To determine the duration of a track possession, the Network Planning Manager will work with the applicant to determine the period required to complete the proposed works and to return the relevant section to operational status, including allocating sufficient time to:
– Mobilise the workforce and to have all plant on site,
– Assemble or stockpile materials on-site, either prior to or during the track possession,
– Prepare the site,
– Complete all the works and certify the track for resumption of operations,
– Clean up and restore the site to the required standard,
– Allow for a contingency period for the effect of adverse conditions, e.g. rain.
Failure to allow enough time for a possession increases the risk of over-time works, which may affect the return of the line / section to operational status and thus may delay passenger of freight services.
Allowing too much time to complete works reduces network service available and will cause delays to passenger and/or freight services.
The appropriateness of track possession durations will be monitored as a key performance indicator and used as a planning tool to minimise network service disruption.