Cemex make further improvements across rail network
Upgrades carried out at company’s Dove Holes, Selby, and Bletchley depots
CONSIDERABLE investment has been made by Cemex in improving several of their depots across the country. The latest developments support Cemex’s efforts to increase the use of rail to move their materials, as part of the company’s Future in Action sustainability strategy.
Work was carried out at Cemex’s Dove Holes, Selby and Bletchley depots, with a particular focus on improving health and safety and efficiency through track and walkway upgrades. The improvements were all completed in partnership with MLP Railway Maintenance Ltd, Cemex’s chosen contractor for these works.
At Selby in North Yorkshire, an upgraded track means the site can take an increased number of wagons per train, and complete turnarounds more efficiently and safely. Meanwhile, at Dove Holes, in Buxton, two reception lines were relayed. This was a significant project which required considerable planning and coordination with Network Rail, as the site runs adjacent to the main line.
The team collaborated with Network Rail again at Bletchley in Milton Keynes, to implement improved walkways, CCTV and a waterproof display screen for offloading. This allows ground staff to watch the process from outside of the discharge area, reducing noise and dust exposure.
These development activities were supported by smaller walkway improvements made at other Cemex rail depots, including Crawley and Stourton. The walkway upgrades were completed in collaboration with Network Rail’s Freight Safety Improvement Portfolio.
Cemex work to an established industry track and walking route standard to ensure a safe and reliable operation for its employees and contractors, whilst reducing the risk of derailments.
Cemex UK rail and sea manager, Mark Grimshaw-Smith, commented: ‘It’s important that we continue to invest in our rail heads across the UK. This not only ensures that the safety and wellbeing of those who work on our sites is enhanced on an ongoing basis, but it also provides further resilience in the operation, transporting more materials by train and thus taking more trucks off the road.
‘Close collaboration with Network Rail was vital during this project as we worked alongside the mainline, and we are grateful to them and our own local teams for their support. We also ensured minimal impact to customers thanks to a robust supply chain management process.’
