DIRFT III, Northamptonshire

The Project

With a short time-frame and minimal disruption required to a major communication link, Prologis needed a utilities infrastructure provider who could work closely and efficiently with a much wider project team. Power On was selected to ensure the swift and effective delivery of the scheme.

Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) is a rail-road intermodal freight terminal with an associated industrial warehouse park. It is the leading Strategic Rail Freight Terminal Interchange (SRFI) in the country.

Leading Strategic Hub

DIRFT III is a massive expansion of the rail-hub site and will include around 15 new warehouses and logistics buildings, new roads and roundabouts, and an extension of the rail line serving the site.

Powerful Networks

Power On provided a 24MVA available load from the new primary substation to feed the DIRFT III commercial site, part of the 6,200-plot residential development, and the commercial sustainable urban extension. It also has the responsibility for the ongoing 11kV build-out for these schemes until 2030.

Challenges Presented

A 14.5km cable route had to be installed with over 11km along the A5. This included 15 directional drills and extensive night-time working from the delivery team at Power On to minimise disruption to road users.

Fast Moving

Power On’s close working relationship with Prologis and Urban & Civic enabled the smooth-running of the process from beginning to end. The whole project took just 54 weeks from start of off-site excavation to energisation.