Mersey Rail Leaky Feeder Design and Construction

Project Description

The Merseyrail Network is formed of two electrified lines operated by National Rail network known as the Northern Line and the Wirral Line which run underground in central Liverpool. A third line, separate from the electrified network, is known as the City Line.

Work Streams

  • Surveys – RF, Physical & Construction
  • System Design, RF Coverage, Handover, Build
  • Access Planning, Possession Management
  • Contractual Documentation (WPP, TBS, etc)
  • Materials – Procurement, Manufacture, Fabrication, Logistics
  • Third Party Interfaces
  • Construction
  • Setting Out
  • Hanger Install
  • Leaky Feeder Install
  • Power Install
  • Fibre Jointing and Install
  • Handover Antennae Portals
  • Testing
  • Management, Logistics and Testing & Commissioning

Description of Works Carried Out

As part of it’s national upgrade program, Network Rail needed a partner to deploy GSM/R over 13K, of over ground and tunnel sections of track so as to replace the legacy Cab Secure Radio System (CSR) which was being phased out of operational use.

In addition to the Macro Network deployment, the project required a deep RF and Operational knowledge of in-tunnel radio systems in challenging environments and turned to ADComms Communications based in their previous track record in this area.

The project required the management of multiple stakeholders to ensure that it fulfilled Network Rail’s quality and safety standards but also kept disruption to Merseyrail’s daily services to a minimum. Merseyrail tunnel works involved the design and construction of a GSM-R radiating cable and RF-over-Fibre system to provide a seamless transition from the legacy CSR (cab secure radio) network to GSMR.

The project demonstrates the depth of radio frequency and fixed telecom engineering capability within the ADComms business and the organisations ability to ensure a smooth transition between two systems critical to the safe operation of the Railway.

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