Faced with remodelling and resignalling the complex layout through Stafford and a proposal to construct a new flyover at Norton Bridge, Network Rail has adopted an Australian solution to what is a multidisciplinary challenge.
The Australian ‘pure alliance model' involves a different employer/contractor relationship to that usually seen in the UK rail industry. It is based around a single unified agreement where all parties share the benefits and the risks, rather than the more traditional ‘hub and spoke' style of contracting.
It is being billed as a first for UK rail contracting, if not for construction as a whole.
Alliance manager Dominic Baldwin said: "Whilst collaborative contracting and the concept of alliancing isn't new to the industry, for Stafford, due to the different disciplines involved, we wanted to push the boundaries and develop a ‘one project, one organisation' mentality, removing the barriers associated with traditional contracting."
For Stafford, the process began at the invitation to tender stage, with interested parties asked to submit their bids as pre-formed alliances, supported by Network Rail project team members.
"It was particularly important for us to adopt this collaborative approach from the outset, hence our work with each of the pre-formed alliances, providing a seamless transition on announcement of the successful bidder. The manner in which our partners responded has demonstrated their commitment both to the process and to the wider objective of driving through efficiencies and added value for the industry," Mr Baldwin said.
Operating from Crewe and Stafford, the SAIP Alliance of Atkins, Laing O'Rourke, Network Rail and VolkerRail will be responsible for the delivery of the Stafford improvements, covering disciplines including trackworks, structures, earthworks, signalling, telecommunications, highways alterations and pipeline diversions.
The SAIP project is scheduled for completion in December 2017. The programme itself comprises three core elements:
- 23 miles of linespeed improvements between Crewe and Norton Bridge
- The resignalling and remodelling of the track layout through Stafford
- The proposed construction of a new flyover at Norton Bridge, helping segregate the commuter ‘stopping’ services, freight and InterCity services.
Network Rail managing director of infrastructure projects Simon Kirby said that the alliance approach represented a key change for the rail industry. "This type of truly collaborative approach is the natural way forward for contracting within Network Rail and indeed the wider rail industry. By adopting a common focus and shared approach with our industry partners, this will ultimately help to drive down costs, reduce risk and lead to the more efficient and timely delivery of major projects such as Stafford," said Mr Kirby.
The Alliance partners also believe that the approach adopted for Stafford heralds the way forward for cross-industry contracting.
Steve Higham of Atkins, and a member of the Alliance leadership team, said: "There is a clear requirement for us all to work smarter to reduce the cost of running the railway. We will collaborate with our alliance partners to do just that. With proven expertise in complex signalling projects, Atkins will deliver signalling, power, telecommunications and all multi-functional design for this important scheme. SAIP is an exciting project and provides an opportunity to push the boundaries of infrastructure delivery through innovation."
Laing O'Rourke’s Graeme Castle added: "Partnership, safety, teamwork and collaboration are the watchwords of the infrastructure sector and we are honoured to stand alongside our colleagues to champion this new approach for rail in the UK. Laing O'Rourke is also delighted to apply its world class engineering experience to this landmark project."
Rob Offord, Network Rail's representative on the Alliance leadership team, said: "The essence of this alliance is about transforming the delivery of infrastructure projects, defining excellence through collaboration and creating a positive lasting legacy for Staffordshire."
For VolkerRail, Stuart Birch added: "VolkerRail is excited to be part of the first true alliance in the UK rail industry; it is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future delivery of complex projects. It also provides us with the chance to demonstrate how well collaboration can drive cost-savings, improved health and safety and quality. We will build on the success and experience VolkerRail has had in other major project collaborations to help ensure that the SAIP Alliance is internationally recognised as a supplier of choice."
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