Kings Cross - Track and Layout Remodel
The Project
Kings Cross Station, located in Central London, is the terminus of the south end route of the East Coast Main Line. It is one of the busiest stations in the UK with over 100 trains departing from the station each day across 12 platforms. Guided Rail joined the project to provide track and drainage engineering assurance during the remodelling of the expired track layout.
The Problem
A remodelled layout for Kings Cross was considered to reduce the number of critical assets within the area and improve journey times. The drainage systems also required redesigning due to occasional flooding during heavy rainfall or surcharging of the deep Middle Level Sewer that crosses beneath Belle Isle on the approach to Kings Cross.
The Solution
Guided Rail were involved in the project by supplying engineering assistance as a Project Engineer (Track) for Network Rail. This role covered supporting the installation team at Kings Cross during GRIP stage 6 (construction test and commission), Entry Into Service (EIS) and handing over the new asset to the route and local maintainer to close out GRIP 8 (project close out). Our approach was to embed ourselves as Track Project Engineer within the construction team throughout the project build to foster strong relationships with key personnel on the project.
During the project we focused on providing engineering assurance and systems engineering compliance in the form of technical support during the five main construction stages. As part of our engineering assurance, we supported the Entry Into Service and where necessary assisted with providing the documented evidence that the new layout was in a safe and fit condition.
We also provided design support for the key piece of drainage infrastructure being installed. The proposed drainage network covered around 15,130m² of railway corridor, its function to protect the remodelled track layout from water being retained within the ballasted formation and worsen flooding of the track system.
Within the Project Engineer (PE) role, assistance was also provided in seeing the completion of a significant piece of design work being commissioned. This was a key component within the drainage network that we had developed in a previous role prior to becoming the PE. To accommodate the requirements for water attenuation within the Belle Isle proposed drainage network, the initial plan was to install a drainage pipe with an internal diameter of 1500mm in an open cut trench. However, after further development in collaboration with the tunnelling contractor it was decided to use micro tunnelling to complete this. To accommodate the new construction methodology, the drainage design was based around the capabilities of the equipment whilst retaining the scheme’s requirements.
The Outcome
As a result of the microtunnelling, it allowed for the pipe size of the drainage to be reduced to 1200mm which reduced costs and cut construction times by simplifying the logistical issues. The combination of reduced pipe size and change in construction methodology drastically reduced the proposed spoil quantities, reduced the required infill and de-risked having to deal with buried services that would have crossed an open trench. This was only achieved by Guided Rail’s approach to be open to new ideas, having a collaborative mindset and remaining engaged with the client and key stakeholders throughout the process.
By working so closely with the construction team we were able to quickly turnaround any technical or programme issues that arose during the build, saving the client further delays in build and extra costs. Working on location also provided direct links of communication with other contractors on the project, which further allowed us to mitigate issues before they became significant.
Our role as Track Project Engineer was a success as all works were completed on time as per programme requirements. The final part of the project involved the completion of the Health & Safety (H&S) hand back file with all of the appropriate signed off documentation once the build was completed. This included the verification and validation of the project specification, requirements and Asset Management Plan process.