Delivering Excellence
June 2025
Taking on new challenges and delivering excellence.
We're thrilled to share some exciting news about a significant new project that truly showcases TES's ability to deliver under pressure and exceed expectations.
New Partnership with WSP for the Anglia Route
Recently, we were approached by WSP to take over from Balfour Beatty for all planning, access, and labour requirements related to bridge examinations across the Anglia route. This is a massive testament to our team's reputation and capabilities!
We officially kicked off this vital project in Week 5, and it's been a whirlwind of activity ever since.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Remarkable Wins
While taking on such a critical role came with its share of challenges, our team rose to the occasion. We faced short-term requirements and the need to meet immediate needs, coupled with tight time constraints for planning and execution, and strict deadlines that left little room for error. Despite these pressures, we're incredibly proud to announce significant wins: we've achieved everything and more than what was asked of us, and we now have a comprehensive plan in place all the way up to Week 35, ensuring smooth operations for months to come.
Our Detailed Approach and Safety Focus
This project involves undertaking Inspections for Assessment of structures, with activities comprising topographical surveys to record spans, track levels, head rooms, and fill depths. Along with conducting visual and tactile surveys to verify record drawings, note structural alterations and repairs, assess condition, and quantify defects, all complemented by photographic surveys to document our findings.Our typical sequence of works begins with reviewing selected equipment, arriving on site, receiving safety briefings, and completing dynamic risk assessments before carrying out the inspection. Following completion, all staff and equipment are safely withdrawn from the site. Where privately-owned land or tenanted structures require access, agreements are secured with the relevant parties in advance, as are agreements with organisations such as the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust or local authorities.
Safety remains paramount in all our operations. All work on or near the line is undertaken within an approved Safe System of Work under COSS (Controller of Site Safety) or PIC (Person In Charge) supervision. Protection details are always included in the Safe Work Pack, issued and approved by the COSS at least one shift in advance. At the time of site works, the COSS conducts a site-specific assessment to confirm the safe system can be implemented. Should the planned system be deemed insufficient, all personnel return to a position of safety and the Line Manager is contacted.
Furthermore, when applicable, the COSS confirms third rail or Overhead Line Equipment (OHLE) isolation arrangements, receives necessary permits (such as a Conductor Rail Permit or Overhead Line Permit, and witnesses live line testing to confirm isolation. Any issues identified during testing mean personnel return to a position of safety and the relevant supervisor is contacted. Finally, the COSS briefs all staff on details of engineering train and on-track plant movements prior to the commencement of works.
Access to sites is carefully planned and executed. Typical arrangements include trackside works within a protected worksite under an approved Safe Work Pack, highway access from public footways or through approved traffic management, and water-based works either by entering watercourses up to knee depth with waders or from a boat or pontoon. For access to the soffit, we utilise rail-mounted access towers, access towers with casters, ladders, or MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) as appropriate.
Our Scope of Work and Collaborative Approach
Our dedicated team is busy booking and deconflicting possessions across the entire Anglia route to enable WSP to conduct their crucial bridge surveys. We're also collaborating closely with vegetation teams to facilitate full surveys rather than just window sampling, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment of NR assets.
Dedicated Resources and Upskilling TES Team
To tackle this demanding project, we've deployed a designated team comprising:
COSS (Controller of Site Safety)
PASMA staff (Skilled scaffolders from the Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association)
Isolations staff
Trolley operatives
Site wardens (when needed)
A key success factor has been our ability to upskill staff and cross-utilise resources from our PWAY (Permanent Way) and Isolations departments. This adaptability highlights our commitment to efficiency and maximising our internal talent.