Beaulieu Park Station – Signalling Installation, Testing and Commissioning Works

The challenge

A long-standing ambition of the local authority, residents, and businesses, the construction of Beaulieu Park Station in Chelmsford, Essex, heralds the arrival of the first new station to be built on the Great Eastern main line in the last 120 years. Identified as a transport priority in the Southeast Local Enterprise Partnership’s (SELEP) Strategic Economic Plan, the project involves the construction of a brand-new station comprising 3 platforms and a 50mph central loop in order to…

• Support the wider economic development of Chelmsford and the surrounding area
• Provide vital transport connectivity to support the regeneration of the 14,000 home Beaulieu Park Estate
• Reduce travel times to London to just 40 minutes
• Improve access to other destinations in the east of England
• Relieve pressure on the already busy Chelmsford station
• Reduce car journeys into the city, thereby helping to tackle local congestion and pollution

Following an arduous yet rewarding competitive tender process, the principal contractor, Murphy Group, tasked Amaro with delivering all signalling works associated with this landmark scheme, making up the largest, highest value contract in the firm’s history.

The solution

Whilst initial site preparation works began as early as January 2023, Amaro’s project team hit site six months later. Headed up by time-served signalling project manager, Chris Mayhew, they began the installation of a range of cutting-edge signalling equipment, a number of location cabinets, and two relocatable equipment rooms (relay rooms), as well as providing the procurement and SSI data design associated with the project.

Whilst particular challenges surrounding both procurement and the management of multiple stakeholders were identified early on, these were resolved through comprehensive strategic planning. Delivery partners and key resources from the supply chain were handpicked following an in-depth analysis and selection process, ensuring valuable expertise, resources, and capabilities were made available for the project, optimising costs, managing risks, and driving efficiency in the process.

The outcome

Whilst works are very much ongoing – with approximately 20% of our work bank now delivered – progress to date has been excellent. At the time of writing Amaro is on track to complete the project as per the client’s specification, within budget, on time, and without accident or incident.

Works are due to culminate in an intense 9-day commissioning blockade at Christmas 2023.