Key outcomes
Key outcomes
Overview
In a strategic initiative to enhance rail services across the Pennines, the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) aims to provide faster, greener journeys between Manchester and York. BAM Nuttall engaged Equans Digital to deliver environmental consultancy and monitoring services for key construction sites, including the A62 overbridge near Huddersfield and Deighton station
Our work
For major construction projects such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), the adverse impacts of noise and vibration should be avoided or minimised through consideration of the form and methods of construction, programming of works, mitigation of noise and vibration, monitoring, and communications.
With construction taking place near residential areas and including night-time operations, Equans Digital needed to address the technical challenges associated with noise, vibration, and air quality. The team played a key role in enabling BAM Nuttall to effectively manage the environmental impact of their construction activities on local communities and demonstrate the use of best practicable means (BPM).
Impact
Technical Consultancy - noise and vibration assessments
To address potential noise and vibration impacts, Equans Digital carried out comprehensive assessments, establishing predictive models to analyse and represent levels affecting nearby homes and residents. The models allowed for precise assessment of disturbance risks and informed recommendations for mitigation to demonstrate the best practicable means (BPM) and ensure compliance with the relevant standards.
Key aspects of the assessments included:
- Prediction of noise and vibration levels at sensitive residential locations for various construction phases
- Establishment of baselines to quantify the impact of construction noise and vibration relative to pre-existing conditions
- Evaluation of noise against BS5228-1:2009 +A1:2014 and vibration against BS5228-2:2009 +A1:2014 and BS6472- 1:2008 standards to ensure compliance
Noise, vibration and air quality monitoring
Equans Digital implemented long-term noise, vibration, and air quality monitors to provide continuous data and insight throughout the project, ensuring that the right parameters are being monitored, that sensors are located properly, and that equipment is in good working order and calibrated when necessary.
- Noise monitoring - noise levels were rigorously assessed against BS5228-1:2009 +A1:2014 to ensure that construction activities aligned with regulatory noise thresholds
- Vibration Monitoring - vibration levels were rigorously assessed against BS5228-2:2009 +A1:2014 and BS6472-1:2008 to ensure that construction activities aligned with regulatory vibration thresholds
- Air Quality Monitoring - conducted in line with IAQM and University College London guidelines, ensuring that pollutant levels remained within safe limits for the community
Our partnership with BAM Nuttall demonstrates a shared commitment to managing environmental impacts while ensuring the successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects.
Outcomes
- Reduction in environmental disruption through precise monitoring and timely interventions
- Ensure compliance with local authority and TRU standards
- Strengthened community trust by effectively managing noise, vibration, and air quality impacts
- Continuous insights enabled BAM Nuttall to adapt construction practices swiftly, avoiding project delays
Our expertise
Equans supports businesses, communities and the public sector by mobilising its expertise to provide low-carbon energy solutions, offer cutting-edge technical and FM services and transformative regeneration across the UK & Ireland.
