RPA Tenders Structural surveys for LUAS A1 Citywest/Saggart branch

 

The long-awaited building of the spur from the LUAS Red Line, linking the existing line to Citywest and Saggart is coming closer, with the announcment by the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) that they are seeking qualified consultants to perform structural survey work on properties bordering the new line.

The go ahead to construct the line depends on the finalising of a Railway Order, but work such as the surveying can go ahead in the meantime, and starting this process now will reduce the pre-construction wait after the order is granted.

Full details of the RPA tender are below.

 

Title:	Luas A1_170 Structural Condition Surveys
Published by:	Railway Procurement Agency
Publication Date:	24/10/2008
Application Deadline:	07/11/2008
Notice Deadline Date:	07/11/2008
Notice Deadline Time:	12:00
Notice Type:	Tender
Has Documents:	Yes
Abstract:	RPA now seeks the services of an experienced structural engineering consultant to carry out structural condition surveys of buildings and structures along the Luas line A1 boundary. Line A1 is a 4.2 km proposed spur to the existing Luas Red Line currently operating between Tallaght and Connolly Station. RPA completed its pre-application consultations with An Bord Pleanála in August 2007 in relation to the proposed line and has submitted a Railway Order Application in December 2007. Following the display period of the draft Railway Order Application, an Oral Hearing was held on the 11 March 2008 in An Bord Pleanála Offices, Marlborough Street and was concluded in one day. The Railway Order, if granted by An Bord Pleanála, will provide the powers necessary to construct, operate and maintain the line, subject to funding confirmation. Luas Line A1 is the first RPA project for which a Railway Order will be sought under the new statutory framework introduced by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 It is RPA’s intention to ensure that all existing buildings / structures and boundaries that may be affected by the Light Rail Works are protected from damage due to these Works. In order to determine the condition of existing buildings / structures and boundaries a condition survey will be carried out along the length of the line. RPA now seeks the services of an experienced structural engineering consultant to carry out these structural condition surveys.

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LUAS Point Extension Shots

A few pictures showing the progress of works on the LUAS tramway extension to Dublin’s Docklands and Point Depot / O2.

This work seems as if it has been going on forever, and yet wseems far less advanced than that on the Cherrywood extension, which was a much later and longer addition to the network.

All pictures taken Sunday 19th October 2008 – click on any picture for a larger version.

Tracklaying at Mayor St / Castleforbes crossing, looking east towards Point Village

Looking west from Castleforbes, towards Spencer Dock

Looking east along Mayor Street, towards Spencer Dock

Mayor Street looking west towards IFSC

Based on the fact that trackbed construction is not complete, or even started in some areas, I would suggest it was be late in 2009 or into 2010 before services commence on this line extension.