Whitfield Consulting Services (WCS) is proud to announce our involvement in a series of high-profile projects in the Rail and Power & Energy sectors, for clients including VolkerFitzpatrick, Hitachi Energy, Murphy, High Voltage Substation Services Limited (HVSS), and Linxon.
In part two of this series, we are delighted to be able to highlight four more key projects WCS is involved with. These include providing essential repairs to a 175-year-old railway tunnel; design and relocation of a Triple Pole Disconnector; revitalising Hackney’s historic railway bridge; and civil and structural design for a Battery Energy Storage System facility.
Blackheath Tunnel: Essential repairs to a 175-year-old railway tunnel
Client: VolkerFitzpatrick
Lead Engineer: Jeremy Barnes
Blackheath Tunnel – a mile-long, Victorian-era structure opened in south-east London 175 years ago – required essential repair and maintenance work to address significant structural problems caused by historical drainage issues causing water damage. The project helps to secure the future of this vital piece of infrastructure, with rail passengers benefiting from fewer delays, fewer speed restrictions and enhanced reliability from these improvements.
The VolkerFitzpatrick Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) team entrusted WCS with the intricate task of brickwork tunnel repairs, comprehensive surveys, and detailed civil engineering design work, as part of Network Rail’s Control Period 7 (CP7) improvements.
VolkerFitzpatrick recently shared an update about the successful completion of the first 10-week closure in August 2024, and how the project will progress over the next few years – learn more here.
Borehamwood Auto Transformer Feeder Station: Design and relocation of a Triple Pole Disconnector
Client: OCU
Lead Engineer: Nick Lowe
WCS was engaged in providing detailed design services for the Borehamwood Auto Transformer Feeder Station (ATFS) Triple Pole Disconnector (TPD) project, working with our client OCU, which is in turn is contracted to SPL Powerlines and ultimately, Network Rail.
Our role encompassed the design of civil and structural elements necessary for relocating the TPD at Borehamwood ATFS, located on the Midland Mainline. This TPD functions as the isolation point for all three phases of the pair of 25kV incoming supplies from the National Grid to Borehamwood ATFS. The current configuration does not allow Network Rail to perform maintenance on the adjacent circuit safely without isolating both incoming 25kV supplies.
The components and structural features involved in the relocation of the TPD include a concrete foundation, steel structure, cable routes and turning chambers, a fence to demarcate the new compound, plus drainage and kerbs. WCS provided detailed design of equipment foundations, lattice structure, cable route management, and kerb & fencing to enable the relocation.
The design phase is now complete and is currently under review by Network Rail. The planned works are scheduled for execution during a Christmas 2024 blockade.
Downs Park Road Overbridge: Revitalising Hackney’s historic railway bridge
Client: Murphy
Lead Engineer: Jeremy Barnes
The Downs Park Road Overbridge – a 154-year-old structure located in the borough of Hackney – suffered extensive structural deterioration over the years and needed immediate replacement.
WCS was appointed by Murphy to provide expert civil engineering design services for the project. Our work on the project first began at the ES3 stage, part of the strategic development and project selection phase under Network Rail’s PACE (Project Acceleration in a Controlled Environment) process.
Following the completion of the detailed design work, our remit was extended to provide construction stage support to Murphy during the build phase of the Downs Park Overbridge (Grip Stages 6-8), both during the planned blockade and wider support during construction.
This included attending an off-site trial erection of the bridge and providing necessary technical support throughout the process. Kieran Moore, Engineering Manager – CRE-C at Murphy, shares more on his LinkedIn post (click here).
The Harrington Franklin Battery Energy Storage System: Civil and structural design for sustainable energy infrastructure
Lead Engineer: Shane Govender
Client: High Voltage Substation Services Limited (HVSS)
The Harrington Franklin Battery Energy Storage System is a 49.9 MW facility located within the Richborough Energy Park, part of the former Richborough Power Station in Kent, UK. The project involves the integration of battery units, Power Conversion Station (PCS) units, and related electrical infrastructure to store and distribute energy via a newly constructed 132/33kV substation.
The facility occupies a 1.2-hectare brownfield site and connects to the UK Power Networks (UKPN) infrastructure. UKPN is responsible for the design, supply, and installation of the UKPN HV equipment, while High Voltage Substation Services Limited (HVSS) manages the EDP Renewables (EDPR) portion of the substation, control buildings and BESS compound. The project is expected to have an operational lifetime of 30 years.
WCS has been appointed by HVSS as the civil and structural designer for the project, covering tasks such as earthworks, drainage, internal roads, and the substructures for control buildings, battery foundations, and ancillary equipment.
The civil engineering experts in Rail and Power & Energy projects
“Our expert teams, led by experienced engineers, are dedicated to delivering innovative, sustainable, and reliable infrastructure solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
“We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and contributing to the advancement of essential infrastructure across the UK and Republic of Ireland,” says Asa Whitfield, Managing Director at WCS.
Click here to read about more of our recently secured projects – Part One: connecting the world’s single largest offshore wind farm, civil engineering design services for London Power Tunnels 2 and temporary works for Surrey Quays London Underground.
To find out more about how we work, or to see some of our recently completed projects, visit our portfolio page or get in touch.
