Services: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Signalling Engineering
SRC Infrastructure was commissioned to conduct a feasibility study for potential cable route management solutions (CRMS) as part of Transport for London’s (TfL) Deep Tube Upgrade Programme. The primary objective of the project was to identify the most cost-effective models for managing cables across five stations: Cockfosters, Oakwood, Southgate, Arnos Grove, and Bounds Green.
SRC’s review highlighted key recommendations for the project:
- Crowded Tunnel Sections: Both the tunnel sections and stations were heavily crowded with existing systems, which limited space for new installations. However, the study identified that cable tunnel chambers could provide potential areas for new CRMS installations.
- Anchor Post System: A concomitant anchor post system was recommended to alleviate confined space issues, which was a significant challenge in several locations.
- Redundant Cables: SRC also advised removing TT wires and redundant cables to free up space for the installation of new CRMS. However, the impact of removing these cables required careful planning and detailed discussions with stakeholders.
In addition to these recommendations, SRC evaluated the feasibility of the project against several key considerations:
- Costs and Schedule: Careful analysis of both the financial and time implications of each proposed solution.
- Maintainability: Ensuring that any new CRMS installations would be maintainable over the long term.
- Operational Impact: Minimizing disruptions to station operations during and after the installation process.
- Buildability and Logistics: Evaluating the practical challenges of constructing and installing the new systems within confined spaces and existing infrastructure.
- Interface with Existing Infrastructure: Considering how the new CRMS would interact with existing systems in the stations.
- Heritage and 3rd Party Stakeholders: Addressing the need to work closely with heritage authorities and third-party stakeholders, particularly at stations of historical significance.