Carlisle station

Galliford Try undertook an award-winning replacement of the roof at historic Carlisle Station for Network Rail

The Victorian glass roof was failing requiring its dismantling and replacement. The scaffolding element of the scheme required to form the working access platform and protection to the fully operational station was a major undertaking. The scaffolding deck extended 23m over the West Coast mainline with work only possible during one weekly six-hour possession from 0200 to 0800 on Sunday.

Once in place 110 tonnes (160 x 50m) of life-expired Georgian glazing was removed and replaced with an ETFE sheeting system. This flourine-based clear, single-skin plastic was chosen in place of glass due to being lighter, offering greater light transmission, being easier to install and repair, and able to cope with extremes of temperature. The roof retains a glazed appearance due to the inclusion of new mullions.

Challenges overcome during the project were strengthening of the platform to accommodate the imposed loads from the scaffold, carrying out major construction works above an energised OLE, and modifying stations facilities such as the PA, CCTV, lighting and customer information screens to allow the station to remain fully operational throughout the works.

The scheme has won two awards in the ‘urban heritage’ category of the National Rail Heritage Awards and the ‘preserving the history of the railway’ category of the Rail Partnership Awards run by Rail Media.