The Bowshank Tunnel is part of the 65 km long Border Railway project and extends over 226 meters. The line runs between Edinburgh and Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders and only consists of one dual tracks tunnel. The closure of the old, dilapidated tunnel, which had been going on for years, required a complete revitalization. The good decision of the construction company responsible for the implementation of the project: RAILONE supplies its proven RHEDA 2000® ballastless track system and takes over the design of the track from the beginning to the execution. The very narrow transitions from ballastless to ballasted track are particularly challenging. For this purpose, RAILONE develops a tailor-made solution; no problem with the flexible RHEDA 2000® system. Another important reason for deciding in favor of RHEDA 2000® was the increase in the structure gauge due to the low construction height of the system.

RHEDA 2000® installed in Bowshank Tunnel, UK

Project details:

The project started in July 2014 and was completed on schedule the following September
Ballastless track was installed inside the Bowshank Tunnel, ballasted sleepers were applied outside
RAILONE supplies approx. 900 RHEDA 2000® sleepers of type B 355.3 including factory pre-assembled rail fastening
For quality assurance, an engineer from RAILONE is available on site throughout the whole project
Due to the optimized integration of the RHEDA 2000® track system, only 10% of the brick masonry of the old tunnel has to be rehabilitated during the construction phase, which leads to considerable cost savings on civil works