21 February 2008
WYG, consultant to the built natural and social environment has recently been appointed by Network Rail for a scheme to install a 3 mile passing rail loop at Axminster, Devon. The commission, which was won by a multidisciplinary team at WYG, is to GRIP Stage 4 design.
WYG will act as design consultant, providing Civil, Structural, Signalling, Geotechnical and Environmental services on the new scheme. Works to install the passing loop will also include the design for two turn-outs and three miles of track, with associated track bed and ground investigation, alongside a new signalling scheme for the loop with modifications to the existing signalling and level crossing. The scheme will also incorporate the design of a new platform and DDA compliant station at Axminster, including a footbridge and new lifts.
The Axminster line was originally constructed as twin track but was rationalised to a bi- directional line in the 1960's. The new scheme and passing loop will allow South West Trains to run hourly trains proposed for their December 2009 timetable for the Yeovil to Exeter route.
