Project Overview

Universal Coatings (UK) Ltd was appointed to provide the protective coating application for the new steelwork installed as part of the Flint and Newtown Station Access for All (AFA) Schemes, supporting the delivery of safer, more accessible railway infrastructure.

Working alongside AmcoGiffen, who undertook the installation of the new structural steelwork, our specialist workshop and site teams delivered a complete protective coating solution designed to maximise the long-term durability and performance of the assets in accordance with Network Rail specifications.

Scope of Works

The project included:

• Surface preparation of all new structural steelwork.

• Application of the Network Rail N1 protective coating system.

• Application of specialist anti-slip systems to bridge decks, landings and stair treads.

• Site inspection, final finishing works and quality assurance following installation.

Specialist Workshop Capabilities

A key advantage of this project was the ability to process the complete bridge structures within Universal Coatings' purpose-built workshop facilities before delivery to site.

Our workshop is specifically designed to accommodate large and complex fabricated steelwork, including:

• Pedestrian bridges and bridge sections.

• Access staircases and lift structures.

• Large structural steel assemblies.

• Architectural and heritage steelwork.

• Oversized fabricated components requiring controlled coating application.

With extensive lifting capacity, dedicated blasting and paint application areas, and environmentally controlled coating facilities, we are able to undertake projects that many conventional coating contractors cannot accommodate. Processing large structures within a controlled workshop environment ensures consistent surface preparation, precise coating application and rigorous quality control, whilst reducing programme risks associated with site-applied coatings.

The Solution

All structural steelwork was prepared and coated within our workshop using the Network Rail N1 protective coating system, providing long-term corrosion protection for the demanding rail environment.

Following installation by Amco-Giffen, our experienced site team completed the final finishing works and applied specialist anti-slip systems to the bridge decks and stair treads, ensuring both the protective coating specification and safety requirements were fully achieved.

Project Outcome

The Flint and Newtown Station AFA Schemes have delivered modern, accessible infrastructure designed to provide many decades of reliable service.

This project demonstrates Universal Coatings' capability to manage the complete protective coating process for large structural steelwork—from workshop blasting and coating through to on-site completion. Our investment in specialist facilities, experienced personnel and Network Rail-approved coating systems enables us to deliver high-quality, durable solutions for critical rail infrastructure across the UK.

Services Delivered

• Network Rail N1 Protective Coating System

• Abrasive Blast Cleaning

• Protective Coating Application

• Anti-Slip Deck and Stair Systems

• Large Structural Steel Coating

• Bridge and Staircase Coating

• Workshop Processing of Oversized Steelwork

• Site Finishing and Quality Assurance