Ainscough Crane Hire plays crucial role in Metrolink tunnel beam replacement project

Ainscough Crane Hire’s Manchester depot has supported essential works to repair a key Metrolink tunnel on the Bury line in Greater Manchester by delivering a critical lifting operation to replace a section of ageing tunnel infrastructure and securing its long-term operation and safety.

The leading lifting company recently completed a high-precision 24-hour mobilisation and lifting operation to support the renewal of a key tram tunnel on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) its Operator & Maintainer Keolis-Amey and its delivery partner Story Contracting.

Whitefield Tunnel, part of the Metrolink Bury-Manchester line, dates back to 1876 and lies beneath critical utilities and a live road, requiring meticulous planning, precise crane positioning and safe execution.

The tunnel required replacement of roof beams after a routine inspection revealed a fractured iron support beam. The renewed structure is now fitted with precast concrete roof beams and supports following a planned six-day engineering work closure.

Ainscough Crane Hire was engaged to deliver and operate a 230-tonne mobile crane around the clock to install the new precast units. The work took place in the following sequence:

• Positioning crane mats, delivering tackle, and preparing for the crane and site team.
• Rigging the crane and commencing the installation of cill units at road level.
• Installing the remaining concrete beams.
• Continuing with the installation of additional concrete beams.
• Finalising the lifting of beams and ensured all structural units were in place.
• De-rigged the crane and arranged for wagons to collect crane mats, ballast and tackle.

Working day and night without interruption, the team ensured the heavy lifting component was completed within the narrow closure window.

This around-the-clock operation demonstrates Ainscough’s ability to mobilise high tonnage lifting quickly, safely and efficiently within the constraints of a live transport environment.

The project was successfully completed on time, enabling tram services between Bury and Manchester to resume as scheduled.

This renewal work forms part of TfGM’s substantial infrastructure investment programme, helping future-proof the network and deliver safe, reliable services for passengers.

Eve Hugill, hire controller, Ainscough Crane Hire, said: “This project underpins TfGM’s mission to deliver a safe, reliable and resilient tram network for years to come and it was a privilege to be involved in a job that is so important for our region.

“Around-the-clock operations in a confined tunnel space with heavy precast units demand precision, coordination and specialist equipment. We are proud to have delivered safely and on time, supporting such an important infrastructure asset for Greater Manchester.”