Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s Energy team is excited to have completed successful trials of the innovative twin CatchBlock overhead line catenary roller system by Slingco, bringing a range of benefits to its Energy business and its customers.

The trials took place on the ZZA site in Sunderland where the Morgan Sindall Infrastructure team was able to experience first-hand how the system recovers and redeploys broken conductors without the need for road/rail or customer/third party property or infrastructure possession. The system facilitates the safe passage of conductors over inaccessible obstacles like rivers, railways, roads, or buildings, simplifying the process and improving project timelines.

Representatives from Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s key customers such as National Grid and Network Rail attended the trials, witnessing effective deployment of the system on the ZZA overhead line diversion. The new system offers significant advantages including reduced costs and eliminates the need for large scaffolds and property protection during conductor refurbishment projects, increasing people’s safety and minimising local impacts in urban environments.

A drone flight captured detailed footage of CatchBlock in action, showcasing its seamless functionality and potential applications.

Rob Nuttall, energy director at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said: “The completion of these trials marks a significant milestone in redefining overhead line installations. This means the seamless replacement of conductors with minimal disruption to infrastructure."

Jamie Sintes, business development manager at Slingco, said: “We have loved partnering with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure on this exciting project. The entire crew have been brilliant to work with and the trials, with the involvement of Network Rail and National Grid, have been a great success. We look forward to continuing to support Morgan Sindall Infrastructure through the rest of the project.”