The South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA) team have completed their handover of the decommissioned Old Oak Common (OOC) Heathrow Express (HEX) Depot to High Speed 2 (HS2).

With initial works beginning in September 2019, the SRSA have made huge strides over the 26 months they’ve been based on site. You can read our progress report of the scope of works the team have covered.

The OOC decommissioning represented a critical milestone in the development of the HS2 network, with the site team going above and beyond to deliver additional scope to de-risk the HS2 programme.

Through meticulous planning, coordination and collaboration, the SRSA provided value engineering services, saving HS2 around £2.5m through the following methods on site:

• Implementing cost control including using the same RRV and plant for various activities instead of hiring multiple RRVs
• Multi-tasking and being more efficient with resources
• Recycling leftover materials
• Digitalisation to reduce paper and printing use
• Negotiating prices and contracts with supply chain
• Delivering additional scope with the same resources
• Use of same site compound and welfare for multiple projects
• Sustainable site features, using solar powered lights, hybrid generators, etc.

Check out time lapse footage here:

Speaking about the success of the handover, HS2 Senior Programme Manager, Chris Rolfe said:

“The successful achievement of the final HEX Depot handover milestone represents a massive feather in the cap for our team and ensures the next phase of construction at OOC can commence on programme.

“It is fair to say that Stage 4 Depot Decommissioning had some challenges but the team has shown true grit and determination in overcoming these obstacles and have now demonstrated what can be achieved by a great team working collaboratively with their partners. Well done to all involved!”

Following up on Chris’ comments, OOC SRSA Project Manager, Jon Zabalegui said “It has been a challenging but rewarding process to coordinate all the parties, and I want to thank the team for all their efforts and collaboration with HEX and BBVS to achieve this key milestone and complete the stages handovers on time to support HS2.”

While the handover to HS2 has been completed, the SRSA team are starting up the next stage of the programme on site, with works beginning on the Early Works Package A phase.

The SRSA is comprised of Colas Rail Ltd., Network Rail and AECOM.