Rail

The Job

We were recently contacted to support works on a tram-train stop and park-and-ride project, part of a larger investment to improve local transport infrastructure. Our role was to carry out vacuum excavation to expose four buried electric ducts both high and low-voltage so that the concrete could be poured over them ready for the ducting installation.

The ducts were on the opposite side of a live railway line, running for around 20 metres at a depth of roughly 1.3 metres. This meant that anyone needing access to the area where we were excavating had to be escorted, and all planning had to be on schedule to avoid disrupting rail operations.

Our team on site were very experienced, fully accredited operators. All our operatives hold valid CPCS cards, CSCS card, Safety Critical Medicals and have all of the necessary qualifications for working around live utilities in every sector. Having the right people in place was key to delivering this work safely and efficiently.

Key Issues

Access was one of the main challenges on this project. The location of the area we were excavating was across a live railway line, this meant that the Vac-Ex unit and our operators couldn’t be brought in and out without being escorted. Everything had to be coordinated with the site manager and rail safety staff to ensure compliance and avoid any delays.

Another concern was the risk of the buried services. HV and LV cables were both present in the ground, there was no room for any errors. Traditional excavation methods weren’t an option which is why we were called in with our Vac-Ex machine and experienced operators to expose the services accurately without damaging them or putting anyone at risk.

Timing was also a significant factor. The duct exposure had to be completed prior to the scheduled concrete pour. Any delay on our part would have had a huge effect on the rest of the programme. We worked closely with the site manager throughout to make sure our works stayed on track with the planned timeline. The works ran across both day and night shifts, and we were able to provide cover for both.

Conclusion

The job was completed with no service strikes, no unexpected costs, and no delays to the overall schedule. We were able to expose all four ducts as planned, working in the timeframe allocated.

Once the ducting was fully uncovered, the site was ready for the concrete to proceed as planned.

Using vacuum excavation proved to be the right option. With live HV and LV services, restricted access and a tight schedule, using John Mee Vac-Ex Hire allowed the work to be completed efficiently while hugely reducing the risks associated with traditional digging methods.

Our experienced operatives on site also made a clear difference. Their expertise and knowledge with both the equipment and the rail sector helped ensure everything was completed to a high standard.

Why It Matters

Vacuum excavation plays a huge role in all projects which have underground unknown services. It’s not just an alternative way to dig it’s a safety first method that helps prevent utility strikes, minimises disruption, and gives contractors more control in high-risk or restricted environments.

The project manager gave us some great feedback – ‘The whole process from speaking with yourself from the beginning to end has been brilliant. Your operators have been superb and even given me certain advice along the way that has been really helpful. Can’t thank you all enough and look forward to the next project with the 32T unit.’

For projects like this, where live infrastructure and tight working windows are involved, Vacuum excavation is essential. Our service helped protect buried services, kept the team safe, and ensured everything stayed on schedule.