Hillhouse Sidings

The Hillhouse Sidings scheme forms part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), a major, multi-billion-pound programme of railway improvements. The route spans 70 miles, with 23 stations, 29 level crossings, running over dozens of bridges and viaducts, and passing through 6 miles of tunnels.

The transformation of this key arterial route will enhance the rail network by providing frequent, faster and greener trains, running on an innovative, cleaner and more reliable railway.

Bethell delivered:

Four sidings were constructed, with each featuring concrete access walkways on both sides. Before the concrete aprons and servicing areas were built, all TTS200 troughs, ACO linear drainage channels, containment ducts, and CET troughs were installed to facilitate the installation of fire alarm infrastructure and sand traction pipelines.

We engaged with statutory undertakers to assist the progression of critical works, with Bethell delivering ducting and chamber works for the North Power Grid. A new access road into and around the new maintenance yard was installed by Bethell, constructed under a Section 278 agreement with Kirklees Council.

Work was administered digitally using our Common Data Environment (CDE), which streamlined collaborative working by providing Alliance partners with access to project folders, allowing documents to be compiled and completed in real time and saved within a central repository. The CDE provided project efficiencies and enhanced collaborative efforts within a transparent digital environment.

As a multi-faceted civils and utilities business, we provided a one-stop solution for the Alliance by subcontracting the installation of clean water mains to our sister company, Bethell Utility Services Limited. This resulted in faster mobilisation on the ground and allowed us to closely monitor the quality of the work.

Throughout the project, our Project Manager and Planning Lead managed programme development in coordination with the client, TRU Alliance and other contactors on site to identify efficiencies within the delivery programme and assess the suitability of works areas across the site.

We adopted a true collaborative working ethos under the principle of ‘Best for Project’, optimised delivery and drove efficiency across the wider programme. This ethos was enhanced by our multi-faceted in-house workforce, allowing us to closely control our resource capacity and deliver to the high health, safety, quality and environmental standards synonymous with the Bethell brand.

The Hillhouse Sidings project demanded precise logistics, seamless coordination, and strong support from every trade contractor involved. By working collaboratively with our Alliance partners, we successfully supported the delivery of this critical piece of rail infrastructure. The work was delivered in line with our core values, supported by the ‘Guiding Compass’ sustainable development strategy adopted by the TRU Alliance.