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Who we are

Global Rail Construction Ltd is a Principal Contractor and a leading UK provider of design and build services to clients in the rail and transportation sector.

Our Projects

Global Rail Construction has proven experience in the delivery of the most exacting rail project solutions across a diverse range of service sectors.
Our in-house capabilities, our scale and our supply chain partnerships have allowed Global Rail Construction to deliver complex multi-disciplinary projects that make a positive difference to our clients, across the UK rail industry that we serve.

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Feltham Resignalling GRIP 5-8 Phases 3 & 4 Rail Systems Package

CLIENT: Atkins Global
DATE: Jun 2023
LOCATION: Feltham

Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has completed a multi-disciplinary GRIP 5-8 rail systems sub-contract encompassing Civil and Structural Engineering including temporary works, E&P and Signalling installation works, covering Phases 3 and 4 of the Feltham Resignalling Project. This project was on behalf of Principal Contractor (PC) Atkins Global for Network Rail’s (NR) Southern region. GRCL is the UK arm of the worldwide Global Infrastructure Group and is a leading provider of design and build services to clients in the rail and transportation sector.

Global Rail Construction Limited’s successful design, installation and handover of this contract supports the culmination and commissioning of these newly signalled areas in August 2023.

The full scope of the main contract has covered the re-control from the existing Feltham Area Signalling Centre (ASC) NX Panel system to the Basingstoke Rail Operations Centre (ROC) on a Resonate IECC Scalable system, and a signalling interlocking re-lock from the existing Staines and Windsor Route Relay Interlockings (RRI) to an appropriate configuration of Computer Based Interlockings (CBI) within the Atkins ElectroLogIXS system. 

All existing lineside signalling infrastructure has been replaced with new equipment including all cabling, Location Case suites, AWS and TPWS, and existing AC track circuit train detection replaced by the Frauscher Advanced Counter (FAdC) Axle Counter system. 7No controlled Level Crossings have been renewed to interface with the new ElectroLogIXS lineside equipment with replacement of the booms, barrier machines, road traffic lights (RTLs), and changing from incandescent bulbs to white light LEDs. 


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Feltham Resignalling Project Phases 3-4 Advanced Civils

CLIENT: Network Rail
DATE: Sep 2022
LOCATION: Feltham to Wokingham

Principal Contractor Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL), has completed Feltham Resignalling’s largest civil engineering programme of works, on behalf of Network Rail (NR) Southern Region Capital Delivery.

In October 2020, Global Rail Construction commenced works as the Principal Contractor for the Design and Construction (D&C) of the Advanced Civil Engineering scope of works for Feltham Resignalling Project Phases 3&4. These phases form part of a major Resignalling project to renew life expired signalling, telecoms, and electrical assets for Network Rail, comprising the renewal of 538 Signalling Equivalent Units (SEUs) over 80 miles of railway lines, alongside the introduction of a brand-new signalling system from Atkins – Elix. 

Design activities commenced at pace and site works were meticulously planned as part of a compelling tender methodology and approach utilising weekdays and nights, Saturday nights and several 28 and 52-hour railway possessions during a most challenging project timeframe.

The construction works were further extended to September 2022 to include several additional location case hardstanding’s, PSP compounds, new signal installations, new cable duct routes to existing station platforms and the installation of various new troughing routes – all effortlessly absorbed by GRCL’s in-house D&C team.

Having a railway design and build team, including dedicated project and site management across the civil and structural engineering scope, familiarity with the scheme, having delivered several previous phases and having delivered time pressurised resignalling schemes across Network Rail infrastructure, allowed Global Rail Construction Limited to provide the necessary turnkey solution and complete the project to meet Network Rail’s requirements


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Thameslink Project

CLIENT: BAM Nuttall
DATE: Jul 2021
LOCATION: London Bridge

Global Rail Construction Limited were among a team of specialist rail contractors working in a highly coordinated manner to deliver these important upgrades for Network Rail. The in-house team of multi-disciplinary experts from Global, have worked almost entirely within a live, operational environment, interfacing daily with equipment that is switched on, in a wholly compliant manner. 

The specialist discipline support services undertaken by Global Rail Construction Limited cover the entire end-to-end design and build scope of the Signalling, E&P and Ancillary Civil Engineering programme.


