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Pod-Trak for Alstom and Network Rail

Swinderby Re-Signalling

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Vextrix has been appointed by our client Pod-Trak to deliver Engineering Design services and Engineering Assurance services to support the Swinderby Re-Signalling enhancement project. The project includes the re-signalling and re-control of the Swinderby signalling area which is approximately sixteen miles.

The works include the conversion of four level crossings: Cottage Lane, Collingham, Hykeham and Swinderby and in addition the renewal of Swinderby Road AHBC to AHBC- X. The project has been contracted through a professional services sub-contract between Pod-Trak and Vextrix, with Vextrix appointed to provide multi-disciplinary design services in collaboration with our client Pod-Trak and Alstom on behalf of Network Rail.

The team has been appointed to deliver dual roles on the project under the Agile Client Eastern (ACE) regime, in which Network Rail delegate engineering assurance onto the project team. Vextrix has been appointed to deliver dual roles on the project with responsibilities as Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE) and Project Engineer (PE) under ACE, often referred to as a ‘Responsible Engineer’ role. Under the ACE self-assurance process, the Responsible Engineer role operates as a combined Project Engineer (PE) and Contractors Responsible (CRE) role.

Vextrix is responsible for delivering a range of services including, proactively leading and engaging in systems integration, hazard management and safety assurance, single-discipline packages of work and the management of competence, robust checking, and approvals.

The team are providing specialist engineering support across multiple disciplines covering numerous packages of work including the re-testing of the approval in Principal design, throughout the Detailed Design stage and the Approved for Construction stage. The scope of engineering work on the project includes but is not limited to:

  • Level Crossing Ground Plan Designs for converted and renewed Level Crossings
  • Modifications to station assets to accommodate renewed crossings (platform shortening, retaining walls, re-location of CIS/CCTV/Help-points etc)
  • Obstacle Detection assessments and designs
  • Signal base and superstructure design
  • Lineside cable routes and cross-track cable management
  • Ancillary civils designs for Level Crossings (e.g barrier bases, REB’s, PSP’s etc)
  • LOC and FSP Designs
  • Under-Track and Under-Road Crossings
  • Provision of new and upgraded DNO’s
  • Temporary works and staging designs and associated assurance

The Responsible Engineer’s for each area are responsible for all Requirements Management, Hazard Management (CDM & CSM-RA) and Derogations duties including:

  • Management of CDM Hazards identified during design development, including early engagement of all relevant stakeholders within the project team
  • Stakeholder liaison and consents e.g. Train Operating Companies, Local Highway Authority
  • Level Crossing Risk Assessment
  • Attendance at Hazard Review meetings and ongoing management of Hazards
  • Integration, Verification and Validation (V&V)
  • Supporting the Client in gaining Authorisation via the Assessment Body including responding to technical queries and updates to the CSM hazard log
  • The support of the compilation of derogations and presentation to approvals panel, through the formal project derogation process
  • Input into production of Engineering Compliance Certificates (ECC)

Added Value

Our experience of delivering rail projects through the GRIP stages means the team has added significant value to the client in a range of areas. They can deliver the deep review of the existing GRIP Stage 4 designs and facilitate joint site visits with key stakeholders along with value engineer/design review workshops to maximise the outcomes of the available budget, while ensuring safety and programme certainty.

This experience means the team can bring a wealth of knowledge into this project, promoting a collaborative culture of transparency, honesty and mutual respect, working as an ‘alliance’ without the contract. Vextrix is providing project management and engineering resources with full collaboration training, enhancing the performance of the group and fostering a culture of ‘no surprises’ and a team that is empowered to respectfully challenge at all levels to continue in the delivery of our industry leading standards.

The team utilise innovative technologies to reduce timescales and improve safety by reducing the need to work on or near the railway line. The team deliver this by promoting the use of our 3D laser scanning services to achieve topographical features in areas where accuracy is permissible. The team were also able to use their experience to mentor and upskill contractor’s staff to ensure awareness of the roles and responsibilities.

  • Utilising innovative technologies to save time and improve safety by reducing the need to work on or near the line, e.g. promoting use of 3D laser scanning to achieve topographical features in areas where accuracy is permissible
  • Undertaking mentoring of Contractor’s staff to ensure awareness of roles and responsibilities under NR-L2-RSE-02009 for Construction CRE roles, upskilling the team
  • Co-locating to ensure a ‘one team’ approach to delivery
  • Broadening the supply chain by introducing other SME partners to the delivery model and allowing the larger organisations in the project to feel the benefits SMEs can offer in the delivery of rail projects
  • Designing an accessible ramp to a local community centre as part of our CSR initiative and allowing the project to make a difference to the communities in the area