We’re delighted that our Stoneleigh Access for All project has received a gold award and top scoring site in the Network Rail Southern region Capital Delivery Route to Gold initiative, for Period 1.
The project is one of many access for all projects that our One Team Wessex (OTW) are leading, which is the collaborative relationship between Network Rail and Octavius responsible for the delivery of infrastructure enhancements and renewals in the Wessex route to provide a reliable and modern railway for the travelling public.
About the project
The project is part of the Government Access for All Programme (AFA) which is aimed at providing an obstacle-free, accessible route to and between platforms. Particularly to support people with health conditions or impairments, people with children, heavy luggage or shopping and some older people.
The works at Stoneleigh include installation of three lifts that can each accommodate 16 people, three sets of stairs and a new covered footbridge which will replace the existing structure at the station. The new bridge will provide full access via lifts or stairs to the central platform from both sides of the station. The existing bridge structure will be removed, with the new ticket office and waiting room, with accessible toilet on the central island platform. New lighting and security cameras will also be installed on and around the lifts and bridge.
The team have successfully completed all steelwork and main structure of the project following achieving a significant milestone during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, as two of the three new sets of staircases were lifted and installed alongside the link lobby and trestles to east and west platforms using a 650 tonne crane. The third staircase on the island platform and two bridge spans were installed at the end of April. The third lift shaft, a pre cast concrete shaft was installed in May using a 300 tonne crane; marking the completion of the main structure. The team will be installing the lift equipment over the next few months.
The new staircases will allow passengers to easily cross from one platform to another. Due to excellent collaboration with our supply chain partners the Easter works were completed successfully and handed back to our customer, Network Rail, six hours ahead of schedule.
Congratulations to everyone involved!
Over the last 2 months the Stoneleigh AfA team have installed all steel elements of the footbridge with zero incidents or accidents. What makes this project exceptional is the engagement with the local community and overcoming challenges in delivery to efficiently maintain a tight programme.
It was the collaboration with Network and the local authorities, and going the extra mile to ensure the abnormal possessions were a great success, which impressed me. Octavius delivered briefings to the public about the works whilst the crane lifts were going on in the background. We got 20-30 spectators on the day of the main lifts, and the joy of them seeing the new footbridge taking shape was a pleasure to witness. I have not seen this level of enthusiasm from the public and excitement of getting a new AfA footbridge.
David Meager
Construction Manager, Network Rail
