Construction begins on Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Interchange on Midland Main Line

VolkerFitzpatrick has begun the construction of the first phase of the Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Interchange. The firm is the leading contractor working on behalf of Segro which will own the new interchange to serve the Midland Main Line (MML) railway via a new two road rail connection. The multi-million pound construction contract also incorporates a new underpass as well as overhead line equipment works, lineside civils, installation of switches and crossings for the main line connection and signalling. The underpass is essential not only to enable further works on the project but will also carry the two road rail line feed into a new rail terminal area and allow the construction of the associated warehousing.

To install the new 60m precast underpass structure, currently being constructed next to the rail line, VolkerFitzpatrick is using a unique and complex cabling system devised by Freyssineyt that has been constructed underneath the concrete structure. When complete, the underpass structure weighing over 6,000t, will slowly be moved through an excavation under the rail line during a Network Rail nine day blockade over this year's Christmas period. The project also includes junction improvement works and a new roundabout on the A414.

The rail line will remain open for much of the duration of the whole project, with the majority of possessions being carried out overnight to minimise disruption to passengers. VolkerFitzpatrick will also implemented a range of measures to minimise disruption to local residents, including strict noise control protocols, dust suppression techniques and maintaining clear communication channels with residents. The wider Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Interchange project is set to be a state-of-the-art facility, located to optimise rail freight logistics.

It will serve as a hub for the efficient movement of goods and will include the construction of extensive rail infrastructure, warehousing and distribution facilities. VolkerFitzpatrick rail and depots divisional director Paul Lilley said: "I am delighted that VolkerFitzpatrick has been selected by Segro to deliver the first phase of this significant project. "We look forward to working collaboratively to bring together the economic and environmental benefits of rail freight, and provide connectivity to key highways networks."

The project has not been without its controversies though, as Segro bought 121ha of the former Radlett Aerodrome site to convert into the interchange for GBP34M from Hertfordshire Council (it also paid private owners for the remaining 283ha). Campaigners appealed against the sale of the publicly owned portion, saying that the council had promised to maintain the land for public open space when it had purchased the land in 1984 for GBP1. The sale to Segro was reviewed by the High Court earlier this year, but it was ruled to be a lawful sale.

Other new rail freight interchanges There are a number of rail freight interchanges being developed in the UK currently. Last year, construction work started on the GBP1bn West Midlands Interchange near Birmingham which will comprise both a strategic rail freight interchange and logistics park.[1]

Last month, an update on the development consent order (DCO) for the GBP750M Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange was given as transport secretary Louise Haigh is "minded to reject" the application.[2]

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References

^ construction work started on the GBP1bn West Midlands Interchange near Birmingham which will comprise both a strategic rail freight interchange and logistics park. (www.newcivilengineer.com)
^ an update on the development consent order (DCO) for the GBP750M Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange was given as transport secretary Louise Haigh is "minded to reject" the application. (www.newcivilengineer.com)
^ To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here. (www.newcivilengineer.com)