Project Planning Tailored Solutions

Supporting High Voltage Power Delivery Across a Diverse Project Portfolio

Integrum Power Engineering (IPE), part of OCU Connect, is a leading electrical engineering design and build contractor specialising in high voltage distribution and maintenance. Operating across a geographically diverse portfolio of projects, IPE delivers complex contract requirements including Principal Contractor and Principal Designer duties alongside full design and build responsibilities.

The Challenge

IPE approached Axial to develop Programme Management protocols and practices that would enable the proactive identification and management of schedule risk across its project portfolio. The challenge was compounded by the geographical and contractual diversity of projects, as well as varying client requirements, which resulted in limited alignment in schedule formats and update cycles across the portfolio.

How Axial Helped

Key Results

Eastern and Southern Regional Partnerships

Following Amey’s appointment to Network Rail’s Regional Routes Partnership Frameworks, Axial was engaged to establish a Planning and Controls function to support delivery of the project portfolio. Operating throughout Control Period 7, the frameworks will see Amey deliver signalling equipment upgrades across the Eastern region and overhead line upgrades in the Southern region, packaged as a series of discrete projects.

The Challenge

With the flow of work expected to be constrained at the start of Control Period 7 (CP7), the solution needed to be scalable and tailored to the requirements of key commercial and operational stakeholders. New programme management procedures and protocols were required, alongside the need to upskill existing Amey planning staff. In addition, the geographical spread of projects and delivery teams created a requirement for a centralised information repository to improve visibility of project and portfolio performance across the frameworks.

How Axial Helped

Key Results

Planning and Controls Support for Wigan to Bolton Electrification (W2B)

W2B is a £100m multi-disciplinary rail infrastructure project improving journeys across the North West. The scope included 21 km of new overhead electrification with 414 stanchions, six bridge reconstructions, one new footbridge, modifications to 17 bridges, two new level crossings, signalling and track upgrades, and platform extensions at Hindley, Westhoughton, and Ince stations. Axial provided Planning and Controls expertise to support delivery and integration from Approval in Principle design through to Project Close Out, ensuring the project was delivered efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.

The Challenge

Buckingham Group and Network Rail required personnel to take ownership of the integrated programme, reviewing historic feasibility and implementing solutions to increase confidence in delivery within realistic timescales and budgets. Ongoing programme management was needed to ensure key milestones were met throughout the project. The scope included significant multi-discipline integration, demanding careful management of design, access regimes, and disruptive works to deliver the scheme efficiently and cost-effectively.

How Axial Helped

Key Results

NEC Programme Management for Edgcott / QUA36 Bridges

Edgcott Bridge is one of 24 new bridges being constructed as part of HS2, designed to carry both high-speed railway lines once the track system is installed. Delivered by EKFB as the Main Works Civils Contractor, the 112-metre structure carries Edgcott Road over the high-speed railway and an existing freight route. Axial provided Planning and Controls expertise to support specialist lifting and construction activities on this complex HS2 asset.

The Challenge

Force Contracting Services were engaged by EKFB to deliver specialist works, including rigging, crane operations, and project management, to install nine large steel beams. Axial was appointed by Force to develop NEC-compliant project programmes, requiring strict adherence to contractual requirements and full integration with EKFB’s master schedule. The project was subject to significant change from an early stage, increasing the importance of robust programme management and contractual compliance.

How Axial Helped

Key Results

Integrated Project Planning for Hornsea 2 Offshore Wind Farm

Hornsea Project Two is located 89 kilometres off the Yorkshire coast and, when fully operational, is capable of supplying renewable electricity to over 1.3 million homes. Now the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Hornsea 2 includes extensive high-voltage cabling infrastructure to transmit green energy generated offshore to the national grid. Axial provided project planning and controls expertise to support the delivery of critical onshore and offshore cabling works.

The Challenge

Axial was contracted by LS Cable and Systems to support the development and maintenance of an integrated programme for the supply and installation of 350 kilometres of high-voltage cables, including 39 kilometres of onshore works, for the end client Ørsted. The scale, technical complexity, and number of delivery interfaces required robust programme integration, milestone management, and clear visibility of critical path activities.

How Axial Helped

Key Results

Project Planning and Controls for London to Corby Electrification (L2C)

The London to Corby Electrification (L2C) project formed part of the wider Midland Main Line Electrification (MMLE) programme, delivering electrification between London and Corby to enable faster, greener rail journeys. Later phases expanded to bi-mode operations, improving cost efficiency and extending services beyond Corby while increasing capacity for East Midlands rail services.

The Challenge

The £300m contract involved the electrification of 192 km of single track, including the installation of more than 2,300 foundations, 3,240 overhead line structures, eight substations, and approximately 900 km of wiring across OLE, RSC, fibre, and LV/HV systems. The scope also included around 38 km of steelwork for OLE structures and the management of approximately 350 design submissions, requiring robust programme control, construction integration, and schedule assurance across a highly complex delivery environment.

