.