Site and Ground Investigation Services
From solid foundations
Prior to Engineers being able to accurately design a foundation they must have a reasonably accurate conception of the physical properties and arrangement of the underlying materials.
The field and laboratory investigations required to obtain this essential information is referred to as ground or site investigation.
A site investigation simply is the process of the collection of the sub-surface information, the subsequent appraisal of the gathered data, assessment, and reporting without which the hazards in the ground beneath the site would not be known.
A Site Investigation should be carried out prior to any construction project in order to enable a geotechnical and geoenvironmental assessment of the ground conditions and analysis of the engineering and environmental considerations related to the proposed development of the site.
What we can deliver...
Our multi-skilled teams have particular expertise in many SI/GI works, working with and subsequently overcoming difficult access situations.
Our staff are highly adaptable and have experience in rock drilling, metal and paint sampling, and location of buried services.
With our ability to draw upon all our different operational departments, we can effect our own site access and liaise with Government bodies such as Network Rail, Canals and Rivers Trust, Environment Agency etc to effect access permissions.
With this experience and skill set we are able to offer the following:
- Qualified Geotechnical Engineer led site works
- Cable Percussive boreholes
- D1500 bespoke tracked cable percussive rig
- Ibex slope climbing dynamic sampling and auger rig
- Rotary Drilled Boreholes
- Dynamic Windowless Sampling & Probing (Include UT70 sampling Euro Code 7 compliant)
- Concrete and Masonry Coring
- Trial Pitting/Slit Trenching
- Logging to BS5930 / EC7
- Factual and interpretative Reporting
- Laboratory Testing
- NRSWA / Road Closures
- Ballast Sampling & Contamination Testing
- Geotechnical Monitoring
Bridgeway is RISQS approved for SI/GI work and is a Principal Contractor to Network Rail, which enables us to supply a full range of ground investigation work.
In addition to this we are able to conduct works in both Greenfield and Brownfield sites.
The SI/GI team comprises the following dedicated staff, which can be supplemented on a project by project basis:
- Geotechnical Engineers & Operatives
- Site Team Leaders
- Rig Operatives
- Competencies include Network Rail Safety Critical, NRSWA, CSCS & BDA
Projects
Name of Project:GSM2 Underbridge Structure 25
Project Description:Bridgeway Consulting Ltd (BCL) were instructed by AMCO (the Client) to undertake a structural investigation of GSM2 BR25 on the abutment walls and central pier to inform the stage 2 scour assessment and new scour scoring. The site is located 200m west of Melton Mowbray Station, which is situated 20km north east of Leicester and 30km south east of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, in the East Midlands. Arup, who were commissioned by BCL to conduct the stage 2 scour assessment, provided BCL with a scope for the structural investigation to assist with their assessment.
Challenge
- Acting as the interface between the client (Amco) and all other working parties such as Arup who undertook the level 2 scour assessment.
- Liaise with the environment agency to obtain a permit to work on the water course.
- The water levels at the structure fluctuated throughout the winter months which meant access could not be gained to the bridge piers. Bridgeway Consulting monitored the water levels and identified a window where the works were eventually completed in September 2017.
Achievement
- Successfully managed all parties to ascertain a robust scope
- Completed the full specified 8No structural cores which assisted Arup’s level 2 scour assessment
- Good working relationship with the AMCO and Arup project team
Name of Project:NR4 (MT) LEN3/235 Dawdon Dene
Project Description:Undertake 3D laser Scanning Survey, UAV survey, Ground Investigation and roped access site investigation focussing on the five span masonry arch viaduct on behalf of Network Rail IP to investigate ring separation.
- Phase 1: Ecological survey and site walkout of the surrounding area to facilitate further works
- Phase 2: Review Ecological survey and ascertain the best method of access for the ground investigation and site investigation
- Phase 3: Undertake the planning of safe system of working for the works
- Phase 4: Execute the GI, UAV and 3D laser Scanning Survey under and around the viaduct
- Phase 5: Execute the on track roped access facilitated site investigation.
