SAS 13 Bridge Reconstruction

Managed by Network Rail, Skanska was the civils delivery partner with the Central Rail Systems Alliance (CRSA) delivering the rail systems scope.

The main on-site construction was planned to take place in a 23-day blockade, with several weekends of preparatory works prior to the main blockade. Eight weeks from the start of these works, Network Rail identified a shortfall in their Project Management resources, leaving question marks over the planning and execution of the delivery assurance processes. Having worked with D2 (part of TSA Riley), Skanska introduced us to Network Rail to help provide experienced project management resources with the knowledge and track-record of delivering large multi-discipline railway projects.

Working on behalf of Network Rail, D2 was appointed as Senior Project Manager (SPM) and rapidly integrated into the Skanksa and CRSA delivery teams. Collaborating seamlessly with the delivery partners, we quickly identified areas of the assurance process for Delivering Work Within Possessions (DWWP) that required attention. Calling on extensive major project experience, we set up a robust Entry into Service process with buy-in from the Designated Project Engineer (DPE).

Collaboration with stakeholders was a critical success factor and we built strong relationships with HS2 and Network Rail Maintenance teams to secure their alignment with the hand back processes before works began. We also ensured that all DWWP assurance process reviews and documentation, including blockade management plans, contingency and reporting, were in place in advance of the blockade. In addition, we organised a full roster of Network Rail Project Management staff to cover 24-hour reporting during both the weekend works and main blockade.

We have developed a strong industry-wide reputation in being able to provide experienced project management resources who have a proven track record of successful major project delivery and who have direct Network Rail experience. This was a key deciding factor in Network Rail’s decision to accept Skanska’s suggestion that we could support the preparation and delivery of such a large multi-disciplinary project.