The South Rail Systems Alliance’s (SRSA) Cambridge South team have recently completed their final major possession to overhaul the rail infrastructure for the new station.
Starting the possession during the Christmas 2024 period, the SRSA undertook a multidisciplinary project scope spanning two weeks.
Reshaping Shepreth Branch Junction
A major part of the project programme was the renewal of point ends at Shepreth Branch Junction (SBJ), connecting the track to the Down Royston line to enable passenger and freight travel to and through the Cambridge South station.
Overhead Line (OLE) works also took place, with a multitude of wiring and switch connections taking place through the SBJ network.
Connecting Cambridge South Station
This blockade also included the connection of the Up Main and Up Loop to the station, connecting the track to the station platforms.
OLE works also took place in and around the station, including:
- 8 new signals
- 4 Integrated Lightweight Signal bases
- 2 LED Colour Light Signals
- 8 new Signal Post Telephones
- 8 Automatic Warning Systems
- 4 Train Protection and Warning Systems
- 19 Altered Track Circuits
- 8 Hy-Drive end points (with 7 previously installed)
- 8 new signs
- 2 new location cabinets
These changes have also been made to improve the overall resilience of the railway and mitigate future maintenance.
Geofencing Innovations
Throughout this blockade, to embellish our approach to safety and efficiency the SRSA procured the use of RSS Infrastructure’s Geofencing technology of tagging machines and safety critical staff throughout the worksite.
The data is then subsequently integrated with our Mission Room screens and on-site tablets. This allowed our team to track real-time movements of on track plant to not only ensure safety was adhered to, but also assist with project programme delivery.
Image Credit: Jason Fidoe / RSSI
Speaking on the success of the scheme, CRUK Programme Manager, Richard Flanagan said “The completion of our works over the Christmas 2024 blockade brings to a close the track systems work we have undertaken over the last 18 months at Cambridge South.
“I am delighted with the progress we made at each key stage of the project. Safely delivering our full scope whilst meeting our programme milestones.
“Safety is our number one priority, to support our safety culture as a team we embrace new innovative technology, Geofencing and tagging supplements and enhances our safety systems by adding an additional layer of protection. Its simplicity and ease of use has enabled Colas to engage with the workforce and roll out seamlessly.”
Speaking on the success of the SRSA’s work at Cambridge South, Network Rail Programme Manager, Kevin Sullivan said “The Cambridge South possession was handed back safely into Operational use following a 12 day blockade that commenced on Christmas Eve. During this blockade the Project Teams embarked on a huge undertaking to remodel both Shepreth Junction and the New Cambridge South Station areas.
“The Track and OLE have been put on their final alignment whilst commissioning the signalling back onto the existing signalling system, the project teams from SRSA and JMS completed this work in an extremely professional and well controlled environment with No accidents or incidents recorded.
“The success of this blockade was down to the commitment and professional delivery of many individuals – a huge thank you from Network Rail for your dedication, excellent planning, commitment and collaboration.”
The SRSA is comprised of Colas Rail, Network Rail and AECOM, an alliance created to deliver a portfolio of works across the southern region of the UK over a 10-year period.
First published: 7th February 2025