Client: Iarnród Éireann
DBFL were commissioned by Iarnród Éireann to provide engineering services on a new access road and car park for Hansfield Station on the Dunboyne Railway Line.
DBFL provided civil and structural engineering design services for this project from detailed design through tender, construction up to final handover. The project was delivered on time and within budget. Contractor was Balfour Beatty.
The project involved the construction of a new 1-kilometre access road from Ongar Road to the newly constructed Hansfield train station. This included the assessment and upgrade of approximately 0.2 kilometres of partially constructed carriageway pavements, as well as the construction of 0.8 kilometres of new road across greenfield lands. The scope of work provided pedestrian and cycle facilities to the train station, over 2 kilometres of footpath works, 70 new car parking spaces, and associated earthworks and embankments. Additional elements included substantial drainage works, public lighting, services and utilities ductwork that were future-proofed for adjacent development lands, and various traffic management measures, including traffic markings and signage.
Infrastructure improvements also included stormwater box culverts, a foul pumping station, ramps, steps, and railings to provide access to the elevated station, as well as comprehensive soft and hard landscaping. DBFL designed the road in accordance with DMURS and TII standards together as well as to the various utility and drainage standards and prepared the Works Requirements, Pricing Document and Information Pack in accordance with the Public Works Contract. Construction was completed in 2013 and the Station and access road formally opened by the then Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar on 28th June 2013.
Particular challenges faced by the project included designing a new road corridor through a greenfield site but which also had to provide all the stormwater drainage, foul sewers, watermains, electricity, rising mains and telecoms ducting to facilitate future adjacent residential development which had not been designed yet.
Design and provision of Part M access to the railway station box which was some 7m above existing ground levels. A solution of raised road embankment together with long zig-zagging ramps and direct stepped access with railings was selected which used vibro stone columns foundations supporting rising walls and suspended slabs.
The project involves reusing existing road pavements to construct the new road, which enhances sustainability and resource efficiency. Additionally, future-proofed services and utilities will be installed along the road corridor, supporting potential adjacent developments. The plan also includes provisions for cyclists, with dedicated cycle paths and facilities such as cycle lockers at the station to encourage safe and convenient cycling options.
Project Director
