The railway network carries millions of passengers daily across the UK. When construction or maintenance work is required, scaffolding teams face extraordinary challenges that don't exist in other sectors.
Millcroft has been working across the rail sector for more than 50 years, during which time we’ve become known for combining technical expertise with a safety-first culture. We understand what's needed to deliver scaffolding and access solutions that protect both rail workers and the travelling public during some of the country's most demanding rail projects.
Working in the highly regulated rail environment
The rail sector has strict safety protocols, accreditations and compliance requirements that scaffolding contractors must adhere to. At Millcroft, we demonstrate our commitment to meeting and exceeding these standards through our accreditations, which include ISO, FORS, RISQS and RoSPA.
This year, we were proud to receive the RoSPA President’s Gold award again after achieving 13 consecutive golds for our health and safety performance. These achievements are a third-party validation that our systems, procedures and people consistently perform to the highest industry standards.
But our commitment to safety is more than accreditations. We have a first-hand understanding of the rail environment, including live high-voltage lines, confined spaces and tunnel works. We expertly overcome these risks through a comprehensive and continuous training programme tailored to the sector’s specific demands.
Training for safety and precision
Training sits at the heart of Millcroft’s operational success. In addition to our standard training, which includes Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS), Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS), and First Aid at Work, rail projects involve complex or hazardous conditions that our operatives need to work in or around confidently. For example, our work on the Crossrail Elizabeth Line terminus at Paddington Station required our supervisors to undergo a rigorous appraisal process, including continuous assessment and interviews with the client’s management team. This ensured technical proficiency and ensured a strong safety culture ran throughout the project.
We also delivered significant works for TfL, providing enabling works and scaffolding for a maintenance and upgrade of properties in Whitechapel, where the challenge involved operating in close proximity to live London Underground tracks. Our solution was a bespoke scaffold design featuring a 150m wide x 8m high monoflex screen at the rear of the properties along the embankment to protect the workers and the railway line. Our screen enabled the line to remain operational while repointing and new roof works were carried out during the day. It’s projects like this that showcase our ability to deliver under the tightest constraints whilst never compromising on safety.
HS2 enabling works at London Euston
Our work at Euston Station for HS2 highlights the scale and complexity of rail projects. The multimillion-pound contract for Skanska involved the provision of temporary works infrastructure, acoustic and public protection screens, and a wide range of access and containment solutions during the construction of the new HS2 station. Operating in one of the UK’s busiest live stations, the project required meticulous planning, precision and round-the-clock delivery.
Key elements included an 8m high containment screen clad with modular acoustic panels designed to manage crowd loadings and provide a secure barrier between public areas and worksites. Additional works included large birdcage scaffolds over live office sites, protection decks to safeguard back-of-house areas during the roof removal, and scaffold to enable other contractors to operate safely above live platforms.
Throughout the project, our skilled operatives, supported by a dedicated managerial and support team, worked 24/7 within carefully planned possessions to ensure safe, efficient and disruption-free delivery.
Trusted to deliver safely and with precision
Projects like HS2 at Euston, Whitechapel, and Crossrail at Paddington demonstrate what is required to work successfully in the rail sector. Meticulous planning, agile delivery, constant communication and a commitment to safety. They also showcase why Millcroft continues to be trusted by major contractors and clients across the industry.
With over five decades of experience, our family business has grown into one of the UK’s leading scaffolding specialists. And in rail, where precision and safety are crucial, our expertise makes all the difference.
