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“This submission is to recognise and celebrate the sublot 8.2 blockades team in achieving two bridge drives during rail blockades on the West Coast Main Line and South Staffordshire Line, working for Balfour Beatty Vinci on the HS2 project.
In the last 12 months, the team has led and managed the change in the permanent works design from bridge jacking to driving in the bridge structures, constructed offline using SPMTs (self-propelled modular transporters). This change demonstrates value engineering by mitigating risk during the rail possessions, decreasing the temporary works requirements and reducing the volume of temporary concrete thus lowering carbon emissions.
The team has been focused on co-ordination with the key stakeholder, Network Rail, leading DWWP meetings, building relationships with the ASPRO team and preparation of deliverables to provide confidence in the programme. The team showed positive engagement with Network Rail and ensured BBV demonstrates a strong company reputation for delivering works that interface the railway. The team were conscientious in ensuring all workers had an awareness of the programme of works during the blockades, sufficient resources for supervision and all documentation was accepted by Network Rail before commencing works. Network Rail fed back that both blockades were well organised; this building of relationships stands BBV in a good position for future works that interface with the existing rail network. This is imperative to the longevity of the HS2 project.
The team has shown a diligent attitude throughout the works, maintaining a high standard of work, zero RIDDOR’s and a commitment to deliver the work as per the Client’s specifications. Though the rail possessions were demanding, the team continued to be conscientious, communicated updates clearly to all organisations involved and maintained a calm and collected work environment. It was evident that the team came together and supported one another, all aligned to achieve the same outcome.
These two bridge drives showcased big engineering feats to the wider BBV team and the public, featuring in numerous engineering journals and rail articles. The BBV team delivered the largest install of a single concrete portal structure using SPMTs, demonstrating the team's influence in the civil engineering industry, with triumphant firsts. The team showed the HS2 media team around the site so that footage could be captured to showcase the spectacular works to the general public, providing a unique insight into the extent of work involved and the scale of the bridges.
The SL8.2 blockade team championed teamwork, sharing lessons learnt between the West Coast Main Line specific team and the South Staffordshire team and vice versa. Examples included a dedicated rail possession orientation to brief on the site of segregated working principle, sharing of technical knowledge on parapet installation and displaying best practices for concreting up to soffits. This led to greater efficiency in resource allocation, refining a safe and effective methodology for the installation of parapets when working at height and planning appropriate construction methodologies to achieve the right first time.
In conclusion, the sublot 8.2 blockades team have collaborated to deliver two bridge drives on the HS2 project. There has been clear leadership where leaders have taken people with them, resulting in two engineers achieving their professional chartership with the ICE, one apprenticeship completion and one graduate programme signed off. The development of engineers is integral to upskilling and showcases that HS2 is more than a railway, but an investment in people and the engineering sector.“
“It is an absolute pleasure to be working alongside and being part of a great team who managed the blockade with a cool efficiency that you can’t help but admire. Years of planning/organising and adapting by members of this HS2 and BBV resulted in a seamless blockade at Fulfen Wood.
Not only was this operation carried out effectively and to an incredibly high-quality standard - I can honestly say it was great fun coming to work with this team. Every challenge was meant with a positive approach and nothing was too difficult to overcome.
Excellent teamwork resulted in a very successful, safe, efficient project. All the buzzwords that you could associate with an excellent project are, without a doubt, applicable in this case!
Well done BBV Sub lot 8!“
“The Balfour Beatty Vinci SL8 integrated project team played an integral role in the development and planning of the two HS2 bridge installation schemes at Fulfen Wood (WCML) and Streethay (BJW3). Both intersection bridges were installed during the summer 2023 railway blockades.
The team worked closely with the Design Joint Venture and the BBV Earthworks team as well as the wider supply chain including SB3, Pod Trac, Bryne Bros, Murphy's, Mammoet and TPA to ensure both schemes were delivered safely, on programme and to budget.
Thanks also to Network Rail and HS2 for their continued support and collaboration over the last three years.“
“During July and August, the BBV Sublot 8.2 team successfully delivered two significant blockades to install HS2 overbridges at Streethay and Fulfen Wood with both blockade works running in parallel during the ten days of the Fulfen Wood blockade.
Fulfen Wood overbridge runs under the West Coast Main Line and the construction methodology was selected to minimise disruption to rail passengers with the bridge being constructed offline and then moved into position during the blockade in what is believed to be the UK’s heaviest single span bridge drive.
Streethay overbridge runs under the South Staffordshire line and is located in a significant HS2 cutting so required piling under the existing railway during the blockade as well as in situ concrete works. The construction methodology required a significantly longer blockade of 72 days.
Both blockades had unique challenges which were successfully managed by the BBV Sublot 8.2 team to ensure that the blockades were completed on time and the works were delivered safely and to the required quality.
