A retaining wall at Nithsdale Drive in Glasgow was creating an operational risk to the adjacent railway. Its removal required much more than heavy machinery and site access. The work had to be carefully designed, assured and delivered within tightly controlled railway blockades.

Working alongside Blackwood Plant Hire, Network Rail , the client, designers and the Network Rail Asset Protection team, TCES successfully completed the removal across two 50-hour blockades.

Understanding the risk

One of the main challenges was the condition behind the retaining wall. Until the work began, the team could not fully know what would be uncovered during excavation.

Intrusive surveys were carried out to build a clearer picture of the structure and surrounding ground. The team also developed contingency plans for any unexpected conditions encountered during the blockades.

The potential risks were significant. An uncontrolled collapse could have sent debris onto the railway, damaged cables or affected the track, putting the planned reopening at risk.

To manage this, protection was installed over the track and the wall was taken down incrementally. This controlled approach allowed the team to manage each stage of the removal and reduce the risk to the railway below.

Planning well ahead of delivery

Access to railway infrastructure requires extensive preparation. Planning for the works began around 12 months in advance, with rail operators and project stakeholders involved in securing access and agreeing how the removal would be delivered.

This was followed by a detailed engineering and assurance process. The design was reviewed and approved by the relevant stakeholders, with integration managed in accordance with Network Rail requirements.

TCES then worked closely with the client, designer and Network Rail Asset Protection team during the final stages of preparation, ensuring the railway could be returned safely to operational traffic.

Control throughout the blockade

During delivery, TCES used an hour-by-hour programme to monitor progress and keep stakeholders informed.

This level of control allowed the team to understand exactly where the project stood, respond to site conditions and protect the contingency built into the programme.

The works were successfully completed with the planned 12-hour contingency still available before the railway was due to reopen.

As TCES Managing Director Altin Staka MBA LLM MSc explains:

“What you see here behind us is exactly what we promised the client we would deliver on completion of the works.”

A collaborative result

The successful outcome at Nithsdale Drive reflects the value of early planning, strong engineering assurance and close collaboration across every organisation involved.

It also demonstrates the importance of combining technical expertise with practical delivery experience. By understanding the risks, preparing for unknown conditions and maintaining control throughout the blockade, the team completed a challenging scope while protecting the operational railway.

Thank you to everyone from TCES, Network Rail, Blackwood Plant Hire Limited and the wider project team who contributed to the delivery.

Careful planning. Controlled delivery. Railway ready.