Donna Qualtrough

Said the following about Darryl White:

“Darryl is an experienced project manager who instils confidence in those working around him, and is always calm and professional. His knowledge, honesty and customer focus promotes collaboration on every level. During his work on the Lincoln Eastern Bypass Scheme (LEB) he demonstrated great skill in keeping the project on track and to budget, whilst dealing with difficult challenges and managing multiple interfaces. He was always happy to speak to members of the public at open days, step in front of the camera for interviews or have a challenging conversation when required.

The LEB scheme replaced a small stone arch that was 4 metres wide, with one that is 40 metres wide with the capacity to have a dual carriageway built underneath. The 72 hours planned access in October 2017 was a significant milestone in the project, with the Council and its contractor waiting to commence the bypass underneath on schedule in March 2018. This access was only approved after a lengthy negotiation process, as the Lincoln to Spalding line is a key route for freight traffic. However, Darryl and the team worked extremely hard to promote confidence in the programme and the contractor’s ability to deliver as planned, which was a key factor in this being agreed by the industry.

At one point 2,000 tonnes of stone a day was being brought onto site, and the two 107 tonne bridge beams were brought from Darlington with a police escort; which Darryl even went out to photograph on his day off. All of this being done while the largest single archaeological project carried out in Lincolnshire was occurring either side of the railway embankment, unearthing finds of national and international significance; with over 200,000+ artefacts dating back to 11,000 BC, and over 700 skeletons. The excavations took longer than expected and so a phased handover had to be negotiated.

In Darryl’s own words: “The findings are of huge cultural and local significance, so it’s been great to see our teams working side-by-side for the community.”

Storm Brian was scheduled to hit the UK during the planned possession weekend, and with limited warning the team safely re-planned it’s work and removed the need for a crane (due to the high winds), disassembled the skid track beams and reassembled them using 50-tonne excavators. This allowed for the track to be disassembled, a 600-tonne rail bridge deck to be slid into place underneath, and then the tracks reassembled; with the line re-opening to services on time!

Darryl encourages innovation and demonstrates the problem-solving skills required for these difficult projects, he builds lasting and trust worthy relationships with stakeholders and contractors alike. He is great asset to the team, and it’s always a pleasure to work with him.“