The Spencer Groups works on the East Kent Resignalling Phase 2 project have been put in the spotlight with the visit of two senior Opposition Ministers.
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Michael Dugher and Shadow Transport Minister Richard Burden was joined by Labour candidate in the Rochester and Strood by-election Naushabah Karn during a visit to East Kent on Wednesday, 19th November.
Adrian Kilburn, Project Director on the East Kent Resignalling Phase 2 scheme, said: “We were delighted to welcome Michael, Richard and Naushabah to East Kent and show them what we are delivering.
“Works on the contract have come on leaps and bounds in the last few months. A new footbridge, which replaces a pedestrian rail crossing at Mill Hall in Alyesford, has been installed and is now open to the public. Three station works sites at Rochester, Rainham and Strood are now in full swing, together with the installation of a new rail bridge at Blue Boar Lane, adjacent to the new Rochester station.”
Spencer’s designers, in close consultation with the site team, have also been busy designing a new footbridge at Tovil, near Maidstone. The bridge has been designed to cater for the extremely limited access during construction.
Rochester Station
Following the successful subway slide at Easter, a new concrete retaining wall has been built on the north side and the first phase of Platform 2 and Platform 3 piling, foundations, crosswalls, platform planks and beams have also been installed.
The new concrete lift shaft and stairs to both platforms are also under construction which connects into the new subway to the platforms.
On the south side, a new 300m section of 17m long sheet piles have been installed forming a retaining wall to allow the existing embankment to be widened for the new Platform 1. Bored, 15m long, CFA piling for the platform has now commenced.
Blue Boar Bridge
At Blue Boar Bridge, piling, concrete abutments and bearing plinths have been constructed adjacent to the live track for the new rail bridge.
The new steel bridge deck has been delivered and, following the fabrication of the pedestrian walkway, will be lifted into position before Christmas using a 500t mobile crane.
Rainham Station
Rainham Station has changed significantly in the last few months, with the new Platform 0 nearing completion. The formation dig for the new bay platform track has been completed, followed by the installation of the track and connection to the mainline. Asphalting of the new platform has commenced and the works are ahead of scheduled with a planned opening in Easter 2015.
Strood Station
Strood Station has also moved on by huge strides in recent weeks. Platform 3 widening has been completed following the track realignment and works are now underway to lengthen all three platforms.
In addition, design and planning works are underway for a new polystyrene section of platform to replace a section of the existing Platform 1.
