There’s an old joke about somebody giving directions and starting with the phrase: “Well, I wouldn’t start from here…”
Sometimes Access for All (AfA) projects feel like that. Stations selected for full step-free access upgrades should be chosen on the basis of which ones will deliver the biggest benefits in terms of increased access and mobility.
Sometimes, this throws up challenges. Stations might have limited space, structural restrictions or even have listed status. This is what effective engineering is all about – finding practical and effective ways to overcome challenges to deliver cost-effective solutions that make a measurable difference.
Effective Engineering Solutions
Sometimes the answers are design-based. Often it’s about rethinking how and even when we work.
Offsite fabrication of steel structures such as stairs and footbridges is now fairly standard practice. It allows installation to take place during relatively short line closures or possessions at off peak times. This helps reduce s the issue of working within highly constrained sites without causing significant disruption or safety hazards.
AfA In A Listed Station
One of our most challenging AfA projects to date was at Ewell West Station. This is a compact station with listed status in a village location – essentially encompassing a full range of challenges.
The project scope included installing lifts and link spans and removing a life-expired footbridge. To meet planning conditions the steel lift shaft had to be brick-clad.
The steelwork was installed overnight following a tightly controlled schedule; and a novel cantilevered scaffold allowed the brick cladding for the lift shafts to be laid without encroaching significantly on the platform below.
Special considerations such as limited space or heritage buildings don’t make the fundamental considerations of cost and time-efficient delivery any less important. In the case of Ewell West a smart approach to delivery allowed the project to be handed over two weeks ahead of schedule, while fully meeting the needs of diverse stakeholders.
To discover more about practical solutions presented by AfA projects take a look at our resource centre or contact Lloyd Jefferson-Smith, Head of Rail Pre-Delivery at AfA@octavius.co.uk
