Alstom has launched a new cantilever specifically for the UK rail network.
The CLever (a play on the word cantilever) has been designed by Osvaldo Cariboni Lecco – an Alstom company –  in northern Italy for 25kV railway electrification and allows for speeds of up to 300km/h.
According to Alstom, the product is safer to handle, has minimal maintenance requirements, is quicker to install and is more affordable over its lifecycle because it is lightweight and has a minimal part count.
It is also compatible with Network Rail’s Series 2 and Master Series range of electrification equipment, and its launch in the UK follows approval of the new electrification system for UK use by Network Rail.
Alstom’s engineering and technical director Steve Cox said: “This solution is more affordable and safer than conventional ones.
“With electrification continuing to be a priority for the UK network, CLever’s high adjustability, easy installation, reduced weight and easy maintenance mean it can play an important role in achieving our electrification targets.”
Alstom launched the product at Railtex on May 10.
New overhead structures, ganteries and new overhead wires have been installed and erected on the Great Eastern Main Line between London Liverpool Street and Chelmsford and new overhead structures and new overhead wires are to be installed on the Southend Victoria line as the GEML and Southend Victoria line were energised at 1500v DC before converted to 25,000v AC.
Plus new overhead wires and overhead structures to be erected and installed on the Manchester-Gosslop and Hatfield lines (Ardwick-Gosslop & Hatfield route where it once was part of the Woodhead line as the overhead wires were energised at 1500v DC before it was taken down and parts were converted to 25,000v AC to Hatfield and Gosslop.
Can Alstom advise on TSI compliance status for the CLever cantilever