The unexpected is, by definition, hard to prepare for. With emergency responses you never know exactly what you’ll encounter and where, or what the most effective intervention will look like. But we do know the types of failures we’re likely to be called in to rectify. Typically, these are cutting, embankment or coastal failures. Whatever the exact nature of the problem or terrain, we aim to be on standby to rapidly deploy the expertise, resources and materials that are needed.
A Way of Working
The keys to being able to bring a rail line or other asset back into safe operation quickly are: process, communication, and knowing exactly how the ideal combination of expertise and resources will be mobilised with the minimum delay.
This isn’t a capability that can be switched on and off at will – a state of readiness has to be baked into how we operate. Investments in technical skills, training and accreditations, along with specialised plant, equipment and ‘standby’ materials are important strategic commitments geared towards rapid response.
Assess and Mobilise
When land slips or an embankment fails – we typically have survey teams from our rail engineering centre onsite within hours. Following an initial assessment of the type of failure, scope of works and any potential site complications, the in-house RISQS-accredited design team begins contract planning and arranging track access.
The in-house design team develops final method statements and engineering drawings within days, which are essential for reactive works.
Resource Allocation
An emergency response such as the Colhayne Embankment landslip nearly always involves the following:
- Immediate mobilisation of materials from contingency reserves.
- Rapid transportation using our own fleet of FORS-compliant HGVs.
- Installation teams on standby capable of working within short possession windows.
Suttle Projects’ self-delivery model includes a large in-house plant fleet, piling teams, and specialist marine and ground engineering equipment. These include underwater excavators, light work boats, and modular pontoon systems. We choose to own these assets so they can be deployed immediately without subcontractor delays.
Likewise with materials. Reserve stocks of rail ballast, gabion stone, and Type 1 aggregate can be mobilised immediately during urgent repair or stabilisation works. Further stocks are sourced from sister company Suttle Stone Quarries as needed, to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential materials.
The organisation is on permanent standby – ready to deal with the next emergency response using our projects: simplified approach. Head over to our information and insights section below, to find out more.