- Phase 6: Demobilisation
Equipment and techniques used on this project:
- Pasma tower access for viaduct arch coring
- Premier 110 Window Sample Rig (5m)
- Modular Dart windowless sample Rig (5m)
- Roped access Structural coring of existing soffits in the various spans
- Total station used to traverse control and laser scanner used to infill the UAV data
- Mavric PRO used to fly above and below the viaduct
- P30 laser scanner
- DJI M210 & Zenmuse X4S
Challenge
- Accessing the underside of the viaduct with limited possession times with roped access
- Working on steep slopes underneath the viaduct
- Programming works during COVID-19 initial lockdown
- Training lead drillers up to level one roped access standard
Achievement
- Successfully managing all disciplines to ascertain quality information
- Good quality data received from the UAV point cloud to give a detailed image of the site
- Quality structural cores giving the design team information on current strength and composition of the viaduct
- Good working relationship with the NR project team
Name of Project:HS2 Euston Enabling Works
Project Description:Undertake specified GI at location planned by Arups on behalf of Network Rail IP Managing works for HS2.
- Phase 1: Set-Up and undertake Principal Contractor Duties for Euston Station
- Phase 2: Review Desk Study with Arup and NR. Ascertain the best method of investigation for material types expected and plan access accordingly
- Phase 3: Undertake extensive planning activities for access to all lines within the Euston throat, utilise long possessions for mobilising plant into position to work ALO
- Phase 4: Execute the GI
- Phase 5: Demobilisation
Ground investigation equipment and techniques used on this project:
- Enabling de-vegetation works
- Road Rail CPT Rig
- Premier 110 Window Sample Rig (8m)
- Cabtrak D1500 Cable Percussion Rig
- Trial Pitting (Hand Dug with revetment to 3m)
- Dynamic Probing (Geotool 15m)
- Structural coring of existing retaining wall (7.4m deep) with follow on Hand Held Window Sampling
Challenge:
- Acting as the interface between the clients (HS2) designers (Arup) & the client (NRIP)
- Achieving high volumes of locations within pressing possession times in one of the most challenging locations to work
- Programming works to a very tight timescale due to follow on activities and information requirements to facilitate a D&B Tender
- Obtaining a reliable sub-contractor to undertake the rail safety case and machine controller duties (TXM Plant)
Achievement:
- Successfully managing all parties to ascertain a robust scope
- Liaison with the designer and client to agree ways forward when the initial planned activities did not achieve the results expected
- Exceeding designed depth with the D1500 and achieving 45m depth in over-consolidated London Clay
- Good working relationship with the NR project team
Name of Project:Durham Re-Signalling
Project Description: Undertake specified GI at locations planned by Network Rail Project Team to facilitate the design of thirty-nine new signal base locations and six new level crossings.
- Phase 1: Set-Up and undertake Principal Contractor Duties for the scheme
- Phase 2: Review Desk Study with NR Project Team
- Phase 3: Undertake walkover and subsequent access planning for all locations
- Phase 4: Execute the GI
- Phase 5: Demobilisation
Ground investigation equipment and techniques used on this project:
- Enabling de-vegetation works
- Premier 110 Window Sample Rig (8m)
- Trial Pitting (Hand Dug with revetment to 3m)
- Dynamic Probing (Geotool 10m)
- GPR Survey for location of buried services
Challenge:
- Acting as the interface between the clients (NR) and all other working parties
- Achieving high volumes of locations within pressing possession times in one of the busiest freight routes
Achievement:
- Successfully managing all parties to ascertain a robust scope
- 98% success rate of planned versus actual on works
- Despite the 98% success rate project was brought in on time and under original budget with no de-scoped works
- Good working relationship with the NR project team
Capability Statements
Current Vacancies
Full time, permanent
Site & Ground Investigation
Nottingham
The deadline for applications is 31/12/2026
Role Purpose
As the Lead Driller. you will be responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of Site & Ground Investigation projects as part of a team established by the nominated Project Manager. The role is predominantly site based and will involve the collection and collation of all site information to enable a report to be produced.
