Network Rail purchases new ballast cleaner

Network Rail is expanding its world-leading track renewal programme by purchasing a new £50m (68 million euros) ballast cleaner from Plasser & Theurer and welcoming more than 500 employees, previously contractors, into the company. The move represents part of Network Rail’s commitment to minimise passenger disruption, reduce the cost of running the railway by 20% over the next five years, and improve sustainability.
Codenamed ‘BCS5,’ the new ballast cleaner will boast the latest technological advancements in track renewals, benefitting from reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and incorporating measures to reduce workforce exposure to ballast dust, including mist-based suppression systems. The new cleaner will be built for ‘third-rail’ operation, allowing the conductor rail to safely remain in place throughout the cleaning process. The purpose-built kit and associated support plant will become the fifth ballast cleaning system in the fleet and is due to be delivered in 2016.
“The move will give us greater opportunity to drive continuous improvement in both safety and performance on site. It is fundamental to delivering our cost efficiencies and also allows longer term investment in training and development for the high output workforce, our fleet and maintenance facilities,” High output project director Ben Brooks said.