Dyer & Butler, a multi-disciplined engineering services specialist focused on essential infrastructure including airports, railways and highways, and part of M Group Services, has been awarded a contract to deliver platform extensions, and associated works, at four railway stations on behalf of West Midland Trains.

The design and build programme is underway and will provide increased pedestrian capacity at Albrighton, Bilbrook, Hartlebury and Oakengates, as well as enabling the introduction of new, longer Class 196 trains in 2021.

The programme of works will include extension of both platforms at each station to accommodate the new four-car trains, as well as refurbishment of existing platforms to integrate with the new-build. Activities will include surveys, platform gauging, removal of existing ramps, enabling work, new installation, resurfacing, line marking, drainage, realignment of copers, installation of platform furniture and fencing, utilities containment, lighting and PA systems.

The platforms will be extended using Network Rail approved MegaTech EPS modular expanded polystyrene platform system blocks, which have a design life-span of 100 years. Once on site, this system has been proven to be four times quicker than traditional build, with other benefits such as reduced risk to the workforce and sustainability due to reduced waste. The work will be carried out during normal Rules of the Route (ROTR) short possessions at night and is scheduled for completion in February 2021.

Dyer & Butler Regional Manager, Paul Fennessy, commented: “We are delighted to have secured this programme of platform upgrade and refurbishment activity. The investment in this increased capacity will provide increased space and comfort for passengers using these stations, whilst the use of the EPS blocks will ensure that on-site possession works and disruption for West Midland Trains’ passengers is kept to a minimum.”