Exeter Depot Enhancement Works
Arup
HOCHTIEF enhanced the maintenance depot facilities next to Exeter St David’s Station to support the introduction of new rolling stock and growing passenger numbers. Our works included building a new carriage wash, three-road maintenance shed, staff accommodation and a fluid farm on a brownfield site next to the existing depot.
Key features:
- 3 road maintenance depot
- Staff accommodation – 3 storey office and welfare facilities
- Link bridge from offices to Exeter St David’s Station
- Carriage wash
- Fluid farm and delivery facility
- Demolition
- M&E, communications systems, security systems
- PWay including switches, crossings, turntables
- Drainage
- Utilities diversions
- Culvert diversion
Logistics were complicated as the footprint of the whole working site was only slightly larger than the works that had to be built on it. We used a self-erecting tower crane to overcome the challenges of working on a constrained site next to live rail lines, which saved 40 days and £375,000.
During an Early Contractor Involvement phase, we engaged collaboratively with both GWR and depot staff to gain a full understanding of their needs. We also worked closely with our designer to develop innovative solutions and efficient construction methods that would minimise disruption.
Our redesign of the retaining wall eliminated risk to an existing culvert and enabled the raised track to be built earlier in the programme. This simplified logistics, saved approximately 50% of the sheet piles installation cost for the emergency track, and eliminated substantial construction risk. We also redesigned a culvert diversion to prevent clashes with depot services, saving time and costs.
The project was completed in spring 2021.
