Challenge
As part of Transport for Greater Manchester's £150 million network improvement programme, ageing drainage beneath one of the busiest sections of the Metrolink network needed replacing. Existing infrastructure no longer provided sufficient capacity, and water management had to be improved without extending tightly controlled rail possessions. The system needed to withstand repeated rail loading while maintaining hydraulic performance, all within an operational light rail environment where programme certainty was essential.
Solution
Rosehill Drainage System formed the drainage core of Aqua Fabrications' Track Enhancement Drainage System (TED), designed with InoRail Design. Approximately 210 metres of modular drainage was installed beneath the track, with stackable modules providing significant water storage within a compact footprint. Lightweight recycled rubber components simplified handling compared with conventional materials, allowing rapid installation during planned engineering possessions while integrating with the wider track renewal works.
Result
Drainage capacity was improved across a critical section of the Metrolink network, with the system designed to accommodate rainfall events up to 1-in-1000-year storms with a 40% climate change allowance. More than 20 tonnes of waste was diverted from landfill through the use of recycled rubber, and approximately 14 tonnes of CO₂ emissions were avoided compared with equivalent concrete drainage construction — all while reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
- 1-in-1000-year storm design
- 40% climate change allowance
- 20+ tonnes diverted from landfill
- ~14 tonnes CO₂ avoided vs concrete
- Installed within planned possessions
- Integrated with Aqua Fabrications' TED
