Timeout for tunnel

As part of a national framework contract for maintaining redundant railway structures, May Gurney Rail Services has commenced work on a project to infill the 836-metre long Woodside Tunnel at Birkenhead near Liverpool.

Situated close to the Mersey Tunnel, this former twin-track tunnel dates from the mid 19th century. It was constructed at the same time as Woodside Station, which opened in 1878, possibly to serve the docks.

Since it became redundant in 1961, the tunnel has become the haunt of drug users and vandals (see pic above). As a result, BRB (Residuary) Ltd asked May Gurney to fill it in.

Works at the tunnel commenced in late January 2006 and are expected to conclude by the end of March. The tunnel has already been partially backfilled, and the task will be completed using a mix of PFA (Pulverised Fuel Ash) and cement. PFA is a power station waste product - a very cost effective and environmentally friendly infill product.

A 450mm thick wall will be constructed at one end of the tunnel, and 63mm diameter pipes will be bolted to the tunnel from the springer level around the arch.

These pipes will extend from the portal into the tunnel and terminate at various locations. The PFA and cement mix will then be pumped in via an on-site batching plant.

Weep pipes will be placed every 500mm up the end wall. As the tunnel fills the pipes will indicate the level the grout has reached, to enable detailed monitoring and greater quality control. Although the project involves working in a confined space, the safety risks have been greatly minimised by adopting this approach.

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