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Over Christmas and New Year, Ainscough Crane Hire played a key role in work on the Transpennine rail route, taking rail users one step closer to faster, greener and more reliable journeys between Manchester and York.
Ainscough worked with main contractor Mammoet at Osmondthorpe Lane railway bridge.
Ainscough’s 500t crane on 165t ballast lifted concrete beams weighing approximately 17-18t to assist with the assembly of the new bridge.
The new structure, which weighs 200 tonnes, was then moved into position in one piece by a self-propelled modular transport (SPMT) vehicle.
Once in position, new tracks and over 270 tonnes of ballast were laid before the railway was handed back – on time – ready for passenger services to resume.
Byran Cooper, Crane Operator – Heavy Cranes, Ainscough Crane Hire said: “This vital project began on Christmas day and lasted several days, demonstrating that Ainscough is always ready to support our clients on vital projects such as this rail upgrade. It was a pleasure to work with our partners on creating this vital new infrastructure in the heart of Leeds.”
Gordon Kells, TransPennine Route Upgrade Interim Managing Director, said: “Over Christmas and New Year, we completed significant upgrades across multiple sites on our route, improving journeys between Manchester and York.”
“I’d like to say thank you to our neighbours for their support and everyone that worked over this period, whose efforts contributed to the safe and successful completion of a number of key upgrades, setting us off to a strong start in 2025.”
Image courtesy of Network Rail
