West Coast Route Modernisation - Crewe to Kidsgrove Electrification

Contract Details.
Client: WS Atkins Consultants
Overall project value: £30m

Background.

A crucial element of Network Rail's blockade strategy for the West Coast main line involved electrification of the 16km Crewe to Kidsgrove line. A fast track programme allowed less than 3 months for design and approvals, prior to a 3½ month blockade for construction works.

Geotechnical Issues.

• Design of piled foundations for approximately 300no masts, utilising a 610mm diameter driven steel tube, installed from a "piling train".
• Risk assessment of embankment stability during pile driving
• Embankment stabilisation at three locations, involving two lengths of tied sheet pile wall and a section of re-grade where space permitted.
• Consideration of cutting stability where OLE structures are present
• Coal and salt mining beneath the route
• Limited ground investigation data was supplemented by using cone penetration testing from rail mounted vehicles.

Raison Foster Associates Brief. Raison Foster Associates worked as a sub-consultant to WS Atkins Consultants as part of the design team to project manage and co-ordinate the geotechnical design for this railway electrification scheme. The project required a fast-track programme to deliver the outline and final designs and prepare approvals documents to meet the construction deadlines. This involved close liaison with the construction team, electrification and structures teams and Network Rail project team. Design solutions were developed by the geotechnical team to suit the programme constraints. The programme was met and the electrification project was completed within the blockade period during May to August 2003.

Employer Project Manager: Network Rail Bechtel
Construction / design team: WCRM OLE Alliance
Geotechnical Consultant: W S Atkins Consultants
Raison Foster Client: W S Atkins Consultants