Quattro delivers end-to-end support for Charing Cross renewal

Quattro Plant has supported Volker Rail on a major 22-day track renewal operation at Charing Cross, providing the transport, plant and operations teams needed to renew almost 2km of track. 

The project began the week before with Quattro's transport division co-ordinating the movement of new track panels from Kent to Charing Cross. Deliveries were facilitated using three lorries per night over four nights with the support of the Quattro Monster Bugs.  Track panels up to 16 tons were tandem lifted onto lorries, including super-wide track panels measuring up to 3.7 metres, all of which required specialist escorted journeys. 

With the new track panels safely on site, the Quattro RRVs got to work at Charing Cross on day one, preparing the site for the renewal. The old sleepers and rail were removed and loaded onto the scrap train, before the existing ballast was excavated and replaced, preparing the formation for the new line.  New track panels were then lifted into position before sleepers, rail and ballast were installed across the project's 16 switches and crossings.

The extensive operation utilised five of Quattro's DX140 excavators and two newly upgraded Komatsu dozers, supported by over 30 Quattro operators fitters and supervisors. The teams worked round the clock on 10-hour shifts, with each machine completing around 65 shifts during the project.

A huge variety of attachments were needed throughout the 22-day blockade, including log grabs, sleeper grabs, panel grabs, ballast brushes, thimbles, drag clamps and seven-leg hydraulic sleeper bailers.

At one of the busiest stations in London, the project was completed safely and on schedule.

“We’re proud of our role in the Charing Cross renewal and of the dedication and professionalism of all the staff involved in delivering this very complex project. It took careful planning and close co-ordination between our different Quattro teams to deliver the job,” said Trevor Hartnett, Quattro’s Regional Rail Director. “There were logistical challenges along the way, including extreme heat, but crucially, the project was delivered on time, with everybody home safe at the end of the possession. Trains are now back running on fresh new track. Our thanks go to Volker Rail for trusting the Q-Army once again with such a significant operation.”