Energy firm wins Underground upgrade contract

London Underground has engaged UK Power Networks Services to undertake a major upgrade on substations and cables on the Sub Surface Railway, known as package SSR3B.

The design and build project is part of the London Underground’s sub-surface railway upgrade programme, being carried out on the Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City and District lines to introduce new rolling stock and signalling to increase passenger capacity and improve journey time capability. The upgrade will support the increased demand for power.

Two new substations will be constructed at Vine Street (Farringdon) and Triangle Sidings with five substations being refurbished (Chiswick Park, Putney Bridge, Ravenscourt Park, Mansion House and Shepherd’s Bush). Additional power, control and communication cabling will support these works.

New high voltage, direct current and low voltage switchgear, transformers rectifiers, cables, batteries, chargers and marshalling cabinets are all part of the SSR3B package of new equipment required to be upgrade or installed.

Gary Gregory, operations manager at UK Power Networks Services, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been engaged by London Underground to undertake this upgrade works, this upgrade is a fundamental part of the London Underground upgrade programme. It also further highlights UK Power Networks Services’ ability to undertake complex projects in difficult environments and constraints.

“Events last year, principally the Olympic Games, showed what a significant transport system London has and London Underground is a great part of that. We are proud to be able to continue to provide a first-class service to the company and its passengers.”