Stepping Up To The Challenge Of Access For All And Working In Live Environments
Access for All and Step Free Access projects test the ingenuity and flexibility of infrastructure contractors. They frequently involve significant modifications to established stations on the mainline rail and underground networks. Because of this, they have to be carried out while stations are kept in service and with the briefest possible closures.
The added complication (or opportunity if you look at it the right way) is that it makes sense to combine AfA works with other schemes such as platform extensions and safety improvements.
Upgrades to Feltham Station included all of these elements. Enabling works were needed to extend platforms for new 10 car trains. Alongside this, the scheme included a new step free footbridge, ramped station entrance, diversion of a major water main and closure of a dangerous level crossing.
Reducing Disruption With Offsite Methods
Offsite fabrication, paired with meticulous project control, is consistently proving to be an enabling technology that allows complex schemes like this to be delivered with minimum disruption to services and passengers. In this case, temporary and permanent footbridges, precast abutments, retaining walls, and ramp and platform components were all made offsite. They were rapidly craned into position during brief possessions using track-mounted lifting equipment.
Every possession milestone was met and there were zero incidents. Train services on the London-Heathrow link continued to operate throughout.
‘Right First Time’ Is Essential
In live environments and with tight possessions there are few second chances to get things right. Osborne’s commitment to quality and ‘right first time’ was recently recognised by London Underground with the LUL Quality Benchmark Award.
The award followed the completion of renewal and upgrade programmes at Ickenham and Debden stations. Debden was the first of four stations upgraded under the Step Free Access Scheme to enter service. The award criteria consider how projects are set up and managed for faultless delivery, with excellent communications and risk management.
The Ickenham team were also complimented by the ORR for demonstrating excellent risk control and their understanding of how works affect the operational railway.
The pressures on the modern rail network make expertise in working in live environments a basic requirement. It’s then possible to build on this core expertise to deliver better outcomes and more value from each project.
To learn more about how Osborne is adapting to the evolving demands of modern transport infrastructure, visit our transport infrastructure resource centre or contact Mike Todd ([email protected]).
