Modern rail infrastructure depends on a reliable power supply. Signal boxes, signalling systems and other railway technology can only operate safely over the long term if power cables are laid precisely and efficiently. This is particularly true of upgrade works along existing lines, where short possession times are decisive in keeping disruption to ongoing rail operations to a minimum.
This is precisely where our most recent project came in. On behalf of DB InfraGO AG, Klefenz supported the modernisation of the rail facilities at Weil am Rhein, laying around 2,000 metres of power cable within a closed section of track. Thanks to the use of modern equipment, the entire operation was completed in just a few hours.
The particular challenge lay not only in the tight time window, but also in the weight of the material. The power cable used weighs around five tonnes per kilometre, placing considerable demands on logistics and execution. A road-rail excavator with a special drum attachment was deployed, rotating the cable drum in a controlled, even motion. This allowed the cable-laying team to take the power cable off the drum continuously and without interruption, and to lay it directly in place. Carried out purely by hand, this project would have taken around ten working days. Thanks to the laying equipment used, however, the entire cable installation was completed within a few hours.
Deploying modern machinery significantly reduced the manpower required while cutting the necessary track closure times to a minimum. The combination of experienced specialists and high-performance equipment enabled the entire construction project to be delivered economically, precisely and on schedule.
With the successful completion of the works, another important contribution has been made to the modernisation of the rail infrastructure. The newly laid power cables create the basis for a reliable power supply to the technical installations and help to secure the capacity and long-term viability of the line for years to come.
The project at Weil am Rhein demonstrates once again what Klefenz is capable of in railway construction. Through the targeted use of modern laying equipment, even power cables weighing several tonnes can be installed safely and efficiently in the shortest possible time. As a reliable partner to DB InfraGO AG, Klefenz helps to make optimal use of track closures, to shorten construction times considerably and to modernise rail infrastructure sustainably.
Whether it is a demanding construction project or a professional perspective – Klefenz stands for experience, reliable collaboration and a clear commitment to quality. If you would like to realise a project or become part of our company, we look forward to speaking with you and taking the next step together.
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