Prior Information Notice - HIF Rail Works Packages

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

The works are located on the Hoo Peninsular. The Hoo peninsula is situated in Kent to the east of Gravesend and to the north of Chatham. As part of a Housing Infrastructure Funding Grant, Medway Council are upgrading the current freight only railway.

The existing Network Rail line through the Hoo Peninsula is called the Grain Branch line which connects the North Kent Line at Hoo Junction to the Isle of Grain. The line was closed to passenger services in 1968 and is now a freight only railway, with no stations remaining. The 19km long line is a single, bi-directional line serving freight trains that use the Isle of Grain docks (Thamesport) and Cliffe sidings. The existing line will require enhancements to enable the required passenger services to operate while maintaining freight services.

The new rail service will enable passengers to travel from a new station near Sharnal Street to the main line and on to London via connecting services to London Charing Cross, London Victoria, London Bridge, and London St Pancras International.

1/ Rail Enabling Works

Procurement - June 2022

Start on Site – October 2022

Duration – 12/16 Weeks

Approx. Value £700,000

Scope –

1A Site and vegetation clearance along the rail corridor, around rail loop location and at proposed Sharnal Street location. (Approval to Work on Network Rail required)

1B Utility Diversions. (Approval to Work on Network Rail maybe required)

1C Environmental Protection and Mitigations. (Approval to Work on Network Rail maybe required)

2/ Rail Advanced Works (Approval to Work on Network Rail required)

Procurement – January 2023

Start on Site – July 2023

Duration – 26/30 Weeks

Approx. Value £6,500,000

Scope –

2A Embankment Widening to facilitate the addition of a Rail Loop, Installation/Repair of Track Drainage, Bridge Deck Replacement.

2B Signalling Cliffe to Grainport. Signalling Panel Update.

2C Track Remedial Works.

2D Installation of DNO Power Supply, FSP/PSP Signalling Power Supply, Installation of Charging Facilities at Sharnal Street Station.

3/ Rail Main Works

Procurement – January 2024

Start on Site – July 2024

Duration – 64 Weeks

Approx. Value - £41,000,000

Scope –

3A Level Crossing Works, Main Line Signalling, Main Line Crossover, Installation of Track Loop, Signal Installation Hoo Junction to Sharnal Street Station. (Approval to Work on Network Rail required)

3B Construction of Sharnal Street Station to include, Station Building , Platform, Carpark, Access Road, together with associated drainage and earthworks and Hard and Soft Landscaping (Approval to Work on Network Rail may be required)