Overview
JNP Group played a key role in refurbishing two historic station canopies at Walkden and Swinton on the Manchester-Atherton-Wigan Line as part of a £750,000 investment under the Great North Rail Project. Originally constructed in 1890, these Victorian canopies required comprehensive structural inspections and essential repairs to enhance passenger safety and prolong their lifespan.
Solutions
Both canopies were in poor condition due to aging and lack of maintenance, necessitating JNP Group’s expertise to address the project challenges. During the refurbishment, additional defects were identified, prompting a return visit to assess their extent and provide further repair solutions.
One key challenge was the brittleness of the wrought iron angles forming the lower chords of the main trusses, which prevented drilling for new fixing plates. To overcome this, Lindapter clamps were used as an alternative, providing a secure and non-invasive fixing method.
To reduce fire risk during the installation of the new waterproofing system, an innovative liquid cold-applied polymer coating was used instead of a traditional torch-on felt solution. This eliminated the need for an open flame on the roof, enhancing safety during construction while ensuring a durable and effective waterproofing solution.
Summary
JNP collaborated closely with the Client and Stakeholders throughout the project, from initial inspection to completion, ensuring compliance with all requirements and adherence to the quality assurance process. Through innovative solutions, the team successfully completed the refurbishment, preserving the heritage structures while enhancing their safety and durability for future use.
Client Feedback
The scheme Project Manager for Network Rail said ‘we take great care to look after our heritage buildings and work at Walkden and Swindon stations shows how we’re building back better as the country emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. This Great North Rail Project investment of £750,000 we hope will make a huge difference for Northern passengers on the Manchester to Wigan line, creating a cleaner and brighter environment and improving their journeys for years to come.’
Gallery
JNP Group Project Team
Project Manager: Vicky Walker (Associate, CEng MIStructE)
Project Team: Jonathan Hartley (Senior Engineer, MEng (Hons))
Client: Network Rail
Project Value: £750K
Sector: Rail
Services Provided
- Inspections at both high and low levels of the canopies to identify defects
- Providing drawings and specifications for the repairs
- Producing repair details
Challenges
- Additional defects found once refurbishment works had commenced
- Wrought iron angles forming lower chords of the main trusses were found to be brittle so fixing holes for new plates could not be drilled into them
- Reduce fire risk when installing the new waterproofing canopy covering as an alternative to “torch on” felt solution
Solutions
- Return visit to identify extent of defects and provide additional repair details
- An alternative solution for fixing using Lindapter clamps was adopted instead.
- Innovation, use a liquid cold applied polymer coating which removed the need for heat/flame on the roof and the associated fire risk
