Northumberland Line Contract Award
Following a comprehensive selection and engagement process, Soil Engineering are very pleased to be appointed as Ground Investigation Delivery Partner to AECOM, and commence works on the eagerly awaited Northumberland Line. Undertaking works for Northumberland County Council, Soil Engineering and AECOM will deliver route-wide investigations for this regionally significant infrastructure project.
The Site Team are currently preparing to mobilise to the Ashington site, where over 80 exploratory holes will be formed to depths of up to 80m. These will inform designs for bridges, stations, and embankments across the route, whilst also identifying the presence of any shallow mine workings. Ahead of Soil Engineering’s mobilisation, AECOM have completed extensive environmental surveys to provide risk management and minimise disturbance during works to construct the Northumberland Line. Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “I’m delighted we’ve reached the next stage of works on this hugely important project which is set to boost the local economy by up to £470m over the coming years.”
“Fast progress”
Soil Engineering, having continued recruitment and staff development throughout lockdown, will be crewing the project with experienced in-house Project Managers, supporting a Technical Team dedicated to ensuring the data delivered by the investigation is produced promptly, and accurately, to aid rapid delivery of this critical scheme. Making maximum use of our regional supply chain will immediately return project value to the local area. Councillor Richard Wearmouth, the Cabinet Member responsible for regeneration, said: “It really feels like we’re now making fast progress on this ambitious scheme, and people will see more activity along the route while these investigations take place.
“Opportunities for work and education”
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “It is fantastic to see progress being made on restoring this vital connection, which will transform journeys up the Northumbrian coastline and help level up the economy of the North.
“Investment in schemes through our Restoring your Railway fund will reopen lost railway lines and stations, helping revitalise communities, kickstart business and new housing schemes, and open opportunities for work and education.”
“Significant milestone”
AECOM ‘s Project Director for the ground investigation, James Todd, said: “The start of the ground investigations is a significant milestone for the project, representing start of the major site activity as we gear up for construction. It is a huge step forward in realising the wide-ranging benefits that the new rail line will bring to the surrounding communities.” Tristan Llewellyn, Managing Director of Soil Engineering, observed “As a welcome opportunity to contribute towards a major infrastructure project in the North, Soil Engineering will be ensuring that our staff and supply chain who have performed so consistently well throughout the challenges of 2020 bring their best to the scheme. Our partnership with AECOM will provide essential data for a project clearly identified as a government priority, and we’re extremely pleased to be on board.”
Any enquiries about the scheme can be directed to rail@northumberland.gov.uk
