West Highland Line, Platform Extensions
West Highland Line, Platform Extensions
Client
Network Rail
Value
£1.7M
Location
West Highlands, Scotland
Programme
14 months
Overview
Network Rail instructed Complete Paving Requirements (Scotland) Ltd to extend Helensburgh Upper, Ardlui, Roy Bridge, Garelochhead, Arrochar and Tarbet, Crianlarich, Bridge of Orchy, Spean Bridge and Tulloch stations platforms on the West Highland Line. This enabled the introduction of longer trains in response to increasing volumes of leisure travel and higher demand for bike spaces.
Requirements
The Principal Contractor (CPR), and the designer RBA, worked with Keith Robertson BEng CEng MICE to ensure that the permanent and temporary works designs and methodologies were safe, fit for purpose and buildable. The designs were assembled and submitted with the Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) for each platform extension. The submissions had to meet the exacting Network Rail engineering standards.
Our Role
Consult International Limited (CIL) supplied Keith as the Contractors Engineering Manager (CEM) to the West Highlands Line Platform extensions project. The CEM was responsible for providing specialist advice and coordinating the Network Rail assurances.
Technical Challenges
The key challenges faced on this project were the interfaces between the platform extensions, track alignment and signalling infrastructure within constrained site areas. This was exacerbated due to many of the platforms being of an island construction type within passing loops of a single line track. The CEM used his multi-discipline experience to guide the Principal Contractor to effectively managing the signalling upgrades, entry into service and handback. The construction programme was challenging, however, the CEM was able to maintain a high standard given the accelerated timescales.
Outcome
In early 2025 Scotrail were permitted to run longer trains to this iconic railway line.
Project Manager (Buildings & Civils), Network Rail (Works Delivery, Scotland's Railway)
"Keith Robertson, from CIL, was a valuable asset for the West Highland Platform Extensions, contributing to the successful delivery of the project. His knowledge of railway assurances and civil engineering provided great support to the Principal Contractor for the delivery of these works."
