LOCAL rail operator c2c Railway Limited has announced the return of 12 and 10-car trains to platform 2 at Basildon station following an intensive programme to stabilise and replace a section of the embankment and platform.  

 c2c has welcomed the return of 12 and 10-car trains to platform 2 at Basildon station, following an extensive two-year programme of works to remove and redesign a 100m section of platform on the main ticket office side.  

The new platform structure, which replaces the original one built in 1974 when Basildon station first opened, means that an average of 30 additional 12 and 10-car trains can again serve platform 2 at Basildon each week.  

Working in partnership with AmcoGiffen (AMCO), industry leaders in the design and delivery of innovative engineering, construction and maintenance services across the transport sector, the newly designed platform sits on an embankment which has been restabilised with regrading and the installation of an 8-metre-deep sheet pile retaining wall.  

The platform now sits on 42 new screw piled foundations which are approximately eight metres deep into the ground.  

Commenting, c2c's Interim Asset & Property Director, Donna Thorpe, said: "c2c is delighted to have reopened the full length of platform 2 at Basildon station following an essential and extensive programme of removal, stabilising and rebuild works. 

Donna added: "I would like to pay special thanks to our partners at AMCO who have worked tirelessly and diligently to complete this complex project, along with the teams at Network Rail, Essex Highways and the wider Procurement, Asset and Operations Teams at c2c, who have supported throughout.  

"Most importantly, I would like to thank our customers and local stakeholders who have remained patient and understanding through what we appreciate has been a lengthy process."  

The newly installed platform, which welcomed its first returning 10-car train on Sunday lunchtime (14 December), in line with the timetable change, provided additional capacity for those using c2c services.  

Tom McGourty, senior contracts manager at AMCO, said: "AMCO is delighted to have been able to deliver this extensive project with c2c and Network Rail.  

"The previous 50-year-old platform had reached the end of its life and was being supported by an embankment which dated back to 1888. The new stabilised embankment now has a life span of c100 years, with the platform expected to last a minimum of 60 years."  

Tom added: "The project could not have been successfully completed without all parties working together towards the same shared goal. Partnership really is key!"