The Constructability CRE role can be undertaken at high level during early GRIP stages of a rail project through to detailed studies as to how a scheme will be built. The person undertaking the role needs to have an understanding of all rail disciplines and how these interact during the construction of a new railway or the implementation of route changes and enhancements.
CEM’s have the required understanding of the disciplines but often lack construction delivery experience which makes this role very unique to individuals that can undertake it.
Benefits
- Possession requirements are understood
- Designs are amended to reduce the construction impact
- Disruptive possessions can be avoided
- Alternative, lower cost options can be developed
- Works within normal working hours are maximised
- The impact on settlements can be assessed
- Options can be assessed against set constructability criteria
- Safer options are produced – Safe by Design
Experience and Evidence
John has a strong understanding of all rail disciplines and is able to use this to assess the impact construction will have on rail operations, local highways and residents. He is also able to develop staging solutions which reduce the disruptive impact of the construction activities and utilised normal rules of the route possessions and maximise the volume of work undertaken during normal working hours.
As demonstrated on the Northern Powerhouse Rail commission John was able to add value to his CRE duties as the options were developed by suggesting design solutions that removed or lowered the impact of these as well as reducing risk and cost. He also undertook the role on two Crossrail depots and was one of the tender assessment panel members where he assessed each tenderers submissions against set constructability criteria.
John also undertook the role on Crewe Hub where he developed an alternative construction approach to building a new underpass beneath the WCML which reduced the anticipated construction programme with associated delays and disruption to services from 4 years to 2 years! This was achieved by removing the Crewe to Manchester stop at Crewe and replacing this with buses and using a temporary stop near the station for Chester services. This provided space to slew the WCML tracks to facilitate economic construction.
