Client:
BAM Nuttall
Location:
Dewsbury
Product:
ReLuminate
The TRU aims to modernise the 122km rail route between Manchester and York, passing through Leeds and Huddersfield, with goals of faster, greener, and more reliable journeys.
Project Phases
Project W3, as the most congested and restricted part of the line, is a key part of the TRU which looks to upgrade the section between Huddersfield and Ravensthorpe. This involves doubling the number of tracks from two to four, introducing a grade separation at Ravensthorpe, and improving Huddersfield station.
Upon completion of the infrastructure enhancements between Huddersfield and Dewsbury, the route will support a service pattern of up to eight express and six local trains per hour. The additional fast line capacity is scheduled to become operational by 2027. A performance target of 92.5% or higher is set for each operating period to ensure consistent service reliability.
To support the construction activities and ensure efficient, sustainable, and safe operations, BAM Nuttall collaborated with VentaVolt to deploy 35 Solar Wind Street Lights on a number of sites located between Dewsbury and Huddersfield. Fully off-grid, these lights reduced dependency on the National Grid and eliminated the risk of power outages disrupting critical lighting functions during BAM Nuttall’s construction operations.
Benefits of the ReLuminate
VentaVolt’s ReLuminate lights provided the ideal illumination solution for BAM Nuttall’s Transpennine Rail Extension project, delivering reliable year-round lighting across the challenging rail corridor environment. The hybrid wind and solar energy system proved essential for maintaining continuous operations during the often unpredictable conditions in northern England, ensuring work could proceed safely regardless of the region’s variable weather and reduced daylight hours. ReLuminate also enhanced the security of the site compounds in rural locations with the Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors.
The ReLuminate system’s cable-free installation eliminated the complex trenching requirements that would have been particularly challenging near to existing rail infrastructure. The ability to relocate units proved invaluable as construction phases progressed along the rail corridor. Once positioned, the ReLuminate units operated independently throughout BAM Nuttall’s construction schedule, eliminating the need for further daily lighting management that would have diverted resources from other work. The self-cleaning capability proved particularly beneficial in the industrial environment, maintaining optimal light output despite exposure construction dust and debris.
Each ReLuminate unit’s 500m² coverage area provided optimal illumination across the site, with approximately 20% fewer lighting columns required compared to traditional systems. The adjustable lighting heads allowed precise control to prevent light spillage into nearby residential areas, ensuring compliance with Network Rail’s environmental requirements for construction lighting near populated areas.
VentaVolt maintains ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, demonstrating a commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship that aligned with BAM Nuttall’s requirements for the project. These internationally recognised standards provided the foundation for the company’s systematic approach to quality management and environmental responsibility.
Stakeholder Collaboration
The implementation of wind turbines across multiple sites presented several challenges for the client. The primary obstacles were logistical in nature, including securing necessary approvals for lifting equipment and ensuring all deliveries met Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) compliance standards, which VentaVolt were able to assist with.
As part of a successful product installation case study, the VentaVolt ensured all lifting operations were carried out safely by confirming ground conditions with the client, monitoring weather in line with crane manufacturer guidelines, enforcing strict PPE requirements, and conducting Toolbox Talks for all personnel. Certified lifting equipment was inspected prior to use and the HIAB vehicle was operated under controlled conditions with a clear method sequence, including a dummy lift to verify safety parameters.
An unexpected challenge arose at one location where the sound produced by turbines during extreme wind conditions frightened horses on a nearby property. In response, the VentaVolt team quickly developed and implemented a specialised braking mechanism designed to reduce turbine rotation speeds in these specific applications, effectively mitigating the noise issue.
Throughout the project, the team maintained transparent communication with stakeholders, issuing comprehensive technical reports that documented challenges encountered and provided actionable recommendations for future installations. This adaptive approach ensured the successful completion of the project while addressing both anticipated and unforeseen complications.
The ReLuminate system combines environmental responsibility, safety assurance and cost efficiency, delivering a forward-thinking lighting solution for projects that demand performance without compromise.
