Hubberts Bridge Modular Platform for Network Rail

Hubberts Bridge Modular Platform for Network Rail

Working directly for NWR, SYSTRA developed the Civil, Geotechnical, M&E and Modular design for the platform, which is supported on piles. These piles were installed in advance of our works by AMCO Giffen, our construction client.

On Tuesday night of the 14th April 2020, all of the 7.32m long platform sections and 2no Ramp sections of our 6 Bay frame were transported from the adjacent Siding and lifted into position by a Road Rail Vehicle (RRV) supplied by SYSTRA. The platform was also set to Gauge during this possession.

Following the initial install of the 6 bay steel frames installed using RRVs, we proceeded to install the remainder of platform which included-

• Installation of all steelwork including/ surface deck pans, rear fence line and end fence and gates.
• A waterproof membrane was then applied over the platform surface.
• A front white facia was secured to the front of platform which then allowed us to install all coper and tactile units.
• We then used one of our approved asphalt contractors to install the tarmac surfacing.

All works were completed at night when no trains were running and all activities were completed in 3 weeks.

This was a high priority project due to the existing platform being decommissioned in January because its foundations were failing, and the TOC/NR required a replacement as soon as reasonably practical. NWR believed the ideal solution would be SYSTRA’s product which led to our commission.

The platform is now complete except for the waiting shelter. Due to Covid-19 this item has yet to be installed, however the platform was entered into passenger service on the 1st June 2020. All works were undertaken in line with the requirements of Social Distancing and our COVID 19 risk assessment for this project.

SYSTRA supports Midlands Connect transport strategy development

Since 2017, we have been leading a team in the development of a multi-billion pound transport strategy that connects all parts of the East Midlands region to the HS2 station at Toton, the jobs at the adjacent Innovation Campus development and the wider growth areas, to maximise the predicted economic benefits of the High-Speed Rail network in this region. The strategy also ensures that the growth opportunities are fully inclusive of all communities in the area, including the deprived areas of the East Midlands region.

The study involved the assessment of options from a viability and engineering perspective, the identification of the strategy in consultation with the local authorities and other stakeholders, and the development of a set of business case documents and supporting evidence (which is the basis of the overall strategy and is being used to influence the DfT and the HS2 Hybrid bill by the councils).

This resulted in a multi-modal transport strategy that includes heavy and light rail, bus rapid transit, active mode and highway schemes that have been unveiled by East Midlands Councils and Midlands Connect.

Midlands Connect press release and BBC coverage.

Interest in walking and cycling increases as exercise is encouraged and people switch from public transport

Increasing demand for wider pavements and new cycleways is likely to continue, even after travel restrictions are lifted, reports SYSTRA Ltd in a new representative research study of 1,500 UK residents.

Many people are choosing to walk and cycle as part of their daily exercise ‘allowance’ and are swapping to active travel for other daily journeys during the current lockdown. Roughly four in five (80%) of them expect to continue this change.

One in five people expect to use public transport less once restrictions are lifted, and whilst ‘fear of getting ill’ is the main reason given, one in seven people say it is because they have found a new way to travel.

• Of those whose walking for leisure/exercise has increased (36%), 81% think they will continue this change.
• Of those whose cycling for leisure/exercise has increased (9%), 74% think they will continue this change.

The research study also reveals a wider shift in working patterns as one in six (17%) of UK full or part time workers believe they will work from home more once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted. This is primarily to save the commute time and cost, and to provide a better work-life balance.

This predicted change in working location is the reason behind a quarter (24%) of the predicted reduction in public transport use. In addition, two-thirds (67%) believe virtual meetings will replace some or all business trips or meetings, further reducing the need to travel.

Passengers say they could make fewer trips after pandemic

We found that 20% are predicting a decrease in their public transport use after COVID-19, compared with before the travel restrictions were put in place. Passengers also told us that this was because of concerns over getting ill, and because some commuters will be changing their working travel habits.

KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:

• 20% predict making fewer trips by public transport after travel restrictions are lifted, rising to 27% for those who use rail to commute.
• Of those expecting to reduce their use of public transport, 49% will do so because of concerns over getting ill; 24% said they will work from home more; and 14% said they have found another way of making their journey.
• 17% of full and part time workers believe they will work from home more once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted. Reasons cited were saving the commute time and cost, and wanting a better work-life balance.
• 67% believe virtual meetings will replace some or all business trips or meetings.
• The survey covered the following regions: London, South East (excluding London), South West, West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside, North West, North East, East, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

We are undertaking further behavioural modelling to understand the wider travel impacts on life after Covid-19 for UK cities and regions. More results will be added to this page, and our experts will be considering what the results could mean for wider society, climate change, different transport modes, different users, and across the different UK regions.

ICE Supervising Civil Engineer, Delegated Engineer & Mentor Forum

Supervising Civil Engineers (SCE), Delegated Engineers (DE) and Approved Mentors were invited to attend this forum which was an opportunity to receive an update on ICE approved training and professional development activities.

