Dyer & Butler Awarded Cotswolds Platform Extension Programme by Network Rail

Dyer & Butler, a multi-disciplined engineering services specialist focused on transport infrastructure including airports, railways and highways, and part of M Group Services, has been appointed by Network Rail IP Wales & Western to deliver a programme of platform extensions and associated work on the 86½ North Cotswold line which runs between Oxford and Hereford.

The project is planned for completion in December 2018 and will provide increased pedestrian capacity for the platforms at seven stations along the route; Hanborough; Charlbury; Kingham; Moreton-in-Marsh; Honeybourne; Evesham; and Pershore.

The programme of works will include additional upgrade and refurbishment activity including resurfacing, drainage renewals, realignment of copers, lighting, platform gauging, stop boards, shelters and SISS equipment upgrades.

The project forms part of Network Rail’s Infrastructure Projects (IP) Railway Upgrade Plan and is being undertaken to accommodate the introduction of Great Western Railway’s (GWR) new 26-metre-long InterCity Express Trains (IET) that will provide increased passenger capacity.

Dyer & Butler Director of Rail Chris Darlow commented: “We are delighted to have secured this programme of upgrade and refurbishment activity from Network Rail. The investment will cover seven key stations along the North Cotswold route line and will provide a significant increase in the space available to passengers usingthese stations. The platform extensions will be delivered using modular expanded polystyrene platform systems (EPS) to ensure that on-site possession works and disruption for passengers is kept to a minimum.”

Prior to any work being started, Dyer & Butler is undertaking ecology surveys at each station to establish any required actions to protect habitats and species within the area of work. The surveys will form an essential part of the project as some of the stations have areas of wild flora and fauna present.