Polystyrene platform for Peterborough station

Three options were considered for extending platform one at Peterborough station: a traditional concrete build, modular steel construction or modular polystyrene. All are available as Network Rail standard designs but despite being widely used elsewhere in Europe, the modular polystyrene option has only been trialled once before in the UK by Network Rail.

Network Rail and Carillion, worked with Megatech Projects to develop the design and deliver installation of the 30 polystyrene blocks and matching concrete surface panels that were used to build the new platform.

The polystyrene method has been proven to be four times quicker to construct than traditional build and between two to three times faster than using a steel modular solution, Network Rail said. The design eliminated the need for foundations, which contributed to reducing construction time, minimised the risk of buried service strikes and meant less material from excavation. With less time on site, it also meant improved safety.

Network Rail programme manager Steve Coe, who managed the project, said: “Platform 1 traditionally has extremely heavy footfall so minimising passenger disruption was key, making the modular polystyrene design the best option.

“The modular design and speed of build generated real tangible benefits to the project and it’s a method I will certainly consider adopting for future projects.”

Route managing director Phil Verster added: “The work at Peterborough was crucial to our programme improving capacity and reliability on the East Coast Main Line. The innovation demonstrated here has paid real dividends for the project. We need to embrace these new technologies and adopt new ways of working if we are to deliver our essential improvements whilst maintaining an acceptable level of service for our customers throughout our next five years of investment.

“This platform extension is a good example of what can be achieved through challenging the norm and putting the customer at the heart of everything we do.”

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