Concept Planning Design, Preconstruction, Procurement, Construction and Post Construction

2.1 —- Concept / Overall programme —- For a section of railway (Replicated for sections as they are envisaged to be converted) —- An overall programme relating to the sequence of conversion where multiple lines converge will need to be drawn up and extensively discussed. This will be drawn up in conjunction with and following a Feasibility Study.

This programme will address and be structured to monitor:-

1 – For the first section to be converted (modified for later ones) the development of the basic concept / parameters in relation to the track, “stations” / station modifications. Note if routes include feeder routes at stations then ultimately the size of station car parks may be reduced  then redeveloped.

2 – Rolling stock options / concepts.

3 – Autonomous software development: –

— 3a – Navigation autonomously

— 3b – Navigation under central control including platooning modules into impromptu trains.

— 3c – Use of the above enhanced by the use of AI To include access to track by others / other permitted vehicles and use of modules. 

4 – Consider use by emergency service vehicles including police under lesser control and their tracking within the network. Consider use by special vehicles including for maintenance during operational and non operational periods, in principal the no railway will be operational 24/7, but the max be for example flooding, snow or tree falls that need special consideration.

5 – Consider how current rail freight trains can be accommodated / modified, including which modified / compliant container and other goods vehicles could access and when.

6 – Track conversion options. 

7 – Route extensions particularly at city termini where modules (Much smaller size due to low platforms) can transit to adjacent city streets or loop tunnels (Tunnels that link to a number of underground stations in a loop returning to the no railway in the reverse direction. NOTE

Overall strategic programmes for sections of railways are detailed in programmes for each construction to operational phase.

2.2 Phases of the individual project: –

1 – Planning, Design and Contractor Procurement both for pre-construction, construction and post-construction (norailway opened). 

2 – Go / no go for:

Pre-ordering of key / long lead items.

Pre-construction and enabling works.

Construction (Conversion) phase.

For individual Post Construction works

As construction of individual sections needs to be done in a guaranteed period and in as short a time period as possible it is necessary to have a go / no go decision point. To “go” the following will need to have been completed for the individual project in question:-
All planning permissions in place.

2.3 Pre-construction and CONSTRUCTION

Another key to the viability of norailways is constructing sections complete following completion of pre-construction elements, nogo / go hold point needed for start of construction (Conversion). Possibly construct a complete section in a 2 month period by constructing the works in say 1-2km sections between natural access points. The access points could be used as entry / exit points during operation. Two months is possible only because the scope of works is limited to track and track supports removal, removal of timber sleepers and some ballast, and generally a new asphalt finish is used. 

Other concurrent works during the construction phase may be: –

— Lowering of platforms (Main works – preconstruction and post construction excluded). Other station adjustments. It is possible that some now little used stations may be abandoned as replaced by off station routes joining no the norailway at a station. At main termini where no through traffic raise track from 915mm (?) below platform to 300mm (?).

— Installation of battery swap stations, possibly at some of existing stations.

— Completion of initial exit / entry points.

— Testing and commissioning trial running on sections complete. Includes trials of Use of AI, even to identify passengers.

— Existing OHLE gantries could remain for later removal. One option for modules is to power at least part from existing OHLE, this needs further work as points are virtual and thus may not align or need modification of OHLE setup.

— Crossing of other non norailway electric third rail or OHLE power routes requires further detailing and possible further pre-construction.

— Other preconstruction works may relate to future proofing the following works / developments. Strategically would be opportune to construct duct and service route crossings in advance, it would be a pity if the norailways were to be regularly closed for modifications as is common in UK on roads today. Remember norailways would be generally 24/7 operations albeit with little traffic at nights.

2.4 Post-construction

This should be limited to the tidying up of details which could not be completed during pre-construction and construction phases. Aim would be to future proof the works during pre-construction and construction where possible, so major changes should not generally be necessary.

I would envisage that the following may still be needed:-

— Completion of removal of now redundant electrical and signalling cabling and brackets, ducts, boxes and equipment.

— Complete station modifications or redevelopment.

— Additional entry / exit points based upon refinement to operations following a period of operation or to service new developments in area.

— Construction of lay-by at strategic positions in the event of a module breakdown or to allow emergency vehicles (Police/ fire / ambulance) etc to pass.

— Complete / upgrade battery swap facilities including static charging of modules at low demand periods.

— Longer term opportunities exist for the redevelopment of station car parks.
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Hand drawn sketches then graphics and animations (Help needed) to follow in due course. Further relevant links to be added shortly particularly in this section.
For further information or constructive comments email info@norailways.org with norailways in the title.