An MGF mine capping cofferdam solution in Huddersfield was critical to overcome unique challenges during the £2billion TransPennine Route Upgrade. At Deighton Station, two historic coal mine shafts were located adjacent to the new station build and track upgrade works. Sited in a large sloping rail embankment with poor historical records and uncertainty about previous remediation, these shafts posed a serious long term safety risk. The solution was to excavate down to the shafts and cap them with reinforced concrete slabs inside a cofferdam. Once completed the adjacent track works could progress.Â
Deighton Station, Huddersfield – Mine Capping Cofferdam Works
TransPennine Route Upgrade West Alliance (TRU West)
Mark Norton, Rail Sector and HS2 Manager
MGF delivered a safe, cost-effective ground support solution at Deighton Station, Huddersfield, through early engagement, innovative design, and integrated safety systems. The objective was to allow operatives safe below ground access for concrete slab capping over twin mine shafts.Â
MGF’s Rail Team engaged 18 months before work started, to assist in planning and delivery of a safe, efficient temporary works solution. The original design had been prepared by an external consultant, however, we believed an opportunity existed to provide a more economical, and equally safe solution based on our experience and knowledge. By reducing section sizes from MGF’s T700 Tank Brace to our 406 UC Brace, we were able to reduce weekly hire costs, make the site works easier by utilising lighter sections, and provide a more economical solution without compromising safety or performance.Â
We supplied fully interlocking sheet piles for the cofferdam and four levels of 406 UC hydraulic frames with multiple cross struts. To ensure safe working for operatives we also supplied Reid Gantries, static safety lines, davit systems, and EdgeSafe, for edge protection excavation safety.
Assisted by our Lifting & Safety team we also provided toolbox talks, Safe Systems of Works guides and installation videos, all to keep operatives safe when on site, and ensure all were clear of the risks and management of same.Â
The job wasn’t without challenges, the shafts and installed cofferdam were sited within a steep embankment, close to the in-progress upgrade station and track upgrade from 2 tracks to 4, making ground stability a cause for concern, at a time when trains were running as normal in close proximity. Historical mine records were not well kept, and it was unclear if the shafts had been properly filled after being decommissioned. Achieving a secure toe for sheet piles into the mudstone rockhead was critical. Bulk excavation, installation of the frames and planning safety was required and all operatives entering the excavation had to be attached to static lines to prevent falls into the potentially open shafts within. Â
Due to the cofferdam being on an embankment and being on different levels, we had to use two different sized A frame Gantries with 9m beams. This was necessary due to the potential coal shaft underneath the cofferdam, which meant there was risk of the persons working inside the cofferdam falling if the shaft collapsed. The Gantries provided overhead fall arrest protection so the team working inside the cofferdam could walk around and work safely whilst being protected from a fall.Â
Through MGF’s early engagement and collaboration with the client, we were able to assist in the design process and provide integrated innovative safety solutions, which led to cost savings through reduced equipment size and time spent on the programme. We also provided equipment for safer working conditions with overhead gantries, davit systems, and static lines. An efficient installation was achieved thanks to pre-planned procedures and on-site support, and overall, a lower carbon impact by using re-usable hydraulic frames rather than one-time use structural steel.Â
This project is a great example of the added value of teamwork. The early engagement between MGF and BAM Nuttall, via MGF’s dedicated and experienced Rail Team and Lifting & Safety division, enabled a well planned solution. From this a high-risk job became a safe, well-managed success, which achieved the objective for the TRU site team.Â
Our 406UC Brace has been designed to brace large and deep cofferdams, these are frequently used on major basement and …
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