Level Crossing Upgrade: Sun Wharf & Line Kiln, Woodbridge, Suffolk

Description of the works (Scope):

BPH Rail & Civil Engineering were awarded Sun Wharf & Line Kiln level crossing renewals as part of the year 4 Woodbridge level crossing upgrade framework. As part of the scope of works BPH Rail had to undertake the upgrade of the crossing approaches both sides of the level crossing.

This level crossing upgrade project involved viewing existing service drawings at planning stage before breaking out the existing tarmac surface up to the stop line. We then installed a new sub-base followed by new tarmac surfacing and resurfacing.

Once we had completed the surfacing works, we renewed all of the existing road markings including white lining and yellow hatching to complete the crossing upgrades.

BPH Rail are always thinking of the future and ways to improve performance, workmanship and quality for the next project.

In late 2022 BPH Rail & Civil Engineering were looking at ways to improve the quality and adhesion of paint products applied to the new rubber level crossing surfaces. After months of research and trialling different products, BPH Rail & Civil Engineering started working with a company in Ireland call Kestrel Thermoplastics.

Kestrel Thermoplastics sent representatives to our headquarters in Sawbridgeworth to demonstrate their paint products and provided key training for our core level crossing staff.

We also had Kestrel visit various project sites to oversee BPH staff installing their road marketing products in a live environment, so they could critique and provide expert advice on how we can improve the quality of application.

The collaborative working relationship between the two companies continues to thrive today and we continue to strive for a better, more efficient and environmentally friendly product/ system.