Northern England Transpennine Route Upgrade

Project Scope and Delivery

SYSTRA’s Environment Team were responsible for the delivery of numerous environmental and sustainability elements in relation to this Scheme, along the railway line between Leeds, York and Selby (approximately 30 miles of track and associated structures).

SYSTRA’s Approach

A Biodiversity Assessment Report was prepared to support to the TRUe project strategy with regards to BREEAM and Biodiversity requirements. The assessment detailed the baseline biodiversity units present within the rail corridor at the time of the Phase 1 Habitat Survey and specified the primary ecological function of each habitat parcel; also assigning a nature conservation value to each habitat area.

SYSTRA’s Ecology Team demonstrated Environmental Management capabilities, as this element was key in delivering the programme of intrusive surveys and design stages. We prepared a Design Environmental Management Plan to cover Oxford Corridor Capacity Improvement Phase 1 and 2 works as part of the Oxford Corridor Capacity Improvement Project. One of the main challenges on this project was providing access to a student housing estate during the reconstruction of Sheepwash Bridge. This packhorse bridge provided the only vehicle access to the estate. Environmental issues were discussed with disciplines involved, who then formulated innovative solutions to the issues which included a modular design for the bridge.

SYSTRA used a desk study and an initial site wide ground investigation to identify areas of potential contamination risk. It was determined that potential risks and associated concerns in terms of an underlying aquifer and water course necessitated detailed ground modelling, a contamination delineation survey (and findings), risk assessment output, and remediation options. A noise barrier was installed to mitigate any potential issue to residents through construction and operations.