Structures examination & access enabling works, Viaduct PBJ 0C

Remit

Detailed examination of the 39-span masonry Viaduct PBJ 0C in accordance with Network Rail standard NR/L3/CIV/006 (Examination of Structures), reported against NR/SP/CTM/017, together with all de-vegetation, MEWP and IRATA rope access enabling works and confined space entry to internal voids and chambers. Access via a live HS2 worksite, under possession, with road closures for MEWP positioning.

Delivery

The project brings together two arms of the group in a single, integrated delivery model: STE examiners from Vames Access carrying out the examination itself, supported throughout by enabling works teams from ARB Access providing de-vegetation, MEWP and IRATA rope access capability. Two STE4 examiners were deployed per shift, examining all elements of the structure within touching distance - piers, spandrels, arch barrels, parapets and bearing shelves - across all 39 spans, with confined space entry to internal voids and chambers carried out by a dedicated high-risk-trained team.

Site access runs through a live HS2 construction site, meaning every shift was planned around a second major project’s induction, traffic management and interface requirements in addition to Network Rail’s own. With the viaduct carrying an operational railway, works were delivered under possessions throughout, with all shifts worked at night and MEWP positions coordinated with road closures booked around each possession window.

Running both disciplines under one management structure removed the usual friction between enabling contractor and examiner - no waiting on a third party, no duplicated access planning, and a programme that flexed shift by shift as the examination progressed.

Outcome

A single mobilisation and a single point of contact covering everything from clearing the structure faces to delivering the compliant examination reports, with de-vegetation sequenced just ahead of the examiners across a layered access picture of HS2 interface, possession-only working, road closures, rope access and confined spaces.