Employees who are currently mentoring, or planning to mentor others towards their professional qualification with the ICE (at EngTech, IEng or CEng) but are not formally registered as such, were also invited to attend.

The event took place after Elizabeth Thompson (Membership Development Officer for Yorkshire and the Humber) met with a group of our apprentices and degree apprentices in the morning.

SYSTRA awarded contract to deliver Rail Carbon Tool training

This web-based tool has so far been used on over 140 projects and allows users to undertake carbon footprint calculations of UK rail infrastructure projects. The results from the tool can be used to identify and select appropriate low carbon solutions, reducing whole life carbon with the potential for significant cost savings.

In line with the recently updated Network Rail, Environmental and Social Minimum Requirements, all rail infrastructure projects over £1 million will need to demonstrate that they have used the Rail Carbon Tool to identify opportunities for carbon reduction and to influence the specification of low carbon design and construction methods.

SYSTRAs’ Environment, Ecology and Sustainability team have used the tool successfully on projects in the past such as Oxford Station and Plumstead Depot and have an excellent working relationship with the RSSB, completing a research project for them last year and taking active roles in the Railway Industry Sustainability Forum and Carbon Management Working Group, both sponsored by the RSSB.

If you would like more information on the Rail Carbon Tool or the training course, visit the RSSB website.

SYSTRA Ltd Appoints Nick Salt as CEO

Nick joins the company from Galliford Try where he was Managing Director for Infrastructure. Nick has spent over 20 years in the design and delivery of infrastructure in rail and the wider transportation industry.

Nick Salt joins the UK Management Team, whose current members include: Andrew McNaughton, Chairman; Steve Higham, Engineering Divisional Director; Richard Hancox, Consultancy Director; Lauren Lloyd, Human Resources; and, Tim Lewis, Finance and Business Services Director.

Leeds Station Renovations Unveiled at Launch Event

SYSTRA worked with Network Rail to deliver architectural design and project management of this ambitious renovation programme for the southern concourse in less than one year. The work involved the reinvention of the late 1960’s wooden roof and updates to the station entrance, Southern concourse retail space, ticket gateline and public WC facilities. New lighting and a gold entrance façade adds to the passenger experience, and all completed whilst the station remained open to the public 24/7.

The architecture and engineering team at SYSTRA worked collaboratively, boldly driving an ambitious programme and ensuring that the station renovations went beyond expectations. The project delivered additional design elements to create a wow factor for the 30 million passengers travelling through Leeds every year, delivering an aesthetically pleasing finish and a more secure, future proof station.

To maximise first impressions a gold metal façade was chosen, a transparent roof was created to allow natural daylight to flood the concourse and human circadian rhythmic lighting was incorporated into the design to mimic natural daylight. Natural lines were created inside the concourse to encourage the ‘flow of traffic’ through the space, subliminally encouraging passengers to move in the direction of the gateline.

Out with the old, in with the see through

With a brief from Network Rail to remove the dark and dated wooden panelling from its roof and ‘bring in more light’ to the concourse, the project team knew they had their work cut out to transform the space within a 24hr functioning station in just 11 months. To add to the complexity, the brief outlined the requirement for removal of asbestos, electrical cabling and oil-based paint finishes.

The designers team developed a solution using Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) to allow natural daylight to flood through the roof whilst remaining strong, durable and long lasting. This translucent fluoride-based polymer sheeting offers notable high strength properties over a wide temperature range and high resistance to corrosion. The additional bonus of this material is that it’s light weight and quick to install, making it an ideal solution for the short timescale. The final result sees an impressive pillow design over two tiered levels, providing optimum amounts of light streaming through into the concourse.

Let there be light

In addition to the transparent roof, the team knew that on a dull overcast day, natural light would not deliver the full effect of the teams vision. To overcome this, the design incorporated a first for the railways by using a new lighting system, Human Circadian Rhythm Lighting (HCRL). Previously only used in the UK in a handful of care establishments, such as hospitals, HCRL mimics the light patterns of natural daylight with a cooler white light in the mornings and warmer yellow light in the evenings.

The technology behind the new lighting identifies with the human body’s need for rhythmic light patterns akin to the changing daily natural light cycles. In doing so, HCRL allows passengers to experience the same effect inside the station as that of the natural light patterns, resulting in the body clock remaining in sync and encouraging positive moods.

As good as gold

With the new entrance providing the main gateway to and from the city, the plans have involved the removal of the old, blue, square fronted canopy, making way for a new ‘pinched’ entrance canopy carrying a modern gold welcome into the city using anodised aluminium. Chosen for its light-weight and robust properties, the new gold façade provides a more upmarket first impression, tying in with the Southern entrance. The new entrance also includes new full height glazing, further enhancing the connections to New Station Street and the wider city centre.