How Axial Helped

Key Results

Programme Management and Planning for North West Electrification Phases 4 and 5

The North West Electrification Programme was a £400m rail infrastructure project to electrify more than 350 km of railway, improving connectivity between the key cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Phase 4 covered the route from Manchester Victoria to Bolton, while Phase 5 extended from Manchester Victoria to Stalybridge. Delivered concurrently, the scope included electrification, traction power, lineside civils, and Electrification and Plant (E&P) works.

The Challenge

Axial was engaged to establish and operate a Programme Management Organisation (PMO) and provide a multi-functional Planning team across both phases. The remit covered project planning, access and possession planning, construction integration, and de-confliction, all of which needed to be delivered through a single, coordinated approach. A significant additional challenge was the transition of Principal Contractor following the demise of Carillion, with Amey assuming responsibility for delivery mid-programme.

How Axial Helped

Key Results

Programme Management for Central Rail Systems Alliance Transition

In 2019, Balfour Beatty secured the £1.5bn Central Rail Systems Alliance track renewals framework, covering the London North Western (LNW), London North Eastern (LNE), and East Midlands routes. Delivered as a 10-year alliance with Network Rail, AtkinsRéalis, and TSO, the framework includes track renewals, level crossings, and major standalone schemes such as King’s Cross Station and Leeds Remodelling, spanning Control Periods 6 and 7.

The Challenge

Following support to the successful tender, Axial was engaged to manage the transition from the incumbent contractor into the new Alliance. The transition scope was complex and time-critical, involving the transfer of 500 staff, five depots, and five live contracts into the new framework. Additional challenges included the transition of fleet, IT systems, TUPE’d staff, existing supply chain arrangements, and the alignment of delivery plans across depots in Peterborough, Doncaster, Preston, Crewe, and Saltley, all while maintaining uninterrupted delivery of planned works.

How Axial Helped

Key Results

Project Planning for Merseytravel Platform Enhancements

AmcoGiffen was contracted by Network Rail to deliver vital upgrades across nearly 100 Merseyrail platforms at 58 stations, preparing the network for new state-of-the-art trains with sliding step technology. The works enhanced station platforms, gauge clearance, and accessibility, enabling increased passenger capacity and making Merseyrail one of the most accessible rail networks in the UK. Axial provided project planning, risk management, and programme oversight to support the successful delivery of this extensive infrastructure programme.

The Challenge

The project spanned the full delivery lifecycle from GRIP 3 Option Selection through to GRIP 8 Close Out. It involved complex works including track lifts, platform adjustments, drainage, track renewals, cable diversions, and modifications to both platform and non-platform structures. A key challenge was coordinating multiple blockades across 96 platforms while keeping the network operational, ensuring all works were completed safely, efficiently, and in line with tight programme timelines. Axial was engaged to provide planning and controls expertise to integrate these activities into a coherent delivery programme, assess risks, and maintain overall schedule confidence.

How Axial Helped

Key Results

Integrated Track Team Tender - London Underground Track Renewals

The Track Partnership, a strategic alliance between London Underground and Balfour Beatty Rail, is responsible for delivering essential track and drainage renewals across London Underground’s 1,000 km network. In 2019, the alliance framework was up for renewal, with Transport for London (TfL) seeking innovative approaches to deliver a £250m programme. Axial provided project planning, programme management, and bid leadership support, helping Balfour Beatty structure a technically robust, feasible, and innovative proposal that secured the contract and set the foundation for efficient delivery of track renewals over the next 10 years.

The Challenge

This was Axial’s first engagement with Balfour Beatty Rail. The team was tasked with providing bid leadership and project planning support, co-located with the tender team in Canary Wharf. Axial supported the capture planning stage, Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ), Invitation to Tender (ITT), and post-tender negotiation, ensuring the bid addressed TfL’s requirements for maintaining the reliability of the Underground network. The programme included the renewal of 13 km of ballasted track, drainage, and points and crossings within the first two years of the framework. The challenge was to demonstrate deliverability, sequencing, risk management, and innovative approaches in a competitive tender while aligning with operational constraints on the network.

How Axial Helped

Key Results

Minor Signalling Frameworks – Western, Wessex and East Midlands Regions

Balfour Beatty was a new entrant to the signalling market and sought to secure multiple Minor Signalling Frameworks across the Western, Wessex, and East Midlands regions during Control Period 6 (CP6). The frameworks covered 17 route-based lots and included the like-for-like replacement of signalling assets. Axial supported Balfour Beatty with bid leadership, technical planning, and programme management expertise, providing a credible delivery strategy that enabled successful wins across the maximum number of frameworks and positioned Balfour Beatty as a capable signalling contractor.

The Challenge

At the time, Balfour Beatty had little experience in signalling, having previously focused on track, OLE, and plant. The challenge was to help a new entrant demonstrate credibility, deliverability, and commercial awareness to Network Rail while producing a bid that addressed multiple route-based workbanks. Axial’s role was to support the bid team with planning, programme development, and scenario analysis, ensuring that the proposed delivery strategy was both technically robust and commercially attractive.

How Axial Helped

Key Results