Overcoming heritage challenges at Springwood Junction UTX

Client: Network Rail
Main Contractor: BAM (under TRU contract)
Location: Huddersfield

Deliver three new Under Track Crossings (UTXs) to enable critical TRU services and telecoms upgrades.

Springwood Junction

Scope of Works

Establish laydown area for plant / materials
Supply RRV’s for plant and equipment delivery
Set out UTX locations, survey existing services
Install turning chambers and connection pipework
Remove spoil, reinstate with pea gravel, Type 1 stone, and track ballast

Access through residential area

Planned out-of-hours weekend night deliveries
Sequenced logistics to minimise disruption
Used 1t stone bags as noise barriers during offload
Targeted lighting away from homes
Verbal communications only – no shouting on site

Confined site at busy junction near viaduct and tunnel

Pre-planned RRV movements with DECT comms
Managed materials / spoil via controlled routes
Maintained safe exclusion zones

Results and Achievements

UTX works completed safely within blockades – no injuries, no lost time
Redesigned two UTXs following additional surveys and installed rock anchors at retaining walls
Delivered all works during six successful ROTR Saturday night possessions
Zero complaints from residents despite challenging conditions
Exceeded client expectations

Sandstone bedrock

Uncharted Victorian services

Continuous CAT scanning and careful hand digging
Exposed 8” steel water pipes impacting planned chamber location
UTX design revised – ensuring safety near cutting wall and old building foundations

Sandstone bedrock at shallow depth

Rock breakers fitted to excavators
Narrow buckets used for precision profiling