Gautrain – Burnett Street deviation

by Bernadine on 01/02/10 at 9:28 pm

Bombardier are contracted to the Gauteng Provincial Government to construct the new High Speed Gautrain Rail Line. A section of this new line runs adjacent to the existing Metrorail tracks between Pretoria and Hatfield Stations, a distance of some 7km.

In one instance, it was required that a section (approximately 1km of double line) of the Metrorail track had to be deviated to accommodate the new Gautrain line. The Client ultimately decided to use Tubular Modular Track for this deviation as it was the most practical solution to the numerous problems that were associated with deviating this section of track.

To begin with, the program for the deviation work was extremely tight and had to dovetail with the bigger Bombardier program which was already in place. Tubular Track was able to submit a suitable program that accelerated the work and met with predetermined mile stones. Secondly, access to the site was limited and by installing Tubular Modular Track (TMT), logistics was simplified by reducing material handling by up to 50% including the elimination of ballast and reducing formation widths. 

Furthermore, the complete deviation is in a cutting. This exacerbates the water problems that was and still is evident in the area. By using TMT, drainage is simplified and once the Gautrain line is complete, the integrated surface drainage, sub-surface and storm water drainage will guarantee designed drainage ensuring expected formation life.

This installation carries a warranty on workmanship as do all of our installations. This in turn offers the Clients piece of mind.