Laing O’Rourke and Finnish lift engineering company Kone have manufactured and installed the first offsite-constructed lift at the Network Rail test track in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.
The lift was removed from the trailer bed of the delivery vehicle and installed fully upright in 26 minutes, Laing O’Rourke said.
The modular lift is designed for use with multiple footbridges. The tower rises almost 11m above ground level and contains a Kone Monospace 700 lift.
The construction, including all offsite activity, took 86 days. Laing O’Rourke said this method potentially saved up to 32 weeks compared to traditional in-situ installation.
The project is part of Network Rail’s Access for All programme to provide accessible routes to and between platforms to disabled passengers and those with mobility restrictions.
Network Rail has two testing facilities – in Melton Mowbray and Tuxford, Nottinghamshire – where it can trial new equipment, technology and processes with external partners in a safe environment.
