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string(4609) "The project
The TRU East Alliance in the UK is delivering the Transpennine Route Upgrade, a modern high-speed railway designed to provide greener, more reliable train services between York, Leeds, and Manchester.
The team is partially electrifying the line, replacing overbridges and underbridges, installing pedestrian footbridges, upgrading platforms, improving sidings, and completing drainage work—including tunnel boring beneath the line.
They are also realigning the rail, replacing track points, and installing signal gantries as part of the many complex work packages involved.
In May 2024, on a section of railway near the village of Barkston Ash, the contractor faced a complex and time-sensitive challenge: replacing an end-of-life brick arch overbridge spanning the A162, a key access route into York. The bridge carried trains on the CFM line, which connects the northern cities of Leeds and York. The project team spent months planning the replacement, including establishing a rail diversion route to keep passengers moving between the two cities.
https://vimeo.com/1112207565/2c79bf1f07
The challenge
The team planned the works within a 101-hour window during a four-day blockade. They operated from a compound with no direct access to the track for machinery from road level.
They relied entirely on a 700t Ainscough crane and Conquip lifting accessories to remove track ballast and spoil and to replace it with new bulk material. The team needed to dismantle the 14-metre-long brick arch and abutments—about 650 tonnes of brick and stone—then lift and transport the debris back to the compound using the Conquip Smart-Release BulkX. Only after completing this removal could they begin installing the new structure, which used 45-tonne precast concrete (PCC) sills and 65-tonne steel U-beams to create a stronger, modern bridge.
Excavators and cranes supported the contractor teams, who worked around the clock to complete the rail replacement.
The solution
Conquip supplied the largest available Smart-Release BulkX skip, with a 16,000-litre capacity, to handle high-volume excavation and material movement.
This remotely operated solution maximised operational uptime. It accelerated excavation and material transfer across multiple site areas while enhancing safety and eliminating people-plant interface risks.
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Results
The highly engineered Smart-Release BulkX enabled the team to move materials efficiently from the lower compound up onto the track. By using two skips, the team ensured continuous operation—while one skip delivered materials, the other returned for refill—eliminating downtime and keeping the supply chain to the working face uninterrupted.
"The delivery was on time and to a high health and safety standard and the product has been well received on site, with training offered and arranged. The follow up meetings after returning the product shows that Conquip never stop wanting to improve the system."
John Joyce | Construction Manager, Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU East Alliance)
Project feedback
"Having managed the works since 2023 and well into 2024, it’s been a pleasure to work with the Conquip team. The customer service has been sharp and client-focused, so while we worked 24hr possessions, the out of hours support they provided was excellent."
John Joyce | Construction Manager, Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU East Alliance)
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Transpennine Route Upgrade
TRU East Alliance (Network Rail, J. Murphy & Sons, VolkerRail, Siemens & Systra) with Ainscough Crane Hire
Transpennine Route Upgrade
North England, UK
Remote-operated Smart-Release BulkX used on replacement railway bridge project
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string(5270) "Background
Existing Façade was heritage and needed to be retained, whilst existing building was demoed and excavated underneath. Tight site, in built up area, they needed a way to crane the materials out as there was no vehicle access on site. BulkX was perfect. Utilising BulkX, they could crane material out and land it straight on trucks on the street outside. With the tight site constraints, no other method could match the efficiency of the BulkX 3000kg Direct-to-Truck.
Challenges and Solutions in Urban Excavation Projects
Urban demolition and excavation projects present unique challenges, primarily due to space constraints and noise limitations, highlighting the need for innovative urban excavation solutions. Perfect Contracting faced another challenging task: retaining a heritage façade while demolishing and excavating the building underneath, all within the tight constraints of the busy Sydney cityscape.
Due to the site’s limited space, and the existing retained façade, vehicle access onto site was not possible, presenting significant logistical challenges. Traditional heavy excavators and machinery for the demolition were impractical, risking further congestion and inefficiency. An innovative solution was needed.
Approaches to Heritage Façade Retention
The Burra Charter as adopted by the NSW Government, which underpins heritage building and conservation practices in Australia, advocates for a cautious approach to heritage work. This means doing as much as necessary to care for the heritage place and make it usable but changing it as little as possible to retain its cultural significance. This approach required innovative solutions that balanced the need for modern functionality with preserving historical integrity in the context of Perfect Contracting's project.
Conquip Group's BulkX Direct-to-Truck system offered the ‘perfect contracting’ solution. Designed for tight urban settings, BulkX allows for the direct transfer of materials from the site to trucks without needing intermediate holding areas. Using a crane, the BulkX bin is lifted directly from the excavation site to a waiting truck, streamlining operations and reducing the need for additional machinery.
Product & Commercial Proposal
Conquip proposed their BulkX 3000L model for Perfect Contracting's project, offering several key benefits. The model's direct-to-truck discharge feature eliminates double handling, potentially speeding up the process and enhancing overall efficiency.
Most importantly, the bin's narrow width allows an excavator to load without the risk of hitting the surrounding walls. These features collectively assured Perfect Contracting that BulkX was the ideal choice to meet their project’s demands.
Delivery and Implementation
Conquip provided thorough training to ensure that Perfect Contracting’s team could operate the BulkX system effectively from the start. On the ground, sales team members offer ongoing training and support, to ensure the BulkX system was being utilised in the best, most efficient way possible.
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Environmental and Community Benefits
The BulkX system reduced the number of machines needed on-site, leading to lower noise and dust pollution. This is especially beneficial in urban settings where minimising environmental and community impact is crucial. The system’s efficiency shortened project timelines, reducing overall disruption to the surrounding area, all the while retaining the beautiful façade.
Understanding the Significance of Heritage Façades
In Sydney, the importance of preserving heritage facades cannot be overstated. These facades are not just remnants of the past but are integral to the city's historical and cultural fabric. The Design Guide for Heritage highlights that heritage places provide meaningful links to our past, contributing to the community's sense of identity and continuity. They embody historical, aesthetic, social, and cultural values that are essential for understanding our collective past.
A Win-Win for Heritage Buildings & Urban Excavations
Perfect Contracting's project demonstrates a balanced approach to modern construction, skilfully preserving historical integrity while meeting contemporary needs. Conquip Group’s BulkX system exemplified how modern technology can be effectively utilised in urban settings to ensure the success of heritage building and conservation efforts. This approach to excavation ensures that historical structures are preserved while accommodating the demands of modern construction.
Conquip Group provides essential expertise and innovative solutions for those tackling urban demolition and excavation projects. See our full list of solutions that can help you overcome your next site challenge."
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A Win-Win for Heritage Buildings & Urban Excavations
Perfect Contracting
A Win-Win for Heritage Buildings & Urban Excavations
NSW, Australia
Conquip Group’s BulkX system exemplified how modern technology can be effectively utilised in urban settings to ensure the success of heritage building and conservation efforts.
