Hope Valley – Ancillary Civils Delivery

Project Overview

Pod-Trak was contracted by VolkerRail and Story Contracting, operating as VRSJV, to deliver the ancillary civils and drainage works for the Hope Valley Capacity Upgrade, part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) West Programme on behalf of Network Rail.

The project spans from Hazel Grove (near Stockport) to Sheffield, covering approximately 12.5 miles on the TJC1 line and 15 miles on the MAS line. Pod-Trak’s scope encompassed all civils and drainage elements throughout the route, supporting major infrastructure upgrades that will increase capacity and improve journey times between Manchester and Sheffield.

Quick Facts

Client Name
VolkerRail / Story Contracting JV (VRSJV)
Project Location
Derbyshire, UK
Project Value
£7m

High Level Scope:

  • 11 km of new cable troughing installation
  • 15 retaining structures and 1.2 km of safe-cess walkways
  • 504 m of buried cable routes
  • 14 laydown areas and compounds
  • 52 location cases (single, half, and full width)
  • 20 speed signs, 13 SPTs, 8 LOD instruments, and 7 UTXs
  • 7 PZTs and 5 points heating cupboards
  • 5 TXs, 4 DNO cubicles, 3 REBs, and 1 ASP
  • 1 generator compound, 1 PHCC, and 1 sub-distribution cubicle
  • Multiple recoveries of redundant assets including signal foundations and speed sign bases

Key Challenges & Solution

The geographical spread and limited access points across the route presented significant logistical and planning challenges. Pod-Trak developed a comprehensive logistics plan to ensure safe and efficient movement of plant, materials, and personnel, supported by collaborative integration with the JV’s wider delivery team.

At its peak, the project mobilised six five-person gangs, each led by their own COSS, working simultaneously across the route. This required proactive coordination of task briefing sheets, permits, rosters, and safety plans.

Through full integration within VRSJV’s planning, box plan, and safety forums, Pod-Trak maintained consistent delivery momentum, maximised possession productivity, and ensured safe handback for every shift.

Innovation in Action

  • Route-wide logistics strategy enabling consistent output despite restricted access.
  • Integrated design feedback loop – all new assets surveyed and red-lined progressively, feeding directly back to designers.
  • Digital assurance and ITP process to maintain real-time quality tracking and compliance with Network Rail standards.
  • Zero accidents or incidents throughout delivery, with works completed under possession, midweek access, and the 101-day 24/7 blockade.

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