Network Rail and Amey develop innovative tunnel drill

COLLABORATION between Network Rail and infrastructure company Amey has resulted in the creation of a new overhead line tunnel drill.

Network Rail first noticed potential areas for improvement working with Amey on CP6 tunnel refurbishments that require two operatives working at height in full personal protective equipment, manually holding a drill to carry out maintenance work. The risk of hand/arm vibration injuries, noise, inaccuracies, and dust contamination were potential factors operatives faced.

Working with Foulstone

Forge, Network Rail, and Amey, the team created a drilling rig for use in railway tunnels. The

Overhead Line Electrification

Drill (OLED) machine is mounted on a flat-bed road rail vehicle, with the drilling arm managed via remote control. Along with a dust extraction system, the arm reduces the risks associated with working at height and using rotary-percussive power tools.

The new machine was first tested at NR’s High Marnham Test Track and is now being used in connection with midlife OLE refurbishment of tunnels at Watford, Shugborough and Birmingham.

With a four-drill head capacity and laser guidance, maintenance work will be sped up, along with a greater accuracy compared to the previous one hole at a time system.