3D modelling played a major part in two East Midlands Access for All (AFA) schemes when engineers were charged with developing projects for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire rail stations, one involving a Grade II listed station building.
The 3D hi-tech visuals came into their own at Beeston station in Nottinghamshire when the County Council was called upon to make key planning decisions impacting its listed station building and adjacent wooden canopies.
Beeston
Senior Engineering Technician, Tom Shiels, takes up the story. He said: “The Trent South to Mansfield line passes through Beeston station which, historically, has had wheelchair access, albeit using a long and convoluted route from the station car park to the platform.
“Consequently, we were asked by Network Rail to develop a scheme under AFA proposing the introduction of two number lift shafts, one to each platform. The new lifts will also provide access for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) from the adjacent highway bridge.
Senior Engineer Nick Chia added: “Traditionally we might have produced 2d models, which can be challenging to interpret, but, this time, it was imperative that we delivered something that both planners, and councillors, could visually grasp quickly, in light of the building’s listed status.
“They did and, consequently, the scheme has passed through the Approved in Principle stage rapidly, testimony to Tom’s excellent work, whilst paving the way for Story Contracting to move on site once detailed design has been completed.”
Alfreton
In Derbyshire Network Rail engineers were keen to understand what an eventual scheme might look like as part of budget planning.
Tom Shiels added: “Planning permission wasn’t required in this instance, however, NR wanted to know how we would meet the challenge of providing for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) which we have done with the introduction, again, of two number lift shafts, one to each platform.
“However, this time, it is our recommendation that the two access staircases be merely replaced with a refresh to the footbridge side panelling. There has also been the addition of lift shaft landings, making for much improved access which NR were able to instantly appreciate thanks to 3d visuals.”
At the station the platforms will be widened locally to accommodate the two new lift shafts. This reduces impact on the existing platform capacity, whilst enabling work to be carried out with minimum passenger disruption. The utilisation of the existing footbridge has also provided engineers with an opportunity to minimise cost.
A major driver for both schemes was to provide the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to achieve the AFA criteria at each station.
Contractor: AmcoGiffen (Alfreton); Story Contracting (Beeston)
Client: Network Rail