08/06/2026
Sheet Piles Enable Step‑Free Access at Chorley Station
Chorley Railway Station is undergoing a programme of accessibility improvements to deliver step‑free access between platforms. The solution involves the construction of two lift shafts, one serving each platform, providing vertical access to an underpass beneath the railway line. This will allow passengers to move between platforms without the use of stairs.
As part of the enabling works for this scheme, SPUK Rail a division of Sheet Piling (UK) Ltd was appointed to design, supply and install temporary sheet piling works to facilitate the construction of the new lift shafts within a live operational railway environment.
SPUK’s scope comprised the provision of temporary retaining solutions to enable excavation for each lift shaft, forming safe and stable working areas for subsequent construction activities. The sheet piling formed a critical element of the temporary works, supporting ground retention while maintaining stability adjacent to the tracks and existing station infrastructure.
Due to the operational nature of the railway, the works were delivered primarily during planned rail possessions. All sheet piling activities were undertaken during early‑hours possession windows, exclusively at weekends, allowing the railway to be safely taken out of service while construction works progressed without disruption to weekday passenger operations. This required careful planning, close coordination with the wider project team and efficient ex*****on to maximise productivity within limited possession periods.
SPUK’s experience delivering specialist rail possession sheet piling works on complex rail schemes supported the safe and effective delivery of the Chorley project. Previous possession‑led works have included sheet piling operations at London Euston Station during the Boxing Day 2020 HS2 works. SPUK has also delivered large‑scale enabling works at Oxford Railway Station, where extensive possession management was required to facilitate a major station upgrade. This experience provided a strong foundation for working confidently and compliantly within a live rail environment.
Installation was carried out using excavator‑mounted MOVAX vibratory hammers, selected to suit the constrained station environment and the requirements of possession working. Two machines operated in tandem, with one unit dedicated to each platform, allowing the lift shaft piling works to progress concurrently within the limited possession windows. This approach enabled controlled pile installation whilst maximising productivity and maintaining strict compliance with rail safety requirements.
By delivering these enabling works, SPUK has supported the progression of step‑free access improvements at Chorley Railway Station, helping to facilitate the construction of permanent lift structures that will significantly improve accessibility for passengers.
This project highlights the importance of well‑engineered temporary sheet piling solutions, supported by proven possession‑working experience, in enabling complex rail infrastructure upgrades safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption.
To discuss temporary or permanent sheet piling works for rail or infrastructure projects, contact Sheet Piling (UK) Ltd on 01772 794141 or email [email protected].
https://www.sheetpilinguk.com/rail-possession-sheet-piling-enables-step-free-access-at-chorley-station/