Translink appoints McCann BAM for £1.3m engineering project

Translink NI Railways has appointed Magherafelt construction company FP McCann, who will work alongside Dutch rail contractor BAM, to complete a £1.3 million engineering project to upgrade the Coleraine to Portrush railway line.

Pictured are: l-r Hugh McCann, Director, FP McCann, Eugene O’Brien, Head of Permanent Way - Infrastructure, Translink and Russell Eddis, Contracts Manager, FP McCann.

From February 14 until late April, the ‘McCann BAM’ venture will involve re-railing six miles of track and include a full line closure for 16 days.

The upgrade project will mean a series of passenger benefits including: more comfortable journeys; maintaining high safety standards and line reliability; reducing disruption caused by ongoing essential engineering works and maintaining the 70mph line speed.

Translink Infrastructure Executive Clive Bradberry says the work will ensure the line is maintained at a high standard, contributing to the economic and social regeneration of the area:

“We are pleased to work with local company FP McCann on this important project that will improve passenger journeys between Coleraine and Portrush. Almost half a million passenger journeys have been made along this line in the past 2 years. The impact of the introduction of new trains and improved infrastructure already completed on the Derry line has resulted in an increase of around 40% passenger growth on this branch line since 2002 – and we want to build on this success.

“This project will see an estimated 1,150 tonnes of new rail used, the installation of new trackside drainage, work at level and user-worked crossings as well as the repair of ‘wet spots’ – areas of track weakness that would lead to speed restrictions if not repaired. A 16 day line closure from March 12 – 27 is also essential to ensure that work can be completed as quickly as possible and to reduce the amount of night work required.

“We will keep local residents and passengers fully informed on project requirements as well as temporary travel arrangements and would ask for their support as we work to improve the local rail service,” said Clive.

Hugh McCann, Director, FP McCann, said:

“We are delighted to be involved in this important project and look forward to extending our established working relationship with Translink. Our approach is to take account of the needs of all stakeholders and carry out our works in a considerate manner to minimise noise and disruption in successful delivery of an improved infrastructure.”