Client: Integrated Utility Services Limited
Location: 22 No sites within the Wessex, Sussex and Kent Regions
Completion Date: 11 Aug 15

As part of the continuing rail infrastructure improvements, Network Rail undertook a program for the renewal of HVAC switchgear and associated equipment within the Wessex, Sussex and Kent regions. Integrated Utility Services Limited (IUS), a trading arm of Northern Powergrid PLC, design and install high-voltage distribution systems, was the Principal Contractor for this project.

Gatwick Construction Limited (GCL) was contracted by IUS to
undertake civil engineering and building work in connection with the
upgrade of electrical switchgear, which included, but not limited to:

1. Modifications to substation buildings to facilitate removal of life expired switchgear and installation of new equipment.
2. Improvements to building security, removal of louvres, windows and replacement of security access doors.
3. Supply and installation of concrete conduit systems for cable containment (troughing).
4. Construction of concrete transformer bases.
5. Removal of life expired switchgear including testing and removal of coolant oils and demolition of concrete raft structures.

As part of GCL's undertaking, our management team attended independent design check meetings with IUS and Network Rail, working closely with key stakeholders on civil engineering input (build-ability) and the subsequent production of bespoke method statements and risk assessments; management of wayleave agreements with 3rd party landowners, for access to sites and management of power outages.

The critical success factor associated with this project was the delivery of 22 No sites across southern England over a twelve month period, ahead of schedule, and exceeding the target set by the Office of Rail Regulation for Network Rail. Subsequently, additional sites were added to original contract.

GCL achieved this by weekly reprogramming and maintaining continuous momentum in the construction phase, ultimately ensuring compliance to ORR deadlines set against Control Period 4; stakeholder meetings with Network Rail IP Southern, IUS and 3rd party landowners to identify access to remote substation locations; GCL and
their appointed lawyers were used as a faster more flexible solution to arrange wayleave agreements.

During the construction phase, GCL developed a bespoke steel shuttering formwork system, improving efficiency involved with casting auxiliary transformer bases, all of which resulted in a significant saving to the scheme in terms of time and cost.