HS2 Enabling Works, Barnby Street Substation

Scope of works

This enabling works scheme relocated operational infrastructure and existing services, tenants and retailers off the site identified by HS2 for the high speed station platforms whilst allowing train services to run safely and reliably within the layout of the remaining conventional station. This included the construction of a new substation on Barnby Street.

Skanska appointed Kilnbridge as a specialist sub-contractor to undertake the scope of works. The specific groundworks for the project included excavation, blinding, and pile break down and the waterproofing of buried structures and backfill around the structures. The scope also involved the installation of all new drainage and manholes and connection into the Thames Water Sewer using the timber heading technique and installation of all new ducting and chambers.

The fibre reinforced concrete works and solid brickwork involved the construction of all ground beams, pile caps, reinforced concrete windposts and lintels and the installation of the solid load bearing perimeter brickwork, reinforced concrete roof slab and parapets including all necessary temporary works. The architectural works involved the construction of the hard landscaping around the site and installation of the facing brickwork, roof membrane system, screed, epoxy paint, fire doors, fire stopping elements, roof access ladder and cladding.

Challenges / Achievements

• Logistics of a congested site with limited storage area
• Live railway environment adjacent to the site
• Control measures and resequencing required to mitigate the environmental issues related to Japanese knotweed