Southern Renewals Enterprise completes 10-week programme of essential repairs of Blackheath Tunnel
VolkerFitzpatrick, as part of the Southern Renewal Enterprise, in collaboration with Network Rail has successfully completed a 10-week programme of essential repairs on the 175-year-old Blackheath Tunnel bridge.
The Southern Renewals Enterprise team has completed a 10-week programme of essential repairs in the historic Blackheath tunnel between Charlton and Blackheath stations that will help to improve reliability and safety for passengers.
The work was needed as the mile-long tunnel, which opened in 1849, is prone to leaks and water damage. This is because of brickwork damage caused by the freezing and thawing of rainwater that filters through the ground into the tunnel.
Our engineers worked on strengthening the ground, repairing the lining of the tunnel and carried out detailed structural and ground inspections. Work was carried out to preserve the tunnel for years to come.
David Davidson, chief operating officer for the South Eastern Railway, said: “Over the last 10-weeks we’ve completed a groundbreaking programme in the tunnel that will improve reliability by strengthening and waterproofing the structure to better protect the railway.
“Savings from this approach are estimated to be around £10 million and this can be reinvested across the network to deliver more improvements that will keep passengers moving.”
VolkerFitzpatrick is the Building and Civils partner for the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE), working in partnership with AtkinsRéalis, Octavius, VolkerRail and Network Rail, to deliver the southern region's £9bn renewals portfolio between 2024 and 2034.
