When Story Contracting needed interim access for the Permanent Way Institution’s (PWI) Practical Trackwork Challenge (PTC), they turned to TPA’s temporary roadway hire service.
Supporting a historic heritage railway
The 2024 PWI PTC was held at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Heritage Railway in Scotland. Operated by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, the 10-mile line is run by volunteers and funded by grants and donations. Hosting the event offered a unique opportunity to both refurbish the track and provide hands-on training for participants.
Over two days, more than 100 delegates, exhibitors and spectators took part. Workshops covered all stages of track renewal, resulting in 200 metres of track renewed and 75 damaged sleepers replaced.
TPA’s temporary access solution
To ensure safe spectator access in wet ground conditions, Story Contracting specified TPA’s lightweight interlocking Zappmats. These panels created pedestrian walkways and standing areas, providing a stable platform next to large plant operating on a single line. Zappmat's are available on TPA's self-install service, which allows customers to quickly lay and remove panels themselves, reducing installation costs and providing an easy, flexible access solution.
Installation and removal were completed quickly by Story’s in-house track team, who have used TPA’s access systems across multiple projects.
Jim Stevenson, Head of Track at Story Contracting, praised the solution:
“Zappmats are a fantastic product. I always use TPA’s Zappmats due to the quality and reliability of the product. Installation was very straightforward due to the simplicity of the system, and removal was just as easy.”
Showcasing wider access solutions
In addition to Zappmats, TPA’s Rapid Rail Access division supported the event with a stand featuring foam RRAP, VRAM RRAP and platform access steps. The team also provided TAMS (Track Access Matting System), which offered quick-to-install, relocatable access for rail digs.
Stephen Barber, CEO of the PWI, commented:
“Working together, we ensured the event took place in a very low-risk environment. Delegates are mentored and closely supervised so they can engage in the work, technical activities can be explained to them, and their questions can be answered in detail — a level of support almost impossible to achieve during time-constrained engineering work on the national rail network.”
Building knowledge for the rail community
For Story Contracting, the event highlighted the importance of practical training in safe, controlled environments.
Jennifer Evans, Graduate Engineer at Story Contracting, explained:
“Training days like this are important as they provide a platform for professionals from different companies, job descriptions and levels to share their expertise, helping to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in industry.”
Temporary roadway hire for rail projects
This project shows how temporary roadway hire from TPA plays a key role in supporting rail projects, from heritage lines to national infrastructure. With proven solutions like Zappmats, RRAP systems and TAMS, TPA enables safe access for contractors, training events, and major works alike.