The BBV Sublot 8.2 Team have demonstrated a diligent attitude during the successful delivery of these HS2 assets and delivered the works in line with the HS2 values:
- Respecting communities by supporting small and medium enterprises and through noise mitigation especially during overnight works.
- Challenging designs and proposing engineered solutions to ensure value for money for UK taxpayers.
- Working collaboratively with HS2 Ltd through the integrated project team, with Network Rail as the key stakeholder and across the BBV supply chain.
- Ensuring that ancient woodlands were protected and vegetation was re-planted to deliver no net loss for local biodiversity.“
“During the Summer of 2023 - Mammoet UK played a key role in two major railway blockades delivered by the BBV Sublot 8.2 integrated project team. Working collaboratively with the Mott MacDonald / Systra JV (DJV), to first develop and then integrate a Richter Associates temporary works design into the wider permanent works reinforced concrete design.
Various members of the project team worked closely together on two significant bridge structures, to develop innovative installation methodology. At 6,200te, Fulfen Wood was the heaviest bridge structure in the UK designed to be transported by Self Propelled Modular Trailers (SPMTs). The Fulfen Wood structure was successfully installed during a 9-day blockade of the West Coast Main line in July 2023.
Remarkably, during this period, the same Sublot 8.2 team were employed constructing and preparing for the installation of a 2,600te structure during a 72-day blockade of the South Staffordshire line. This structure was designed to be installed using the same SPMT equipment but employing a very different temporary works design. This design was produced by the Taylor Woodrow in house design team, with DJV once again providing the permanent works design.
Both structures were delivered safely, ahead of programme, and significantly below the original budget, with a projected saving close to £1.2m. Originally the bridge at Fulfen Wood was going to be installed by a slide and the structure on the South Staffordshire Line by an in situ top-down build. The change of methodology on both structures was driven by the Sublot 8.2 Team.
The 6,200t Fulfen Wood structure was also installed during a “live” television broadcast at 6.00 pm on BBC Midlands today and showcased the innovation being utilised on HS2. This brought Rail Engineering to focus on a truly great achievement by the Sublot 8.2 BBV team and key supply chain partners“
““During both Railway blockades in summer 2023, RSS Infrastructure provided all SMTH Testing support, a key support function on both blockades and were extremely impressed by the level of co-ordination and integration exhibited by the Balfour Beatty Vinci, HS2, Network Rail teams pulled together under the BBV Sublot 8.2 project team banner. To deliver a project the size of Fulfen Wood during a 9 day blockade of the West Coast Main line was exceptional, but to do it at the same time as also delivering a second structure during a 72day blockade is extremely unusual and it was fantastic be part of the delivery team.““
“Richter played an integral role in the development of the temporary works for Fulfen wood project
The Richter team worked with the BBV and Design Joint Venture team as well as the wider supply chain to enable temporary works to be developed.
Richter produced the 4d modelling animation utilised extensively on social media – and worked with NWR, BBV and HS2 to co-ordinate on site works and visually mesh the supply chain into an efficient delivery model.“
“SB3 supported the Sublot 8.2 BBV project team in the delivery of the two bridges at SL8.2 - Fulfen Wood & Streethay. During both the planning and execution phases of the works BBV worked collaboratively with SB3 to ensure we were fully integrated within their team and the methods and procedures adopted were the most appropriate. The success of this collaboration is evidenced by the team meeting the required programme whilst maintaining high standards of both safety and quality.“
“I am thrilled to nominate the Balfour Beatty Vinci SL8.2 Team for the prestigious Rail Staff Award in recognition of their exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions during the summer 2023 railway blockades. The team's efforts were pivotal in the successful planning and installation of two critical HS2 bridge projects at Fulfen Wood and Streethay.
The team demonstrated unparalleled expertise in project development and planning, laying the groundwork for the successful execution of the bridge installation schemes. Their meticulous attention to detail ensured a seamless coordination of resources and activities.
Despite the challenges posed by the railway blockades, the team's unwavering commitment to safety, adherence to timelines, and efficient financial management ensured that both bridge installation schemes were completed on schedule and within budget constraints. Their dedication to excellence set a new standard in project delivery. The team's success was further amplified by the invaluable support and collaboration received from Network Rail and HS2. Their continuous support over the past years has been instrumental in facilitating the team's achievements.
In conclusion, the BBV SL8.2 team's exceptional performance, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to safety and excellence make them highly deserving of the Rail Staff Award. Their achievements not only reflect their professional competence but also embody the spirit of teamwork and innovation that drives the rail industry forward.
I wholeheartedly endorse this nomination, confident that the team's remarkable efforts will serve as an inspiration to others within the industry. Their dedication to overcoming challenges and delivering outstanding results exemplifies the very best in railway project management.“
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the Railstaff awards, and also the event itself was absolutely superb, what a brilliant evening, I am still smiling. Thank you very much.”
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