The Challenge: Coordinating Multi-Platform Station Works
We were engaged by Gee Communications, a provider of rail telecoms services covering design, installation, maintenance, and technical support, to deliver access planning and safety-critical support for the replacement of six Customer Information Screens across three operational station platforms on the Network Rail network.
The works were required to take place within a live station environment, with ongoing passenger services and limited access opportunities. From the outset, this required a clear understanding of station operations, planning constraints, and how best to support Gee Communications’ delivery activities alongside the operational railway.
Comprehensive Programme and Access Support
Our organisation was set up to support the works from the early planning stage through to delivery. We applied our established access planning and programme planning processes to ensure the works could be delivered efficiently while maintaining safety and compliance.
We provided full Programme Planning Support (PPS), attended Network Rail planning meetings, and coordinated planning activities to align access requirements with the overall delivery programme. Safe Work Packs (SWPs) were developed and managed through the On-Trac system, ensuring site teams were provided with clear, accurate, and compliant documentation.
In parallel, we mobilised all required safety-critical staff for both possession and line blockage activities, demonstrating our ability to resource multi-location station works in a controlled and coordinated manner.
Strategic Stakeholder Management and Access Planning
The project involved close coordination with Network Rail planners, station operations, and the client’s delivery teams. We took an active role in managing these interfaces, ensuring access arrangements were clearly communicated and understood by all parties.
By reviewing the proposed delivery methodology, we identified opportunities to improve efficiency by combining work during possessions and line blockages. This approach reduced the number of access events required and made better use of available access windows, while remaining fully compliant with planning rules.
Line blockage requests were submitted and managed through the RailHub system, and all planning activities were progressed through the formal Network Rail planning process to maintain transparency and control.
Problem Solving and Assurance-Led Decision Making
As the planning developed, we worked closely with stakeholders to sequence the works in a way that supported both programme delivery and station operations. By coordinating access across the three platforms, we were able to minimise disruption while maintaining safe systems of work.
This approach required practical decision-making, balancing efficiency, operational impact, and safety. Our experience in station access planning allowed us to make informed decisions that improved programme outcomes without increasing risk.
Results: Early Completion with Cost Savings
Through clear planning, coordinated access, and controlled delivery, the works were completed ahead of programme and with a reduction in overall delivery cost. All activities were delivered safely, with no safety incidents and full compliance with NR/L2/OHS/019.
The client reported full satisfaction with the planning process and delivery outcome, reflecting confidence in our ability to manage access planning effectively within a live station environment.
If you’re looking for an experienced, knowledgeable and reactive team of access planning experts to help you with your project, please reach out to us today.
