Coordinating Complex Civil Engineering Works Across Two Tyne and Wear Metro Level Crossings

Rail infrastructure projects depend on careful coordination, precise planning and the ability to deliver within tightly controlled access periods. When multiple teams and specialist works need to align, even small delays can affect the wider programme.

This project demonstrates how G&B Construction combined technical civil engineering expertise, detailed resource planning and close collaboration with the wider rail team to deliver two level crossing renewals within the required timeframe. For our client, it meant achieving the planned handback periods while maintaining the safety and quality expected across a live rail environment.

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Scope of Works

G&B was responsible for removing the existing crossing infrastructure and completing the civil engineering works required to install the new crossing systems. The scope included:

• Establishing secure working areas and implementing the required road closures.
• Saw cutting and breaking out existing road construction, concrete foundations and crossing infrastructure.
• Removing existing Holdfast crossing panels, anti-trespass units and steel edge beams.
• Excavating and clearing materials to enable the associated track modifications to progress.
• Excavating and preparing new foundations following completion of the track works.
• Installing separation boarding and C40 lean-mix concrete foundations.
• Installing concrete kerb beams and new hybrid crossing components.
• Installing Polysafe cess panels and Strail inner crossing units, including associated filler blocks, wedges, lock-tight rods, restraints and deflector plates.
• Completing backfilling and compaction around the new crossing infrastructure.
• Reinstating road and footpath surfacing.
• Reinstalling anti-trespass panels and applying new road markings.
• Completing the civil engineering works ready for final handback.

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Overcoming Complex Site Challenges

A key challenge was the restricted timeframe available to complete the works at both Callerton and Bank Foot level crossings.

Multiple G&B squads, plant and specialist equipment had to be coordinated across the programme, with activities carefully sequenced so each stage could be completed efficiently and the following contractor could commence without unnecessary delay.

The works required excavators, dumpers, telehandlers, lifting equipment, compaction equipment and temporary lighting, supported by dedicated G&B project management and site supervision.

Working within a railway environment also meant managing critical interfaces between civils, track, surfacing and specialist crossing works. Activities had to be coordinated around overhead line isolations, track modifications and planned handback periods, leaving limited opportunity for programme slippage.

Close communication between G&B, Nexus and the wider project team was therefore essential. By planning resources carefully and coordinating each stage of the works, G&B was able to maintain progress across both sites while working safely within the constraints of the operational rail environment.

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The Outcome

Despite the tight programme and logistical constraints associated with working within the Tyne and Wear Metro environment, the works at Callerton and Bank Foot were successfully delivered within the required timeframe.

The completed works provided the civil engineering foundations for the renewed level crossing systems, including new foundations, crossing components, surfacing and associated reinstatement works.

For Nexus, effective coordination across the different project disciplines was essential to achieving the required handback periods. For G&B, the project demonstrates our ability to mobilise multiple teams, manage complex rail interfaces and deliver technically demanding civil engineering works safely and efficiently within restricted access windows.

The project adds to G&B Construction’s experience in rail infrastructure and level crossing renewal, demonstrating the value of combining detailed planning, technical capability and collaborative project delivery.

G&B Construction delivers complex civil engineering and rail infrastructure works where safety, coordination and programme certainty matter.

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