Bachy Soletanche designs and delivers the geotechnical solutions for all types of highway and rail infrastructure projects, including the construction or extension of train stations and lines (overground and underground), new roads, motorway upgrades, as well as structures such as bridges, viaducts and embankments.
The infrastructure sector is up against extensive consents processes, regulatory compliance, labour shortages, supply chain uncertainties and politically geared decisions for funding. Having a partner that understands these challenges is essential for project success.
Infrastructure Sector
Transport is more than just getting from A to B. Our road and rail network provides the backbone to economic, social and environmental prosperity in the UK and Ireland.
With travel ever-increasing, there is a growing demand for investment in reliable and sustainable transport infrastructure. However, when it comes to highways, rail, ports and airports schemes, the infrastructure sector is up against extensive consents processes, regulatory compliance, labour shortages, supply chain uncertainties and politically geared decisions for funding.
We understand that these are complex and time-sensitive projects where safety and consideration of the public are critical. Our design team work closely with our clients to develop the most efficient solution that will minimise disruption to the community and enable the continued operation of transport facilities wherever possible. And when road and rail possessions are necessary, we rely on detailed logistics scheduling and construction planning to maximise efficiency on site.
Our multi-disciplinary team has a rich history in delivering pioneering highways and rail infrastructure schemes. Our portfolio includes:
- HS2 – Bachy Soletanche is working on three ground engineering and foundations contracts for HS2, covering the new Old Oak Common Station in London, as well as the N1/N2 section of the new high-speed line in the Midlands.
- Crossrail – Bachy Soletanche completed the ground engineering packages for eight of Crossrail’s project sites.
- Major train station – We have delivered major upgrades to key London train stations, including London Bridge and Kings Cross
- Motorway upgrades – We have worked on a number of schemes on the network, including projects on the M1, M4, M20 and M58.
Bachy Soletanche has a comprehensive package of solutions at its disposal to suit the nuances of transport infrastructure projects, including those for restricted-access sites and low-headroom locations, as well as those that offer reduced noise and vibration.
Some of the solutions that we deliver in this sector include piling (CFA and LDA) retaining walls (such as secant walls), grouting, ground improvement and rotary displacement piling solutions such as our innovative Screwsol technique. We also offer ground investigations, 3D modelling and real-time structural monitoring.
Case Studies
Silvertown Tunnel, London
The additional route connecting Silvertown to Greenwich Peninsula is set to ease chronic congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel and enable more cross-river bus journeys. Bachy Soletanche monitored fuel usage throughout the project and integrated electrical equipment into its setups wherever possible, including electric pumps in its bentonite farms. The team also worked with its supply chain partners to design and procure low-carbon concrete and grout mixes.
Mersey Gateway Crossing
To alleviate traffic congestion on the ageing Silver Jubilee Bridge, CFA piling, LDA piling and Secant retaining walls were installed for the construction of the Mersey Gateway Bridge. The high profile, large-scale project had challenges including having to limit impact to local environment and wildlife, navigate around the River Mersey site and work around a 40-tonne weight limit over the Manchester Ship Canal swing bridge.
Congleton Link Road
The project aimed to significantly reduce town centre traffic congestion, cut pollution and improve air quality. Bachy Soletanche delivered the geotechnical works at five different locations on this Cheshire East Council infrastructure scheme. The geotechnical works included Continuous Flight Auger piling(CFA), Cased Secant (CSP) piling and Secant Retaining Walls.
Tottenham Court Road Station Upgrade
Bachy Soletanche worked as part of the joint venture to construct the foundations for the new Western Ticket Hall. The Tottenham Court Road Station project allowed the team to demonstrate the commitment to pioneering piling and ground engineering work. The project was also achieved next to the busiest shopping street in London, a testament to the skill of everyone involved.
Kings Cross Station Upgrade
The team designed and delivered an innovative compensation grouting system, to limit the effects of tunnelling induced ground displacements below the King’s Cross train shed (PLA works), and the Great Northern Hotel (NLA works), arising from the construction of new underground passenger walkways, lifts, and escalators excavated at shallow depth below existing Listed Station structures and live rail tracks.
Norwich Crown Point Depot
To upgrade Norwich Crown Point Depot, for improved service and maintenance facilities for Abellio Greater Anglia’s new fleet of rolling stock, Bachy Soletanche was appointed to design and build a secant piled retaining wall with restricted access, low-headroom piling. The project team completed the work five days ahead of schedule.