Horton Road

September 2004

The routine removal and replacement of a HoldFast crossing at Gloucester demonstrates how remarkably fast these crossing are to install or remove for tamping. The two track crossing comprises 56 panels. It took just two and a quarter hours to remove and stack them and no longer to replace.

The contractors, Fifth Rail, supplied a JCB digger and telescopic handler but these were only required to take the panels off site! They lifted out the panels using a p-ray bar on each of the panels and with just one man on each they levered the panels out without any mechanical assistance.

They were then numbered and stacked. When replaced, the JCB was on stand by in case they needed to be put more firmly but with a little lubrication the panels were easily reinserted.