Project Outline

Murphy was commissioned by Iarnród Éireann to carry out extensive civil engineering works at Grand Canal Dock Station, in Dublin. Major refurbishments were required to prepare for the new South Western commuter trains, which commenced operation in 2016. 

The works involved demolition and reconstruction of the railway viaduct wall, including ground anchoring on the canal side. 

We fabricated and installed the steel footbridge and stairs. These extended from the island platform across the electrified railway and cantilevered over the Grand Canal Basin, onto the anchored support structure on the viaduct wall. 

Key challenges

The main challenge was that the works were executed whilst the Grand Canal Dock Station, located on one of busiest rail commuter belts in Ireland, remained live and open to passengers on a daily basis. This was overcome by the strategic segregation of works from the live platform. 

A large amount of the works were undertaken, which was challenging for the mobilisation of heavy machinery and materials. In response to this, we floated a pontoon from Charlotte Quay Dock to the works area, in order to transport these items. 

Additionally, the works were completed under challenging night-time isolations, with critical emphasis on the timely handback of rail infrastructure for the busy day-time commuter route. Precise planning had to be implemented and ongoing monitoring of work during the nightshift, in order to guarantee handover for the first DART at 6am every morning. 

Project delivery and innovations

We were appointed as works contractor and the project supervisor construction stage for the Grand Canal Dock Station. The works involved demolition and reconstruction of the railway viaduct wall, including ground anchoring on the canal side. 

Having a great deal of experience in value engineering, we were able to proactively engage with the client’s design team to reach innovative design solutions. 

With our structural steel fabrication workshop at Newbridge, Co. Kildare and in-house expertise, we were in an ideal position to deliver the bespoke steel solutions required for the project. The steel footbridge and stairs were both fabricated and installed by ourselves. These extended from the island platform, across the electrified railway and cantilevered over the Grand Canal Basin, onto the anchored support structure on the viaduct wall. 

Key facts:  
  • Demolition and reconstruction of railway viaduct wall on landside 
  • Ground anchor strengthening to viaduct wall on canal side 
  • Foundation embedment into canal wall for bridge and stairs 
  • Fabrication and installation of steel footbridge and stairs. These extended from the island platform across the electrified railway (DART) and cantilevered over Grand Canal Basin onto the anchored support structure on the viaduct wall 
  • Platform copings and surfacing 
  • Floating fender to viaduct in Grand Canal Basin 
  • Lighting and CCTV installations to bridge and platforms 
  • Installation of isolated cantilever signal structures to viaduct 

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Structural Steel capability

We have a dedicated, multi-disciplined team of structural engineers, draftsmen, welding inspectors, welding engineers, workshop managers, project managers, welders and fabricators. We provide bespoke steel solutions to key industries including building, bridges, civil engineering, marine, pharmaceutical, power, rail and pipework.

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