Mechan to supply rail traverser for DIRT III

A new £29 million Intermodal Rail Freight Terminal, that is being constructed by Winvic Construction for Prologis at its DIRFT intermodal logistics park in Northamptonshire, will feature a bespoke rail traverser, supplied by Mechan.

The Sheffield-based rail depot equipment specialist is one of few UK firms with the ability to design and build traversers, holding the record for the largest installation in the country at the Port of Felixstowe.

The DIRFT III project comprises a 344-hectare logistics site, which will include a state-of-the-art rail freight terminal. Mechan’s traverser will be situated outside the terminal building, at the end of 9km of new lines, being constructed by Winvic, which is also responsible for installing three new bridges and a 79,000m² terminal slab.

The traverser will be used to move Class 66 locomotives in a perpendicular direction to the tracks, so they can return to service after loading/unloading. This has allowed the terminal length to be shorter, as a head shunt isn’t required.

Working closely with the Winvic team, Mechan has designed the multi-rail traverser to suit the specific conditions at DIRFT III. It spans 28 metres, has a capacity of 140 tonnes and comprises an access platform, plus loco buffer to prevent trains overrunning.

Lindsey Mills, Mechan’s sales manager, said: “We are really pleased to secure a contract for the DIRFT III traverser, after successfully completing a competitive tendering process and we look forward to working with Winvic on this key project. Although the sheer size of a traverser makes each installation a challenge, they are actually a great space saving device, allowing trains to be transferred between tracks easily and efficiently.”

Once the design process is complete, Mechan will begin construction of the traverser at its headquarters. It will be dismantled for delivery to site and is due to be installed and commissioned in April 2021, before training is provided to end user, Prologis.