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Chertsey, Camberley, Rusham & Stroude (CCRS) Level Crossings

CLIENT: Atkins
DATE: Apr 2022
LOCATION: Feltham to Wokingham

Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has completed the signalling and telecoms installation and associated civil construction works for the renewal of the following 4No Level Crossings:

  • Stroude – a bridal crossing without any barriers that required extensive resurfacing and fencing works and the replacement of 30No track sleepers
  • Rusham – a complex crossing that included design and installation of pilling, extensive hardstanding and fencing 
  • Camberley – a barrier crossing requiring modification, new bases, cable routes, associated fencing and surfacing works
  • Chertsey – minor signalling and civils works as there was no new barrier or RTL bases 

The works were completed for long-term client Atkins Global, on behalf of Network Rail’s Wessex Route. The completed crossings fall within the Feltham & Wokingham Resignalling project which comprises the renewal of all signalling assets controlled from Feltham Area Signalling Centre (ASC) and Wokingham Signal Box (SB), replacing 9 RRIs with new centralised ElectroLogIXS (CBI) interlockings controlled from Basingstoke ROC.  

 


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Signalling Installation Works Package 1 – Feltham

CLIENT: Atkins
DATE: Nov 2022
LOCATION: Feltham to Wokingham Phases 3 & 4

Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) successfully secured a significant Signalling installation sub-contract on behalf of its UK client Atkins. The contract is for Package 1 covering Phases 3 & 4 of the Feltham to Woking Resignalling Scheme and also includes Telecoms, Permanent Way, E&P and associated minor civils installation scopes of work

The contract includes the provision of key engineering resources – using in house personnel – in accordance with the Engineering Management for Projects standard NR/L2/RSE/02009. This includes the necessary disciplined Contractors Responsible Engineers, who are accountable for the day-to-day management and co-ordination of the technical and engineering activities, Construction Managers, Temporary Works Co-ordinators, and a Responsible Manager to fulfil the duties as defined in NR/L3/OHS/019. 

This success was awarded following Global Rail Construction Limited’s recent completion of the early advanced scope for Phase 2 covering Sunningdale MCB-CCTV – a full level crossing renewal – in which GRCL completed trackside signalling equipment installations and civils works in early November 2021 and the company was of course delighted to be working once again in partnership with its long-term customer Atkins.

The overall Feltham to Wokingham Resignalling Project covers the renewal of all signalling assets, covered by seven scheme plans, with delivery broken down into six separate Phases that align approximately to the Signalling Scheme Plan boundaries, Feltham ASC Signallers panels and Wokingham Signal Box.

 


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Gibbets Lane – Plain Line Track Refurbishment Works

CLIENT: Network Rail
DATE: Feb 2020
LOCATION: Gibbets Lane, Frimley Line

Network Rail (NR) Principal Contractor, Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL), were contracted by NR Wessex Works Delivery Track for a £200k Plain Line Refurbishment of Gibbets Lane on the Frimley Line.

Global Rail Construction engaged with supply chain partner, KGJ Price, in order to support Network Rail to deliver this track package of works on the Wessex Route. 

During CP6, Global Rail Construction has also successfully supported Works Delivery in both Wessex and the South East with discrete work banks which have included re-sleepering, S&C refurb works and rerailing.


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Minor Track Works (Renewal & Replacement) – Redhill

CLIENT: Network Rail
DATE: Mar 2019
LOCATION: Redhill

Due to maintenance DU capacity during week 50, Global Rail Construction Limited were engaged to deliver a £100k fixed diamond replacement project to remove track defects, crippled joints and track quality issues. The project demonstrated Global  Rail Construction’s ability to rapidly mobilise, undertake detailed planning in tight timescales and deliver a professional and quality project in collaboration with the Network Rail teams.

Global Rail Construction were responsible for the detailed planning of the works, providing safety documentation, hour by hour programme and inspection and test plans for the works. The company carried out the surveying and marking out of the works, and supported logistics for plant and materials deliveries. 

 


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Minor Track Works (Renewal & Replacement) – Pratts Bridge

CLIENT: Network Rail
DATE: Mar 2019
LOCATION: Pratts Bridge, Eridge

As part of the Sussex Region’s ongoing maintenance and renewals programme, Network Rail Works Delivery Unit (DU) engaged with Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) as their Principal Contractor to deliver a £100k contract for a critical sleeper renewal at Pratts Bridge near Eridge, East Sussex, 35m 1672yards.

The works required the removal of redundant 23nr PAN 8 sleepers and installation of new NRS1 base plated sleepers, ballast installation and tamping. The work was delivered as a package including planning, material management, logistics, survey and design validation, pre-works and engineering controls, delivery, and hand-back. 

