Spencer Rail has completed a significant milestone on Wessex Package 7 with the installation of a bridge span at Kingston.
The installation of the Kingston bridge span was completed successfully on Saturday night, serving as another example of Spencer’s strength in delivering complex engineering installations with an innovative approach to reduced disruption at stations.
This week also saw all platforms at Hinchley Wood, Chessington North, Chessington South, Tolworth and Malden Manor stations handed back to South West Trains.
PWay welding works were also completed at Strawberry Hill during midweek night possessions as well as other finishing works.
Despite the installation of one of the bridge spans at Kingston being more difficult than expected, Spencer Rail worked through the night to complete the works.
Sam Wadsworth, programme director at Spencer Rail, said: “The installation of the bridge span at Kingston was a key part of the works there and, thanks to the expertise and dedication of the team, it was delivered successfully.
“With the current production level we should be a position to spate the TSR at the end of the week. This has complemented the ongoing strong progress of civils finishing progress at various sites.
“The walkout process ran smoothly and the handback of the platforms is testament to the robust process being followed with regards to snagging/handbacks and the effectiveness of the collaboration between NWR and Spencer around this.
“Infrastructure snagging works were also completed at Hampton Court and the Hounslow loop stations with further snagging occurring next week on the Hounslow loop.
“In week 4 snagging activities will be completed at Tolworth, Oxshott, Earlsfield, Hampton Wick and Kingston ahead of further walkouts in the coming weeks.”
The Wessex Package 7 Platform Extension programme forms part of a wider plan which aims to allow the operation of longer trains on key routes within the south east of England to deliver a higher passenger capacity intomajor London terminus stations.
Delivered in four-station batches, with more than 2,500m of platform being constructed, Spencer Rail is responsible for the renewal of more than 1,400m of plain line, the installation of seven point ends (three crossovers and one turnout) as well as the fitting of new and transposed conductor rails to a length of more than 2,600m.
Along the way, 39 new signals will be installed as well as 49 new location cabinets with all associated fit out and cabling, together with 11 DNO upgrades.
