Overcoming water, weather, and time pressures at Greenhead UTX

Client: Network Rail
Main Contractor: AMCO Giffen
Location: Greenhead, Hexham
 

Overview

  • Design and construction of new Under Track Crossing (UTX) at Greenhead (Hexham), adjacent to A69.
  • Resolve flooding from blocked UTX impacting residential property.
  • Manage high water flows and debris entering Tipalt Burn.

Challenges

  • Historically wet area
  • Regular flooding risk
  • Risk of Tipalt Burn overflow impacting site

Our Solution

  • Collaborative design refinement (AMCO Giffen and site surveys)
  • Robust overpumping system – continuous water-level monitoring
  • Temporary Works:
    • Upgraded access track
    • Aluminium ground plates for compound stability
    • Track monitoring on 60m section of NEC2

ROTR Possession

  • Cleared feeder manhole and installed upstream inflatable block
  • Installed 900mm Z-cranked connection pipe and concrete bedding
  • Replaced old pipe and installed extension
  • Backfill ready for blockade

30-Hour Weekend Blockade

  • Torrential rain, poor visibility, challenging conditions
  • Activated standby pumps to control rising water
  • Works progressed ahead of schedule

Results

  • Completed ahead of programme
  • Zero incidents / accidents
  • Site restored to better-than-original condition
  • Positive feedback from landowner and client
  • Everyone on site kept positive and got the UTX installed well inside the programme timescales… looking forward to working with your team again.
    Dave Timlin, Works Manager, AMCO Giffen