Since 2007 the RailStaff Awards have celebrated the individuals who go above and beyond to keep the country moving. The Rail Civils / Infrastructure Team Award recognises the achievements of those who work both directly and indirectly on Britain’s rail network – from track maintenance engineers who consistently get the job done safely, on time and to budget, to amazing programme managers who deserve a big thank you.
This year, The Whitecross Recovery Team from Rail Systems Alliance Scotland stood out from the competition. Following heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on 12 August across Central Scotland, local maintenance teams found that the Union Canal had been breached causing significant damage on the Edinburgh to Glasgow Main Line.
Network Rail sought support from various suppliers including Rail Systems Alliance Scotland (RSAS), to remediate the track asset failures. RSAS quickly mobilised its development team to drive the project forward and manage the recovery.
The scale of the work in front of the team was incredible given the devastation of the track, but the programme was delivered despite the exceptional circumstances and time constraints. Most importantly, everyone came home with no accidents throughout this accelerated programme.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to receive this award,” said Christopher Booth from Babcock Rail. “Obviously, it was joint effort and all teams reacted well to an emergency situation, which is what Rail Systems Alliance Scotland is set up to do.”
Bodyguard Workwear backed this year’s Rail Civils / Infrastructure Team Award. With over 40 years’ experience in manufacturing and distributing PPE and safety workwear, Bodyguard Workwear combines an in depth understanding of safety clothing with expertise in garment design and manufacture.
“Its great that the RailStaff Awards recognise the everyday working people of the railway,” said Kamal Basra, Bodyguard Workwear’s managing director. “Although many would say that they’re just doing their jobs, the work they do has a huge positive effect on their colleagues, their community, and society as a whole. It’s so important that the efforts of everyone in the rail industry are acknowledged.”
Highly commended
TRU – Lineside Civil Design Team (Derby), Amey Consulting
Lundy Projects WCML Project Delivery Team, Lundy Projects Limited
