Freyssinet lands tunnel lining contract for Glasgow Subway

Freyssinet previously carried out works on Glasgow Subway. ©Freyssinet Limited

FREYSSINET has been awarded a five-year contract to carry out tunnel lining improvement works as part of the modernisation of Glasgow Subway.

The contract, awarded by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), will see the firm deliver a package of works including the infilling of annulus voids, leak sealing and water management to the Inner Circle and Outer Circle of the network.

Glasgow’s subway system dates back to 1896, making it one of the world’s oldest underground railway systems. The system is currently benefiting from enhancements to the infrastructure.

Freyssinet was previously engaged by SPT to rehabilitate tunnel linings on the subway from 2015 to 2018, during the initial stage of the modernisation programme. Working at night while the lines are closed, Freyssinet carried out annulus grouting, cleaning of the tunnel lining, track bed and drainage channel, additional works to existing concrete and brickwork lining and resin injection leak-sealing over a total of 8,019 linear metres.

Antony Smith, director of Subway, said, “Maintaining the health of our tunnels is vital to the safe and reliable operation of the Subway. Freyssinet has previously carried out an extensive programme of works to improve the lining in various sections of the tunnels, and that programme of works will now be extended to other sections of the 19th century tunnel network, as we continue the rollout of the Subway modernisation programme.”

Pascal Mercier, MD for Freyssinet, added, “Following our Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award at the 2018 Global Light Rail Awards for first phase of the project, we are delighted that Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has entrusted us to carry out the works for the second phase of the tunnel enhancement programme. The Glasgow Subway is a significant part of the city transports and we are honoured to play a role in its development. This success is a credit to the hard work and excellence of all people at Freyssinet.”