Westbury AHD – Access Control Infrastructure Works

Project: Westbury AHD – Access Control Infrastructure Works

Key Project Details

Client:

Network Rail

Start date:

Westbury

End date:

Duration:

Value:

The Challenge

Network Rail required comprehensive civil engineering works at the Westbury AHD facility to support the installation of new access control infrastructure. The project presented significant technical challenges including excavations around live water and electrical services, reinforced concrete structures beneath existing fence lines, and installation of duct routes and road crossings through reinforced ground. Works needed to be delivered within an active operational site environment whilst maintaining site access around critical areas including the weighbridge. The project demanded careful coordination with follow-on contractors, adaptable construction methods to navigate underground obstructions, and the safe removal and transfer of existing gate infrastructure whilst ensuring continuity of site security and operations.

What We Did

Aaron Rail delivered comprehensive civil engineering works to enable the new access control system installation. Works were delivered under WPP, TBS and TWS procedures with full site inductions, daily safety briefings, and proactive close call reporting throughout. Our scope included:

Gate Foundations – excavation and installation of 1.3m³ gate foundations to support new access control infrastructure
Ducting Routes and Pulling Pits – installation of ducting routes and pulling pits to house electrical and data services
Barrier and Traffic Light Bases – construction of foundations for barrier systems and traffic light installations
Road Crossings – installation of multiple road crossings through reinforced ground, linking the car park, trough routes and gate infrastructure
Reader Post Infrastructure – installation and repositioning of reader post infrastructure in line with design requirements
Existing Gate Removal – breaking out existing gate foundations using pecker attachment, removing redundant concrete and reinstating with Type 1 sub-base
Power Supply Transfer – assisting with transfer of power supply from existing gate to new system
Gate Relocation – removing signage, transporting removed gate to DB Schenker and placing in client-requested location

All excavation works were carefully undertaken around live services, with protective measures implemented to safeguard electrical and water infrastructure. Works were closely coordinated with follow-on surfacing and lining contractors to ensure seamless project integration.

The Outcome

Access control foundations successfully constructed and installed across the site
Multiple duct routes and pulling pits installed to support electrical and data infrastructure
Road crossings completed through challenging reinforced ground conditions
Existing gate infrastructure safely removed and transferred to new location
Power supply successfully transitioned from old to new system
Site access and operational areas maintained throughout works
Zero accidents or incidents recorded during delivery
Positive assurance feedback received from Network Rail Lead Assurance Construction Manager Brian Keane

Added Value

This project demonstrates Aaron Rail’s capability to deliver complex civil engineering works within operational environments whilst managing multiple technical constraints. Through rigorous safety protocols including daily briefings, proactive close call reporting, and strict adherence to Network Rail procedures, our teams maintained an exemplary safety record whilst navigating live services and reinforced ground conditions. The structured approach to stakeholder coordination and adaptable construction methods ensured the new access control system could be installed efficiently, with Network Rail recognising the quality of work being delivered on site.