Furthermore, old information boards and information points have been removed with new CIS, advertisement screens and a Customer Information Point installed to support a more intuitive passenger experience. The previous gateline caused passenger congestion, but the newly unveiled Automatic Ticket Gateline (ATG) arrangements are set to relieve congestion on both the concourse and platforms.

To complete the renovations, a new seated waiting area has been created at the southern concourse in between the entrance and the new Customer Information Point. This location has been carefully planned by the design team to create an obstruction-free flow of passenger traffic whilst allowing those waiting for their train times or loved ones to sit in a clutter free environment.

Other consultants working on the project for SYSTRA were M10 Fire, Fourways Telecoms, Kerbian, CCD, Buro Happold.

Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA joint venture awarded HS2 contract for Old Oak Common station

The joint venture will be responsible for the final design, construction and commissioning of Old Oak Common station in North West London, delivering six underground platforms as well as up to eight platforms on the adjacent Great Western Main Line.

Balfour Beatty’s in-depth expertise of constructing critical major transport terminals across the world will combine with VINCI’s knowledge in constructing high speed lines and UK rail infrastructure projects, and SYSTRA’s expertise in designing, integrating and project managing transport systems.

On completion, Old Oak Common station will become the UK’s best-connected station, providing direct services to three major airports, eight of Britain’s ten largest cities and forming part of one of Britain’s largest regeneration projects which will help create up to 65,000 jobs and 25,000 new homes in West London while also dramatically increasing rail capacity across the UK.

At construction peak the project will employ a direct management team of 140 and a wider workforce of approximately 2,500.

This latest contract award follows Balfour Beatty VINCI’s appointment in 2017 to deliver Lot N1 and Lot N2 of HS2’s main civil engineering works package in a two-part design and build contract, valued at c. £2.5 billion.

SYSTRA acquires TSP Projects doubling the size of its UK operations

This investment reinforces SYSTRA’s longstanding commitment to the UK, where it has been active for more than 50 years. It is the company’s first major engineering acquisition in the UK and follows the acquisitions of SIAS Transport Planners in 2016 and JMP Consultants Ltd in 2015.

By acquiring TSP Projects, SYSTRA is cementing its position as a major UK force in engineering and consultancy for mass transit, mobility and complex infrastructure. SYSTRA is already number five globally among mass transit and rail international design firms*, and the acquisition places the company firmly alongside the UK’s leading consulting engineering firms.

The architecture and engineering team at SYSTRA worked collaboratively, boldly driving an ambitious programme and ensuring that the station renovations went beyond expectations. The project delivered additional design elements to create a wow factor for the 30 million passengers travelling through Leeds every year, delivering an aesthetically pleasing finish and a more secure, future proof station.

EXPERTISE IN EVERY ASPECT OF RAIL PROJECTS, DELIVERED THROUGH AN EXPANDED UK FOOTPRINT

From today, TSP Projects will continue to operate as TSP Projects and run as a business unit of our UK & Ireland operations. The combined company will provide clients with a complete end-to-end service spanning every aspect of rail projects, as well as specialist understanding of mobility and complex infrastructure.

It will deliver expertise across the full project lifecycle, from strategic advisory and design to systems integration, programme and construction management, testing & commissioning, and asset management. This expertise will be delivered through a significantly expanded UK footprint, providing clients with a highly localised service.

SYSTRA’s national and international experience in high speed rail, heavy rail, metro, light rail transit and transport consultancy, combined with TSP Projects’ extensive experience in the UK heavy rail sector, will create a leader in transportation solutions expert in all aspects of rail engineering, complex infrastructure and transport planning.

TSP Projects’ expertise in civil engineering, electrification and track will expand and complement SYSTRA’s UK rail engineering services, which include detailed design and the commissioning of integrated systems.

The combined company will also give clients access to new digital services, smart technologies, international expertise and proven innovation developed across SYSTRA’s global portfolio of mass transit and mobility projects.

AN EXPANDED RANGE OF SERVICES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE OWNERS AND CONTRACTORS

UK clients will benefit from high-end, specialist technical expertise and high-quality production capacity across the full spectrum of design, engineering and programme/construction management. Serving infrastructure owners and operators, as well as contractors, the combined company will deliver specialist design & build, lead designer and programme management services.

SYSTRA is committed to driving TSP Projects’ expansion in sectors outside transportation, including energy from waste, modular construction and security.

A LONG-TERM FUTURE FOR TSP PROJECTS EMPLOYEES

TSP Projects staff will benefit from access to a broader range of opportunities through joining a 6,700-strong, global company with a 60-year track record in mass transit, mobility and infrastructure. TSP Projects employees will be able to apply their expertise to other markets and develop their skills in new areas and technologies.

The combined UK & Ireland team of more than 800 employees in 13 office locations will be able to export homegrown skills to clients across SYSTRA’s global operations in 80 countries.