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May Gurney Access for All

July 6th 2010

Network Rail is improving disabled access at 148 railway stations as part of the Railways for All Strategy.

The Strategy, launched in March 2006, is supported by a £370m ‘Access for All' fund. Network Rail's mission is to develop stations which provide modern facilities whilst retaining their historic value, to the benefit of all users.

Accessibility improvements are particularly needed at many busy stations that currently only have stepped access, which make journeys difficult or impossible for passengers in wheelchairs, the elderly and those with pushchairs and heavy luggage.

The Rail Services division of infrastructure services company May Gurney recently completed the first of several access improvement projects across the north of England and Scotland, at Middlesbrough station, to the delight of station users, both staff and customers.

Nick Salt, Operations Director for May Gurney said: "No one need lug suitcases up stairs or struggle with wheelchairs or pushchairs. That's the lasting benefit of this DDA work, which actually makes access to the station easier for all users."

Just as important for a programme of works as extensive as this is delivering each project with as little disruption to rail users as possible. During the design phase of its projects Network Rail employs access consultants to advise on the impact the project will have on the accessibility of the station during and after the construction works.

These projects are much more than just pouring concrete and installing steelwork - installation of the lifts might be less than 50% of the work. Also important is ensuring that disruption to the operating environment is kept to a minimum.

Invisible Contractor

Mr Salt said: "Our project delivery teams in the north have got more than 10 years' experience of the idiosyncrasies of working successfully around passengers. When we get on site, we make sure that our work is segregated from the station environment - we want as much as possible to be the ‘invisible contractor'.

"That means installing high quality hoardings, properly painted that as much as possible blend into the station environment and minimise any disruption to passenger movement. We also make sure we plan and co-ordinate all movement of material, both route and timing. For example, we don't take spoil through the station itself. Site hygiene is very important. We always clean up thoroughly to make sure there's no evidence of work in progress or recently completed.

"We pride ourselves that during and after what is typically a £1m-£2m project we leave no mess. We also make sure we clean thoroughly, not just our works area, but the adjacent areas too so that the new works blend in well.

"We also coach our staff on courtesy - if they spot a rail user struggling with access or luggage they'll offer a helping hand. Altogether, it really makes a difference, a lasting impression."

So the secret of success for both rail staff and users is a thorough and detailed approach to planning the delivery programme. These projects that affect the rail user experience are always very demanding - it is essential to plan for 24/7 working so that projects can be completed as fast as possible, with no delays or prolongation.

It also often entails planning for sectional or staged handovers to return areas to operational use as soon as possible, provided this does not adversely impact on any aspect of the overall programme.

May Gurney's programme of DDA projects is continuing in the North East and Scotland with live projects in Huddersfield, Wellingborough, Long Eaton in the North East and in Easterhouse and Montrose in Scotland. Looking ahead, the company has a project with train operating company ScotRail at Haymarket Station.

May Gurney's success in delivering DDA schemes will see further expansion of their service into the North West and other regions over the remainder of control period (CP) 4 and into CP5.

DDA work is an opportunity to not only improve access for all but also to strengthen relationships with staff and rail users during the projects. With 148 stations being improved throughout the UK, it is a very big opportunity.

May Gurney Access for All

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