Van Elle were appointed by BAM to deliver critical piling works as part of the TransPennine Route Upgrade at Huddersfield Station, a major project transforming one of the key rail hubs in the North.
Project Background
The project was delivered across one phase and on several operational platforms. Key works included:
- The subway contiguous piling was undertaken during a full station closure and blockade working, enabling the team to install critical support piles around the existing subway and key station structures. 40No. 600/660mm BCIP contiguous wall piles were installed. Another 26No. 600/660mm CFA piles, installed to depths of up to 10m, all to support a disused lading bay on a Grade II listed building whilst temporary works were carried out in the area.
- 112No. 450/508mm BCIP canopy piles, installed to depths of up to 16.0m.
- 42No. 450/508mm BCIP footbridge, lift, and stair piles over 3 platforms, installed to depths of up to 13.5m.
- All works required meticulous planning and coordination, whilst the team worked within and around a live station, possession works and a high street environment.
- Van Elle Civils followed the Specialist Piling team to carry out reinforced concrete works, including pile cropping, blinding, steel fixing, formwork and concreting, waterproofing, and the installation of gas membranes, cast-in drainage, and holding down bolts. The scope covered the construction of 40No. reinforced concrete pile caps supporting the new station roof and three lift pits for a footbridge providing step-free access across the platforms.
Challenges
Working within the confined and complex environment of Huddersfield Station posed several challenges, notably restricted headroom of under 4m around the existing subway and the need to install 600mm diameter piles in these tight conditions.
The site also required strict management of surcharge limits near the subway and careful coordination during a busy station blockade. These constraints demanded precise planning and execution to complete the piling safely and without affecting adjacent structures or subsequent works on the TransPennine Route Upgrade.
Van Elle Solutions
To overcome the challenging headroom and ground conditions, the team modified and rebuilt Klemm 708 Vulcan rigs, enabling the installation of 660mm casings and 600mm piles within tight site constraints. This ensured safe and efficient delivery within the restricted environment, followed by a Klemm 709 and Hütte 207 for the canopy works.
Through detailed planning, close collaboration with the client, and careful sequencing during the critical blockade, the works were delivered safely, efficiently, and on programme. The project showcases Van Elle’s innovation and adaptability in delivering complex piling solutions within a highly constrained rail environment on the TransPennine Route Upgrade.
Feedback Received
“I just wanted to say thank you to you and your team for all of your help and assistance in helping to successfully deliver the blockade works at Huddersfield Station over the last 4 weeks. What you helped to deliver is an incredible piece of work, of which we can all be justifiably proud. The way that the Van Elle team merged seamlessly with our own and with the other supply chain partners resulted in a collaboration that many visitors and observers commented favourably upon when they visited the project. “
John Ely, Civils Lead on Huddersfield Station, TRU West