East West Rail

Project Overview

Concept was selected by East West Railway Company to deliver the Phase 1 Ground Investigations for the new East West Rail (EWR) corridor - a major rail link connecting Oxford, Bletchley, Bedford and Cambridge.

We provided geotechnical and geo-environmental data critical to the design of:

• New railway earthworks (cuttings, embankments, borrow pits)
• Major structures including viaducts, tunnels, and crossings
• Station sites and supporting rail infrastructure

By identifying geohazards, ground instabilities and contamination early, the investigations reduce construction risk and improve design efficiency.

Scope of Works

• Safe site establishment: secure compounds, public access control, environmental protection
• Survey & setting out: non-intrusive service avoidance and Permit-to-Dig system
• Ground investigation activities:
• 252+ boreholes (7.5–40 m) – cable percussion, rotary coring
• 123+ trial pits (nominal 3.5 m depth)
• UXO magnetometry, SPT, shear vane & permeability testing
• Sampling & monitoring: long-term sample storage, geotechnical, geo-environmental, groundwater & gas monitoring (long-term instrumentation)
• Laboratory testing: soil & rock classification, strength, compressibility, chalk behaviour, contamination & concrete durability
• Digital reporting: AGS 4.1 data, CAD/GIS deliverables, staged factual reports & 12-month monitoring report

Key Challenges & Solutions

1️⃣ Complex Access & Landowner Coordination

Early multi-stakeholder workshops with EWR Co, ecological/archaeological teams and landowners streamlined access agreements. Agile re-scheduling allows drilling crews to adapt to crop cycles and site restrictions without delaying the programme.

2️⃣ Ecological & Archaeological Sensitivities

Joint site walkovers identified protected habitats and heritage areas. Low-impact drilling methodologies were deployed to minimise disturbance while remaining fully compliant.

3️⃣ Variable Geology & High-Risk Hazards

• Adaptive drilling techniques with real-time parameter monitoring for clays, chalk and mixed geology.
• Measures developed for safe working, and to mitigate risk of ground gas identified near Cleat Hill. 
• Radiological screening at former Bourn Airfield with RPA oversight, live monitoring & controlled exclusion zones.

4️⃣ Security & Public Interface

Centralised site compound with CCTV, controlled access, clear signage, along with regular updates and meetings with EWR's communications teams, minimising disruption and deterring theft.

Outcome

During this project we have provided high-quality geotechnical and geo-environmental data to support the design of the East West Rail corridor.

Concept’s railway ground investigation expertise, agile delivery model and strong stakeholder collaboration are enabling safe, efficient progress on one of the UK’s most significant linear infrastructure schemes.