Success at Spotlight Rail Awards
Showing true collaboration, VolkerRail, Bam Nuttall, Network Rail, and CRSA were presented with the SPOTLIGHT Rail Awards, Acting as One Team Award, for the work undertaken at Bradford Forster Square Station.
The SPOTLIGHT Rail Awards recognise the accomplishments of the rail sector, showcasing innovative practices and outstanding contributions that drive the industry forward.
An extremely complex project, the addition of a new platform at Forster Square Station aims to increase capacity ahead of the 2025 date for the City of Culture at Bradford, expanding the current timetable by train operator LNER from two services a day to seven between Monday to Saturday, with six services operating on a Sunday.
The £24m investment will boost Bradford during its City of Culture year, allowing more trains between Bradford and London, reducing delays, and futureproofing the station for generations to come.
Within tight deadlines, VolkerRail, Bam Nuttall, Network Rail, and CRSA delivered detailed designs, diverted all utility services, and built the new platform, as well as install new track, OLE and signalling, along with testing works on the new signalling layout. All whilst ensuring the station remained opened throughout construction.
The team received the award due to the complexity of the project, and for collaborating with a variety of contractors to complete the specialist works. The team was also commended for the implementation of the ‘What is Best for the Project’ principle, allowing for agility, which led to better outcomes being delivered.
Commenting, Ann Habbershaw, VolkerRail’s project manager said: “I can honestly say it has been a remarkable and rewarding journey. I had the opportunity to work with the best people, both within VolkerRail as well as our partners at Bam Nuttall and CRSA, and our client, Network Rail. This success wouldn’t have been possible without everyone working together.”
Simon Christopher, project QS for Bam Nuttall, said: I am immensely proud to have been a part of the team, demonstrating that true collaboration can achieve anything. Harnessing experience, differing skills sets, and ambitious upcoming talent, the team has been able to accomplish a lasting legacy in a special year for Bradford. A very well-deserved national accolade to all involved.
Paul Kealy, head of electrification & plant – Eastern Region, for CRSA, said: "We are incredibly proud to have been a part of this outstanding collaboration. The collective dedication, expertise, and teamwork displayed throughout this project have been truly exceptional. It has been a privilege to contribute to an award-winning partnership that sets a new standard for excellence in the industry. Congratulations to all involved on this well-deserved success."
Network Rail’s senior portfolio manager, Mark Gibbons, also commented: “This is a massive achievement and brilliant industry recognition, and I’m so pleased for everyone. We all recognise that this project was only possible because of the collaborative working relationships between all our businesses and suppliers. It is testament to what can be achieved when people truly act as One Team.”
The SPOTLIGHT Rail Awards was held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, on Thursday 20 March,
By honouring the successes of the rail industry, the SPOTLIGHT Rail Awards not only inspire continued improvements but also emphasise the vital connection between superior asset management, customer satisfaction, and net zero.
