UKTram explores innovative VLR progress in Coventry

On Wednesday, 2nd April, representatives from UKTram and WMCA viewed the first stage installation of the Coventry Very Light Rail innovative slab / trackform in the city centre test bed. Led by  Dr Christopher Micallef, Track Systems Programme Lead, the group, including Lead Engineer Phil Terry and Chair of the Board Steve Edwards, were shown the installation and how the rails would be located and secured before being embedded in a highway medium.

The design has allowed the constructor to install the ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) slab in a  300mm deep, compacted bed highway excavation, removing the need for utility diversion, deep excavation, and substantial reinforced concrete slabs as in previous tramway designs.

Standard construction vehicles are also used to prepare the surface and install the slabs, reduce costs and allow 25 slabs per day to be laid, set, and levelled as per design parameters.

The group was also shown how data is being used to map the installation, allowing future asset management and maintenance to be accurately recorded. 

“It was good to see the installation from a concept drawing to a physical entity. The collection of data has been immense, providing the designers/constructors with a window on not only pre-construction performance but allowing adjustments to be made during the trial installation; however, the real test will be when a VLR vehicle is run on it, combined with real-world interactions of highway vehicles that will cross the installation in parts”.

- Phill Terry, UKTram

The installation is ongoing, and more visits are envisaged.