SYPTE Supertram Project

April 3, 2014

Tram network owner South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and system operator Stagecoach Supertram are to fund a major programme of rail replacement works on the network, with the majority of work being undertaken during the next five years at an estimated capital cost of £32million. The rail works are to replace worn rail, this is to ensure that Supertram can continue to operate a smooth, reliable and safe system for years to come. Parts of this years works will also enable new Tram Train vehicles to operate on the system (planned for 2016). Around 20 years after the track was originally laid, large sections of rail are close to being life-expired following years of use by trams as well as wear and tear caused by heavy road traffic. Measures taken by Supertram engineers have already extended the lifetime of the track by as much as five years. However, despite that, around 22km of the tram route needs the rail replacing by 2024 and this is where Webster Equipment are involved…

To avoid the need for wet cutting, Webster Equipment have developed a cutting system for the main contractor (Volker Rail) that will cut a slot down the side of the track to assist with removal of existing rail, plus a profiling tool for the bottom of the exposed trench to allow for the laying of the new upgraded tracks. The webster cutting system is used in conjunction with a Marais RC-50 remote control machine which includes dust collection. The combination of the Webster and the Marais machines ensures a safe and clean working environment.

Project Highlights

– Our approach and innovative cutting system has helped our customer to realise a number of benefits including cost savings, improvements in quality and productivity. The accuracy of our cutting tool has helped to reduce costs in materials with an accurate and repeatable dry cut.

– The success of this project has helped us to maintain and develop our supplier relationships including Marais, suppliers of the RC50 cutting machine. We also plan to harness the success of our project and positive feedback to develop more business with this customer and to acquire new business in other areas.

– Our robust approach to project management , adapting and responding to changes in the original plan and continuous engagement with stakeholders has played an important part in the success of this project. Where issues have arisen we have deployed our escalations process to ensure they have not impacted on performance.