Electrifying Developments

The Intercity Express Programme, a £2-billion initiative launched by the Department of Transport in 2005, aimed to provide a greener, faster and quieter rail system that produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions than its predecessors. The scheme electrified 3000 km of rail track, allowing the UK’s ageing Intercity 125 fleet to be replaced with modern rolling stock running predominantly on the newly electrified lines. Structural Soils, an RSK company, used its regionally placed specialists, with in-depth experience of the overhead line equipment, to conduct ground investigations.

Structural Soils’ services included cable percussion drilling, rotary drilling and inclinometer installations. ABC Electrification used Structural Soils’ results to construct bespoke gantries and portals for line work between Patchway Junction 1 and Swansea, South Wales, a major link in electrifying the Great Western main line between London and Swansea.

As well as undertaking work for ABC Electrification, Structural Soils completed line work for Vinci Construction between Filton Abbey Wood and Bristol Temple Meads. The project involved drilling boreholes to determine geology, which allowed the overhead electric cables to be accommodated. Structural Soils also undertook additional site works including badger mitigation and European protected species licence applications.