The design and build contract involved extending both platforms at Tile Hill and Berkswell Stations by 100m and Platform 4 at Northampton Station by 180m to allow eight car trains to be brought into service on the Northampton to Birmingham line.
The project was subjected to delays in its early stages, principally due to access restrictions and the presence of newts, which led to the works being accelerated to meet the date of the timetable change in December 2008.
A thorough review of construction and access methodologies was undertaken to ensure the timely delivery of the works.
The solutions varied between the three locations but the principal changes were:
- To pile the foundations, setting the piles a sufficient distance from the track to allow the works to be undertaken in a fenced green zone.
- To change the deck construction to block and beam, removing the requirement for significant craneage and maximising the works achievable outside of possessions.
- To utilise an Automatic Track Warning System (ATWS) to permit weekday working on the leading edge of the platforms.
These technical changes combined with a series of night time possessions resulted in the successful handover of the works in time for the timetable change.
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