Snodland – Level Crossing Renewal

THE CUSTOMER
Pro Rail Services Ltd. is a Railway civil engineering contractor who execute maintenance contracts on Network Rail infrastructure. This project took place on the South East Route.

THE CHALLENGE
Pro Rail Services was commissioned to replace a level crossing STRAIL system on the Medway Valley Line in North Kent. To facilitate the new STRAIL system it was necessary to install concrete beams in the six-foot.

Due to the location of the works, road closures were needed. To minimise inconvenience to the travelling public, the project had to be completed in just 27 hours.

Health and safety considerations included restrictive working on the level crossing, and manual handling of heavy materials and equipment. The concrete beams, alone, weighed 0.4 tonnes per metre.

THE SOLUTION
A topographical survey was carried out. Data was used to create a design approved by Network Rail South East. Work was carried out in partnership with the rail crossing system manufacturer, STRAIL. All work was undertaken under a pre-planned 27-hour possession.

THE IMPLEMENTATION
Personnel deployed per 12-hour shift were:
• 6 skilled rail operatives
• 1 track handback engineer
• 1 COSS
• 1 Site Manager

This work included removing the existing steel beams using a 3-tonne excavator and installing the new concrete beams.

All arisings were put in 1-tonne bags and removed from site using a lorry with a truckmounted crane.

More than 50 STRAIL matts and pontiSTRAIL trays were installed, along with concrete beams weighing a total of 12 tonnes. Finally, road markings were re-painted prior to the crossing re-opening.

THE RESULTS
• The project was completed ahead of schedule and on budget, to Network Rail’s specification

• In addition, trespass guards were also repaired

• All work was carried out safely, with no incidents reported.