The role will also assist the needs of the business in delivering safety critical duties on railway infrastructure.
Key Accountabilities
• Delivery of SI/GI works to include but not limited to:
• Window Sampling/probing
• Rotary Drilling
• Structural Coring
• Structural hand pitting
• Operate all equipment used by the SI/GI Team and be proficient enough to work unsupervised.
• Be proficient enough to develop the second man and other team members in site works.
• Ensure that the allocated project is executed in accordance with appropriate technical, quality and safety standards.
• Assist in the delivery of safety critical duties on rail infrastructure.
• Maintain a safe environment in and around the drilling rig that is being operated/under their control.
• To maintain and control the drilling equipment and report any defect in real time.
• Comply with the provisions of all current legislation relating to Health, Safety and Welfare at work including environmental legislation.
• Further project specific duties as defined by the needs of the project
• Comply with the requirements of current legislation relating to driver hours, O license working, tachograph use etc.
What we are looking for
• Hardworking, trusted, accountable and reliable
• Happy to work outdoors and embrace physical work
• Flexible with working hours (including night shifts and weekends)
• Happy to stay away from home if needed
• Previous Railway experience in line with the listed qualifications below (desirable)
Qualifications Required
• Full UK Manual Driving licence including experience of trailer towing.
• CSCS
• NVQ 2 in Land Drilling
• Hold a selection of non-rail competencies as agreed to enable the delivery of the SI/GI works. (Training to be provided where required)
• Rail Sentinel Card. (Training to be provided where required).
• Safety critical competencies: PTS, PO, LXA, LEA, HSM, IWA, PAM, COSS, (Training to be provided where required).
Nottingham
Competetive Starting Salary
The deadline for applications is 30/11/2026
Trainee Site Investigation Technician
Nottingham
Full time, permanent
Job Description:
Are you looking to kick-start a career in civil engineering and infrastructure? Want to work on exciting, high-profile projects across the UK? Bridgeway is seeking motivated, hands-on individuals to join our specialist Site Investigation (SI) team as a Trainee Site Investigation Technician.
Who we are:
Bridgeway Consulting operates across a wide range of infrastructure sectors, including railways, highways, and environmental engineering. We’re known for our expertise, commitment to safety, and investment in people. If you're looking to build a future in the engineering industry, this is the place to start.
As we undertake a large volume of railway work, there is a requirement for regular midweek nights and weekend working.
General Responsibilities/Duties:
To form part of the drilling teams and assist the Site Team Leader and Lead Driller in the following duties:
• Production of site records including, but not limited to; daily drilling logs, pre-start drilling rig checks.
• Completing in-situ testing and sampling in accordance with the relevant standards.
• Conduct coring operations and break outs to structures.
• Acting as Assistant Driller and working within the Drilling Team to complete boreholes in accordance with the appropriate specification using a variety of drilling rigs and equipment ranging from dynamic sampling, cable percussion and rotary drilling.
• Undertake other general labouring duties e.g. borehole grouting and general reinstatement, railway duties as required, borehole installation monitoring, delivery of consumables to site teams and collection of samples.
What we are looking for:
•Hardworking and reliable
•Eager to learn and develop practical, on-site skills
•Able to drive a manual vehicle in the UK
•Happy to work outdoors and embrace physical work
•Flexible with working hours (including night shifts and weekends)
•Happy to stay away from home if needed.
What You’ll Gain:
We’re proud to offer outstanding training and career progression. From day one, you’ll receive the support and qualifications needed to thrive in the role. Your initial training package will include:
• Personal Track Safety (PTS)
• Emergency First Aid
• Site Warden Training
• Manual Handling
• CAT & Signal Generator Training
• PASMA Training
• CSCS Card
• Enrolment in NVQ Level 2 in Land Drilling Operations
You’ll also be mentored by experienced professionals and have clear opportunities to progress within the company.
Applicants who already have qualifications listed above will also be considered.