A major part of the Wessex Package 7 platform extension programme has been completed, pushing the works closer to completion.
Spencer Rail’s civils team completed a host of works on the programme, which involves extending platforms at 50 stations in the Wessex region, over the weekend, including the installation of a bridge span at Raynes Park.
This was a sizeable amount of work and the possession was used very effectively with tamping works also completed at Platform 1, as well as an IBJ installation and recovery.
Sam Wadsworth, Programme Director at Spencer Rail, said: “This is a significant piece of work and one of the final steps to completing the works at Raynes Park.
“Thanks must go to Steve Melvin, Tony Cairnes and Chris Kenny for their efforts in co-ordinating the development alongside the Civils teams who worked tirelessly to implement this work.
“Elsewhere, good progress was made at Earlsfield and the other stations which are in a good position and on-track for the extended June deadline.
“As well as civils and infrastructure works, this week also saw the start of our snagging programme, with snags being successfully closed out at numerous stations. Tom Wesley is now driving the snagging programme, while further changes to the Wessex Package 7 organisational structure enable us to focus effectively on the completion of the programme of works.
“Site safety remains our number one priority, and this weekend was once again completed without accident or incident.”
Highlights from the weekend include:
- Raynes Park Platform 1 – installation of a bridge-span, tamping work and installation and recovery of an IBJ
- Strawberry Hill – completion of rod and roping of platforms as well as installation of an F94 signal
- Ewell West – completion of finishing works including platform cleaning on Platform 1 and Platform 2 as well the raking out and re-pointing of brickwork on Platform 2
- Effingham Junction – completion of tamping works during possession
- Clapham Junction – trial holes dug ahead of Platform 7 works
- New Malden – completion of tarmacking and other finishing works on Platform 1 and Platform 4
- Vauxhall – installation of front litter screens on the island platform and completion of finishing works by CSL under lineblocks
- Earlsfield – removal of spoil, completion of station signage and installation of lighting shrouds
- Norbiton – completion of rail recoveries on the upline under a Kiers disruptive possession
- Bookham – various snags closed out ready for infrastructure hand back this week
- Leatherhead – snags closed out in preparation for infrastructure hand back this week
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 into major 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.
