The Keltbray team working on HS2 has hit a significant milestone as they have now lifted out the 26th and final truss from the former carriage sheds at Euston. The truss was the final element of structural support to be removed and – more significantly – marked the second major achievement of Keltbray’s current engagement on the HS2 project; the first being the demolition of the National Temperance Hospital building.
HS2 is a massive infrastructure development project designed to increase capacity across the network as well as improving connectivity between London, Birmingham and the major cities of the North. At Euston, HS2 will more than double the number of seats out of the station at peak hours as well as providing a brand new station concourse and connections to the Underground.
The former carriage sheds – also known as the DB Cargo Shed – marked the first structural demolition by Keltbray for the Costain Skanska Joint Venture (CSJV) in the Euston area. By working in close cooperation with CSJV, the London Borough of Camden and Network Rail, Keltbray carried out the demolition works while ensuring the safe running of the adjacent west coast main line – the busiest rail line in the UK.
Keltbray’s involvement with the project dates back to April 2017, when the building was handed over in a dilapidated state from Network Rail. Initial surveys took place to define the most viable method of deconstructing the shed in a live rail environment. The solutions have involved the provision of highly complex assurance documentation regarding safety, the design of the temporary works and also the removal of asbestos.
Members of the Keltbray team on site for this milestone included Project Manager Patricia Morrison, Temporary Works Manager David McDonogh and Site Engineer Daniel Ramsey as well as representatives from CSJV and HS2. Also present were personnel from Tone scaffolding and Keltbray Environmental Solutions who provided excellent specialist services for the scaffolding and asbestos removal respectively.
“Keltbray did a very good job in a complex environment with multiple site constraints,” said Keltbray Operations Director Nick Smith, “and all the hard work during the planning stage came to fruition during the delivery phase and allowed us to beat the programme. I’m happy to say that the Keltbray team working in conjunction with CSJV and HS2 met all the required challenges and set the bar at a high level.”
CSJV Demolition Manager Tom Cleary said, “The delivery of this package as the first major demolition works for CSJV, on behalf of HS2, is a major milestone on this contract. The collaborative approach shown here, and to be delivered ahead of programme, on budget and with an exemplary safety record, is something all at Keltbray should be proud of.”
Notes to Editors
Keltbray Group is the UK’s leading specialist business, which offers engineering, construction, asbestos management, demolition, piling, decommissioning, remediation, rail, power distribution and transmission, reinforced concrete structures and environmental services. The company dates back to 1976, employs more than 1,800 people, and is a key player in developing and maintaining Britain’s built environment. Keltbray provides services to meet the needs of diverse and complex projects, and its well qualified people take pride in delivering projects safely and efficiently, on time and to budget, and with care for the environment and our communities. Keltbray has contributed to a range of high profile construction projects including The Shard, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Stadium, St Pancras International, Crossrail, Earls Court, Battersea Power Station and HS2.
