Over the last 12 months, the newly created Electrical Division of Coolcheck Refrigeration has been working to facilitate the construction work on the new Tyne Tunnel and, more recently, on the refurbishment of the old Tyne Tunnel. The company has had a long history of successful involvement in the air-conditioning and refrigeration markets but decided to diversify last year.
Tony Elsom, electrical installation manager, explains, “This new division was set up in January 2010 to provide the temporary power and lighting for the work on the two Tyne Tunnels. This was a major diversification for us and a huge step forward into a completely new area of work. “I joined in the January with two men when we got the contract.”
The work has been in two stages – firstly on the new Tunnel and then, more recently, on the original Tunnel. The new Tunnel site was 1,100m long and Coolcheck firstly received the contract for the work on the north of the River Tyne. Then, in April 2010, they received the contract for the whole tunnel site from the north to the south.
According to Tony, “As a result of this work, our division has now grown to a total of 10 Electrical operatives and engineers. We had to install the switchboards for the temporary lighting on the site at each end of the Tunnel and throughout the Tunnel. This included the provision of 110 Volt transformers for the lights. At the north end we had 40 twin fittings with a total of 120 on the whole Tunnel site. In addition, we had to install temporary emergency lighting and signage in the access tunnels for the workers. We also had to provide temporary 415 Volt power supplies for all of the heavy machinery on site as well as 110 volt for the power tools. In all, this was one of the largest construction sites in operation in the country.”
Another aspect of the work was the provision of engineers for Axima-Seitha, a French ventilation company, and SPIE WHS who were providing the traffic signage and communication equipment.
The New Tunnel opened in February 2011, at which time the Old Tunnel was closed for refurbishment. However, in order to ensure that everything was working perfectly, the temporary power supplies and lighting had to be left in place in the New Tunnel for three days before being moved to the Old Tunnel.
Tony concluded, “During all of this work, we still had to continue with other projects, including work at NISA shops and at Co-op Banks. We received our NICEIC Accreditation in 2010 as a result of the work we have carried out including on the Tyne Tunnel and we have had a first class report form Bouygues – the main contractors for the work that we have carried out. We have now also received orders for work from the Greggs bakers. It has been a rapid start up for us, but having worked successfully on such a large contract to begin with, we have got to believe that we have a bright future ahead of us.”
For further information please telephone 0191 259 1888
