Full Steam Ahead at Parkwest as New Train Station Takes Shape

Construction of the new train station in Parkwest, Dublin is progressing rapidly with the steelwork for the first floor level having been lifted into position in a carefully coordinated operation over the weekend.

The structural frame for the 75 tonne, 21 x 31 m  platform was erected on site in 2 separate segments; the first segment (35tonnes) on the North half the main Dublin-Cork line, and the second portion (40tonnes) on the south side of the same line.

Both segments were assembled and erected on site to allow third party sub contractors to fix decking, shear studs, handrails and ducting prior to the main lift. This also facilitated the completion of the high specification intumescent paint work at ground level, without a requirement to work over a live rail line.

The lift of the two inter-connected platforms required the use of the largest crane available in Ireland. McNally’s Crane Hire supplied the Liebherr LTM 1500 crane for the weekend of the lift to facilitate a requirement from Iarnród Éireann that a line closure could only be provided from 12 midnight until 6am. The AMSE 6 man site crew, under the direction of Contract Manager Gary Swan, were only permitted to erect under the supervision of a T3 night possession, when no trains would be running.

With the first lift successfully completed, the mobile crane was derigged, driven around the site and set up on the far side of the railway track, to allow the second platform to be lifted into postion. To complete the operation, the steelwork was then balanced, trimmed and secured with bolted connections to the first segment. The entire operation was completed within 48 hours of commencement, at 9pm on Sunday night.