Project Scope:

Rail Planning Services (RPS) were engaged to supply safety-critical staff to support the platform renewal works at South Bermondsey station during the Christmas and New Year possession. The works formed part of a wider programme of investment by Network Rail to renew ageing station infrastructure and extend the service life of the platforms. RPS provided full safety-critical coverage throughout a 12-day continuous possession, supporting construction activities across multiple work sites and disciplines.

The Challenge:

The existing platforms dated back to the 1970s, when the original 1928 timber platforms were replaced with precast concrete trestle construction. Over time, the condition of the structure had deteriorated, requiring renewal works to ensure continued safe use by the public.

Delivering the project over the Christmas and New Year period added further complexity, requiring:

• Continuous 24-hour operations
• Multiple workgroups operating simultaneously
• Reliable, experienced safety-critical staff across extended shifts
• Safe coordination during a high-risk holiday possession

RPS Delivery:

RPS supplied safety-critical personnel across three shifts per 24-hour period for the full duration of the works.

Staff supplied included:

• ES Level A
• Strapping Teams
• NSCD Operations
• Multiple COSS
• Points Operators

RPS ensured consistent staffing levels, effective coordination between disciplines, and full compliance with possession, isolation, and safety requirements throughout the programme.

Outcome:

The works were delivered safely and efficiently, with excellent feedback received from the client. Following completion, the Senior Construction Manager for VolkerFitzpatrick commented: “Thank you — the feedback I have had regarding the safety-critical staff provided over Christmas at South Bermondsey has been excellent. Could you please pass on my thanks to all involved.”

The successful delivery of the project further demonstrates RPS’s ability to resource and manage complex possessions, particularly during critical holiday periods.

Value Added by RPS:

• Experienced safety-critical staff supplied throughout a 12-day continuous possession
• Reliable coverage across multiple disciplines and shifts
• Proven ability to deliver safely during high-pressure holiday working
• Strong collaboration with the client and wider project teams

Project Scope:
RPS were appointed by Econ construction to plan the access, isolation and provide safety critical staff
on the TfL multiple abnormal possessions and daytime line blockages for the Barking Riverside Rail Extension Project. This would allow the Contractor to deliver a project to decontaminate and remove 25 redundant trains, associated Infrastructure and Hazardous Materials from Barking Riverside.

The Challenge:
The rolling stock units were rail locked and as such a significant amount of planning and coordination was required to facilitate this project. In addition a series of specialist protection was installed to protect the signal cables and also enable the plant and machinery to access the site. The project supported and assisted the delivery of new railway stations to serve the 10,000 new homes being built at Barking Riverside.

RPS supported Econ in arranging all the access, isolations and supplied the Safety Critical staff and supporting the approval all our documentation with both Network Rail (NR) and TfL. The rolling stock had been in-situ for over 30 years and the Contractor’s methodology for removal was adopted and proved very successful on implementation with the project being safely delivered ahead of schedule.

Value Added by RPS:
On completion of the project, RPS received a “Team Performance” award for their safety innovations and excellent collaborative relationships established and maintained with the project and client teams.