COLLABORATIVE WORKING
netting have been installed.
be mixed with the existing technology. And, even though the new kit may be temporarily controlled through the Stafford signal boxes, we will shortly migrate everything down to control at Rugby ROC.”
Another key part of the programme will be the installation of bi-directional signalling for all platforms and enabling an increase in the slow line speeds (predominantly used by local passenger/freight services) from 75mph to 100mph between Great Bridgeford (near Norton Bridge) and Stafford. Running from spring 2014 to late 2015 with an August 2015 commissioning date, the majority of the works will also be delivered during weekends and midweek nights.
Norton Bridge flyover
The final phase of the project, which was subject to a Development Consent Order and has been four years in the planning, is the flyover at Norton Bridge that will see six miles of new 100mph railway installed.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin MP finally granted the Order on 31 March 2014 after the application process started back in October 2010. The proposed body of construction work includes a grade-separated junction, 10 new bridge structures and one bridge enhancement, four river diversions, major environmental mitigation works, pipeline, road and footpath diversions and the construction of temporary haul roads.
Main works are scheduled to run from spring 2014 to 2017, with key commissionings in 2016. These works have been preceded by preparatory works carried out under separate planning consent. And, so far, as part of its ecological mitigation works, 14km of great crested newt fencing and 2km of hedge
Matt Clark, project manager of Norton Bridge, said that a key point in the construction phase is between June 2014-August 2015 on the construction of bridge 5 (rail over rail) and 5a (road over rail). “Some of the material we are generating through excavation and cutting means that those bridges need to be in place in order to move key materials for the project,” he stated.
He outlined that construction of the new road junction at Chebsey Lane, to accommodate construction traffic using the main compound, is to be complete by June 2014. And, during the same month, bulk earthworks and structures construction will begin. It is anticipated that track installation on the new alignment will also commence in June 2015.
as developed in Australia – based around one unified agreement where all parties share the benefits and the risks.
Jones said: “We brought the four project partners together and through the Alliance we are hoping to transform the infrastructure delivery of the project, which will be defined through excellence in collaboration and creating a positive lasting legacy for Staffordshire.
“It is not just about going in building and improving the railway; the lasting legacy and how we interact with the community are a fundamental part of what we will be doing. This will not be successful as a programme if we do not do this.”
“By the end of the project,” said Clark, “we will deliver the new flyover, removing a key bottleneck at Norton Bridge junction and segregating intercity, commuter and freight traffic. During Easter 2016 there will be a 102-hour possession period for flyover commissioning, with major works taking place over the May and Spring bank holidays – by doing what we are doing we should save 23 weeks on the original strategy.”
It is also expected that the overall SAIP project, which was originally estimated to cost £940m and is now costing £250m, will be delivered ahead of schedule.
Collaborative working
Of course, another interesting aspect of the delivery is that it is the first major contract to be carried out using the ‘Pure Alliance’ model,
The Alliance manager added that building on the recent completion of line speed improvements between Crewe and Norton Bridge, the last few months have been major milestones for SAIP. “Our key focus now,” he said, “is to deliver these works efficiently and effectively and to minimise the impact they will have on the local community.”
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There have been alliances before to deliver rail infrastructure works, notably the one that delivered the Hitchin Flyover. But they have still basically been an alliance agreement overlaid on top of a more traditional contract. Jones said: “What we are doing here is the next step. It means all four parties need to be aligned; working to certain values and behaviours in a collaborative manner.”
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