UK: Utility companies have trialled a variety of techniques to install new or access existing equipment underneath the trial section of Very Light Rail track on Queen Victoria Road in Coventry. These included impact moling, horizontal directional drilling, vacuum excavation and keyhole coring.
’Ensuring quick and safe access to our equipment is critical in times of disruption’, explained Ian Parker, Project Director at Bring Energy. ’We are assessing a range of techniques to determine which offers the best result.’
Novel track trial
The VLR project led by Coventry City Council aims to develop a low-cost alternative to conventional light rail track and rolling stock, with the ambition of making light rail viable for small and medium-sized cities. The novel design of track is expected to enable rapid and low-cost installation without the need for extensive excavations and expensive utility relocation.
’The installation and public rides of Coventry Very Light Rail were a huge success’, said Councillor Jim O’Boyle, council cabinet member for Jobs, Regeneration & Climate Change. ’The innovative track was laid in just eight weeks, and we are now working in partnership with utility companies to demonstrate how access to utility assets can be maintained without removing the slab.
’Continuing to monitor the track that remains in place is an essential milestone for the future of CVLR. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate that underground equipment can be accessed quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption to the public.’
Next phase planned
Planning and design is underway for the next phase of the CVLR project, which would see the installation of an 800 m section of line from the railway station to the University Technology Park. It is envisaged that construction could get underway in 2026.
