Setting the standard from the first possession

At the start and end of every possession, precision and coordination are critical. Our strapping teams were deployed to support the safe set-up and close-down of the worksite, ensuring the site was fully prepared for planned engineering works and reinstated correctly for the return to traffic.

Possession logistics demand experience and attention to detail. By supplying skilled teams who understand the pace and pressure of blockade environments, we helped ensure operations began and concluded safely and efficiently.

Embedded safety and operational control

Safety remains the foundation of every project we support.

Throughout the works, we supplied an ES on day shifts alongside a Points Operator to ensure all routes were correctly set for movements within the worksite. In complex possessions, particularly during high-output upgrades, having experienced Safety Critical personnel embedded within the delivery team ensures operational clarity and reduces risk.

Our COSS professionals were also positioned across the site, undertaking a range of duties including:

• COSS’ing welding teams
  
• Supporting tamping operations
  
• Overseeing movements involving specialist plant, including a Kirow crane

The Kirow, widely used across infrastructure projects for heavy lifting in bridge and track environments, requires careful coordination and experienced supervision. Providing competent COSS support in these scenarios is essential to maintaining compliance and ensuring work progresses safely.

Specialist plant and lifting expertise

Blockade works of this scale rely heavily on plant and lifting operations. Deploy supplied Crane Controllers (Types 4, 6 and 7) throughout the blockade, ensuring all lifting activities were managed in accordance with standards and site-specific requirements.

From complex track panel movements to heavy component installation, having qualified, experienced Crane Controllers in place provided our client with confidence that operations were controlled, compliant and delivered without compromise.

Delivering heavy P-Way works

Alongside Safety Critical and plant support, we supplied a dedicated P-Way team consisting of:

• 1 x Team Leader
  
• 1 x COSS
  
• 4 x Trackmen

This team carried out heavy permanent way works as part of the wider upgrade programme. In high-pressure blockade environments, productivity and safety must go hand in hand. By providing a cohesive, experienced gang with clear supervision and protection arrangements, we supported efficient delivery while upholding the highest safety standards.

Our ability to supply complete, compliant track labour gangs enables clients to maintain programme certainty without sacrificing quality or oversight.

A collaborative delivery approach

Projects of this scale are never delivered in isolation. They depend on trusted partnerships, clear communication and a shared commitment to outcomes.

At Deploy, we see ourselves as an extension of our clients’ teams. Supporting VolkerRail at Dartford meant more than simply supplying resources — it meant understanding the operational plan, anticipating site requirements, and ensuring the right competencies were in place at the right time.

From possession set-up through to final handback, our focus remained consistent:

• Provide specialist, compliant Safety Critical personnel
  
• Maintain operational control across movements and the plant
  
• Support heavy P-Way delivery with experienced supervision
  
• Contribute to a safe and successful blockade outcome

Supporting infrastructure that keeps communities moving

The successful reopening of the railway through Dartford marks another important milestone in strengthening the resilience and reliability of the network for passengers and freight.

For Deploy, it reinforces the value of sector expertise, long-term collaboration, and a safety-led approach. Whether supplying Safety Critical professionals, specialist plant controllers, or full P-Way gangs, we plan, supply and deliver the compliant talent that underpins successful rail infrastructure projects.

If you’re delivering complex possessions, blockade works, or heavy track renewals and need a specialist recruitment consultancy that understands the operational realities of the rail environment, get in touch to discuss how we can support your next project.

Deploy Recruitment Group — infrastructure and technology experts, and your strategic delivery partner.