HoldFast’s New Anti-Trespass Guards Enter Network Service

November 2005

The first commercial installation of HoldFast’s new Anti-Trespass Guards was heralded a success by all involved. The Guards were installed alongside the HoldFast crossing replacement at Allington, near Grantham, as part of the greater Allington Chord line project undertaken by Carillion.

Three night time possessions were allocated to install the crossing platform and adjacent Guards. Three shifts is an unusually long allocation for HoldFast crossing installations.

However, there was significant preparation work required because of the poor condition of the road approaches necessitating the excavation and removal of the base and sub base around the crossing and new PVC angle edge beams, also supplied by HoldFast.

Fifth Rail UK Limited, approved Network Rail contractors with 13 Link-Up approvals, were HoldFast’s sub-contractors for the complete installation process. The project was undertaken by Fifth Rail Manager, Roger Aubrey, and a team of four PTS supplemented by a machine driver and chainsaw operative.

Aubrey explains: “This job required more preparation work than we normally encounter. If Bomac edge beams are already in place it makes the installation of a HoldFast system even easier as there is no requirement to cut back the tarmac or take the edge beams out.

“Such is the design of HoldFast panels, they locate precisely on the Bomac edge beams to create a very stable platform. Nonetheless, despite the added challenges, it proved to be another straightforward installation, as HoldFast installations tend to be.”

HoldFast delivered direct to site on the afternoon preceding the first closure. All plant, comprising a cement mixer, telehandler and mini digger were hired locally. The new asphalt applied to the road approaches and white lining was carried out by a division of Carillion.

HoldFast’s Anti-Trespass Guards proved simple and effective to install. They are held down in position with metal ‘U’ shaped spikes hammered into the ballast. Where certain panels needed to be trimmed to size to fit (in the 6’ area), an experienced chainsaw operative simply cut to size and fresh holes were drilled through the panels on site.

HoldFast’s Managing Director, Peter Coates Smith, is delighted to see their latest product take to the Network and adds: “We already knew our Guards are safer and far more durable than the wooden alternatives that rarely survive removal and replacement for tamping without breaking up.

“Allington has now proven how easy they are to install. Of our recent orders, most now include new Anti-Trespass Guards as part of the long term crossing refurbishment solution.”

HoldFast's Anti-Trespass and Cattle Guards installed successfully at Allington, on the Carillion Greater Allington Chord Line project.

The newer and more durable HoldFast Anti-Trespass and Cattle Guards replace more traditional wooden and concrete guards.
The HoldFast guards fit easily with the existing level crossing.