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Highland Enhancement Programme

Background

Building a new 16-mile double track system, new stations, electrifying lines and extending platforms at existing stations, the Highland Enhancement Programme (HEP) improves capacity and connectivity between the major cities of Aberdeen and Inverness. 

Engaged by BAM Nuttall and working in collaboration with several other contractors including Siemens, Babcock Rail, Aecom and CH2M, Kelly Rail delivered HEP to support more services, improve journey times and create a more attractive public transport choice for all communities along the line.

Scope of Work

• FTN GSM-R propagation network coverage testing prior to works commencing
• New concrete bases at both the Forres and Elgin sites involving temporary works design & build, excavation and the installation of new ducting and concrete route works
• Mast relocation – 20m monopole masts erected with new Kathrein 80010643 antennas installed at the new locations
• All bracketry and RF cabling and connection installed prior to the planned REB relocations
• Supply and installation of operational comms including low voltage (LV) works:
  • Sub-duct and associated joints on all blown fibre
  • Jointing, wiring, termination and testing of copper and fibre cables
  • Cabling, termination and commissioning of VOIP phones
• Supply and installation of retail comms: 
  • CCTV cameras,
  • Long line public address (LLPA) speakers and telecoms hardware and software
  • Telecoms cabinets, Cables, joints and patch-leads
  • Telecom connectors, boxes etc,

Key success factors and innovations

As part of the early contractor engagement process, Kelly Rail met with Network Rail, Scot Rail, BAM Nuttall and the maintainer ADT regularly to clarify the scope and identify potential risks in advance of the work starting on site. This proved extremely beneficial as all risks were discussed and solutions put in place in advance of the site works, mitigating any disruption.