Liverpool Lime Street Cutting
OLE Bracket Installation at Liverpool Lime Street
Scope
In early 2017, Vertical Access was appointed by BGCL to undertake the installation of Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) anchors and brackets throughout Lime Street Cutting.
Our involvement included the inspection and preparation of existing brick and stonework at proposed bracket locations, installation and testing of more than 500 resin anchors, and the subsequent installation of over 100 OLE brackets. The works formed part of the wider programme to prepare the cutting for the installation of new OLE infrastructure.
The Challenge
The OLE anchor and bracket works had already commenced before Vertical Access joined the project but were not progressing at the rate or quality required to meet the demanding wider programme.
With key OLE gantry installation milestones approaching, the team needed to develop a more efficient and consistent installation process while recovering the existing programme deficit.
Working opportunities were also extremely limited. Initial works had to be delivered within Rules of the Route possessions, providing working windows of approximately two to four hours. The site remained a busy environment with multiple contractors operating simultaneously, requiring close coordination between personnel, rail plant and other project activities.
The condition of the historic cutting presented a further challenge. Existing stone and brickwork at each proposed bracket location had to be inspected and, where necessary, repaired before anchor installation could proceed.
Our Response
Vertical Access worked closely with BGCL's Senior Project Manager and the Arcadis design team to review the existing anchor design and identify opportunities to improve the installation methodology.
Led by our Technical Director and geotechnical services team, a revised anchor design and installation process was developed and demonstrated within a non-operational area. Following successful trial works, the revised methodology provided a faster and more accurate approach that could be effectively delivered within the restricted possession windows.
Before installation, the existing stone and brickwork at each OLE bracket location was inspected to confirm its condition and suitability. Remedial works were undertaken where required, providing a suitable substrate for the subsequent anchor and bracket installation.
As the project progressed, the works transitioned from short Rules of the Route possessions into rail blockades, allowing teams to operate on a 24/7 basis. Vertical Access worked closely with BGCL to coordinate personnel, rail plant, equipment and materials, enabling the installation programme to progress efficiently alongside other contractors.
More than 500 resin anchors were installed throughout the project, with each installation supported by a detailed drill log, void inspection video and anchor test record. This provided a comprehensive quality record and allowed installation standards to be consistently monitored across the cutting.
The team subsequently installed more than 100 OLE brackets, ranging from straightforward three-hole units to larger and more complex configurations requiring between five and twelve anchors. Heavier brackets were hoisted using electric winches and carefully positioned over the installed anchors, with operatives working from RRV-mounted MEWPs or specialist rope access systems depending on the location.
Through continued collaboration between Vertical Access, BGCL and the project designers, the revised approach helped increase installation efficiency and recover the programme required to meet key OLE milestones.
Outcome & Feedback
Vertical Access successfully completed the installation of more than 500 resin anchors and over 100 OLE brackets, providing the infrastructure required to support the wider OLE installation programme at Lime Street Cutting.
Despite joining a programme already under significant time pressure, the revised design and installation methodology enabled the works to progress efficiently across both restricted possession windows and subsequent 24/7 rail blockades. Comprehensive inspection, testing and installation records also provided traceability for every anchor installed.
The works were delivered without incident while operating within a busy, multi-contractor rail environment and under demanding programme constraints.
The wider Lime Street Renewals Project went on to receive industry recognition at the 2019 Rail Partnership Awards, with BGCL receiving both the Putting Passengers First and Best Collaboration awards.
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