A Moray engineering and construction company is playing a key role in the railway development taking shape just a stone’s throw from its headquarters.
AJ Engineering started work on the new railway station in Forres late last month.
The contract to design, fabricate and install the relocated station was awarded by Beauly-based civil engineer firm Global Infrastructure.
A separate deal for the station footbridge was awarded to AJ Engineering by English company BAM Nuttall.
The projects, together worth £300,000, are part of a major upgrade to the railway, stations and signalling systems between Aberdeen and Inverness. Transport Scotland approved the improvements in March 2014.
Graham Alexander, general manager at Forres-based AJ Engineering said it was a fascinating project to work on and joked it was particularly easy for him as he has a bird’s eye view of the site from his office as well as from his house at Waterford.
He added: “You can’t get much more local than this. I can see and hear the works going on all day long, so I am in a position to keep an eye on things all the time.
“Joking aside though, to be working on a project so near to our depot and my house is fantastic and makes sense logistically.
“The public obviously see this as one large project but for us it is two separate contracts which happen to be on the same site.
“We have two project managers working on this at the moment to ensure that all the tight deadlines are met, and that we arrange our activities so all the follow-on trades can also get their work done too.”
Work on the building is expected to be completed by the middle of July.
While there are benefits of the firm’s fabrication yard being practically on site, AJ Engineering station project manager Gary Moir said there were also challenges.
“The new railway tracks are being laid at the same time so that restricts our access,” he said, adding: “The installation is also weather dependent.”
“The design is great though – the station building has a curved roof and a built-up insulated system.
“This will mean a longer installation time and, due to its curved design, the roof will prove more challenging to lay – but it will look impressive when it is finished.
“I drive past the new station every day on my way to work and it’s satisfying to know you’ve been involved in projects like this that benefit the public.”
AJ Engineering footbridge project manager Gary Moyes said: “It is good to maintain our excellent working relationship with BAM Nuttall, with whom we have completed a number of successful infrastructure scopes over the years.
“The design works for the footbridge began in March and we will begin on-site erection at the start of July.”