Rolling Programme of Decarbonisation.

Network Rail’s Rolling Programme of Decarbonisation looks to remove diesel passenger trains from the Scottish rail network by 2035, including electrifying 1,800 kilometres of Scotland’s railway infrastructure.  This required a high level of ground condition assessments.

BakerHicks were brought on board through the Network Rail Design Services Framework to provide geotechnical expertise, with Wardell Armstrong LLP as mining consultants.

The team was recognised specifically for its collaborative approach to the extensive risk assessment and ground investigation works, which involved producing geotechnical specifications and OLE foundation option assessment reports for 150 miles of track and 175 bridges. Across the three companies, the skills and experience of various ground engineering disciplines were drawn upon, creating a strong team culture. 

A standardised approach was established, and BakerHicks’ rail and geotechnical experts worked closely with the wider team to ensure effective communication, ensuring each assessment was completed to the same standard. Further efficiencies and streamlining was achieved through BakerHicks’ use of GIS export data to create a model with all relevant desk study and network data. This is the first time such a comprehensive model has been produced for an electrification scheme and helped boost delivery speeds, keeping the programme on track and creating an estimated saving of over £300 per mile of route completed.