Network Rail required platforms 1-3 to be renewed due to the current platforms not being compliant to the Network Rail standards.
Carlisle Station is a Grade II* listed railway station where Network Rail required platform 1-3 to be renewed due to the current platforms not being compliant to the NR standards. Platform crossfalls and heights were non complaint and works involved alteration to OLE being adjusted and track lifts in each of the 3 platforms.
Platform renewals to platform 1-3 involved removal of existing surfacing and flagstones (for heritage purposes) before full engineering works began. This was a challenging project as the station remained operational during daytime hours resulting in a phased approach to the works being completed. The platforms were divided into 4 phases working around arriving trains being routed onto alternate platforms whilst works progressed.
Over 5,500
over-sail blocks placed
5,100m2
tarmac surfacing completed
The project involved the following main phases:
• Provide a compliant platform’s to allow safe access and egress on / off passenger trains.
• Creation of platform drainage solution to existing outfall.
• Complete new over-sail, coper, tactile and surfacing to all platform on 1-3.
• Possession driven OLE alterations to raise the overheads in on Platform 1 and 3.
• Track lifts, wet bed renewal and ballast drops throughout Platform 1-3.
• Installation of ducting within the platform to futureproof the station for any future upgrades and OLE improvements preventing un-necessary future excavation of the platforms.
• Access methodology developed to accommodate 26T weight limit on the access bridge on only access route to compound – limited options for removing
The project was able to celebrate success and demonstrated best practice within the following areas: Regular communication and engagement with the local heritage officer resulted in all final works being agreed and helped to build future relations for the next stages of works at the station.
Early Contractor involvement allowed scheme buildability to be discussed in advance of implementation, providing areas where works could be accurately sequenced and implemented without conflict with other work groups. Management of unforeseen change was proactive and progressed / turned around in quick manner due to the time constraints Story Contracting were held to with durations of platform closures.
Our project team worked in close collaboration with Avanti West Coast, the heritage officer and Network Rail throughout the project due to an ever-changing programme and design changes due to encountered issues which presented themselves.
Heritage consent restrictions were agreed allowing the project to complete successfully to a high quality. Project team carried out community litter picks in and around the station location and made several flower planters which were placed along the completed platform 3 to provide a little extra colour to the station.
Network Rail
The project involved regrading approximately 280 metres of the embankment to enhance structural stability and improve rail safety.