 


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Power Supply Upgrade – West Ham, London

CLIENT: Network Rail
DATE: Jul 2014
LOCATION: West Ham, London

Global Rail Construction Ltd (GRCL) was awarded a £3m design and construct contract associated with eight existing and one totally new substation at West Ham on the Metropolitan & District Line. Having worked closely with the client at tender stage in support of their bid to LUL, GRCL fully project managed all aspects of the design and construction of the civil and building elements of the work. The existing substations were: Campbell Road, East Ham, Heathway, Hornchurch, Plaistow and Upminster Bridge.

In general, works at these substations were to strengthen and alter the existing buildings and structures to allow the positioning of new transformers, switchgear, cables and ancillary equipment or provide new bases, structures and building extensions to support and house the same.


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Sunningdale Level Crossing Renewal

CLIENT: Atkins Global
DATE: Nov 2021
LOCATION: Sunningdale, Feltham Resignalling Scheme

Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) was awarded a multi-disciplinary contract on behalf of Atkins Global for the Civil and S&T installation works for a new level crossing at Sunningdale, which falls within Feltham Resignalling Phase 2.

The overall Feltham Resignalling Project covers the renewal of all signalling assets. Its area is covered by seven scheme plans, with delivery broken down into six separate Phases that align approximately to the Signalling Scheme Plan boundaries, Feltham ASC Signallers panels and Wokingham Signal Box.

Within the early advanced scope of Phase 2 was Sunningdale MCB-CCTV, which is subject to a full level crossing renewal – due for completion in November 2021. The scope encompasses life extension works with addition of barrier repositioning and narrowing of carriageway.


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Clacton Resignalling Scheme

CLIENT: Atkins
DATE: May 2021
LOCATION: Clacton-on-Sea

Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL), has successfully completed a railway civil engineering design and build programme of works on behalf of partner Atkins Global, to support the upgrade the signalling systems in the Clacton-on-Sea area. 

The Clacton Resignalling Projects’ principle driver was the asset condition of the interlocking and associated track infrastructure at the throat of Clacton-on-Sea station.

Much of the signalling in the area dated back to 1958 and utilised a lever frame dating from 1891. There was a mixture of semaphore and colour-light signals, controlled by a mechanical/electro- mechanical lever frame. There was also a mechanical ground frame at Clacton Station. The existing signalling equipment has been previously subject of life extension works in both 1996 and 2004.

Many components were obsolete and only available on a repair and return basis. Most of the existing location cases had considerable corrosion. The signalling uses some single-cut circuits which are the subject of ORR concern. Searchlight signals were installed on this line, with known Wrong Side Failure (WSF) modes. P-Style relays in the lower portion of the box were recognised as susceptible to sliver migration. So, these works, will minimise maintenance and reduce whole life costs.


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Greenwich SVC – Enclosure Design and Build

CLIENT: Siemens
DATE: Oct 2018
LOCATION: Greenwich Generating Station

Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has successfully completed the Design and Build of a Static VAR Compensator (SVC) Enclosure at Greenwich Generating Station. Under Power Upgrades Package 5C, Siemens, as Principal Contractor, appointed GRCL to deliver the project, to house the new SVC within a disused turbine hall. 

Access to the substation was via the Old Woolwich Road, which was challenging. An internal substation access road was used for all construction logistics and deliveries with minimum disruption caused to the local residents.

Whilst on site, GRCL were awarded a variation to provide further civils installation works associated with the extension to the existing 22kV Switch room located on the 1st Floor of the Sub-Station.  These works included the demolition of the existing wall, strengthening of the floor using steel support and concrete screed, blockwork walls, self-levelling screed, door installation and plinth foundations.


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Thameslink Project

CLIENT: BAM Nuttall
DATE: Nov 2020
LOCATION: London Bridge

Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) has secured a multi-disciplinary S&T, Civils and E&P Points Heating remedial contract at London Bridge, on behalf of BAM Nuttall for the Thameslink Project. 

As part of the Thameslink Programme, the railway systems for London Bridge were completely remodelled to suit a new layout at the Station and provide substantial capacity improvements to enable amendments to the operational timetabling – this is referred to as the N421 Project.

However, the complexity of managing, staging and delivering the railway systems in order to meet the remodelling programme, necessitated a requirement for the railway systems infrastructure to be surveyed, in order to confirm both its suitability and the requirements to undertake further upgrades and rectifications as required.

Global Rail Construction Limited are among a team of specialist rail contractors working in a highly coordinated manner to deliver these important upgrades for Network Rail. The in-house team of multi-disciplinary experts from Global, have worked almost entirely within a live, operational environment, interfacing daily with equipment that is switched on, in a wholly compliant manner. 

The specialist discipline support services undertaken by Global Rail Construction Limited cover the entire end-to-end design and build scope of the Signalling, E&P and Ancillary Civil Engineering programme.


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Barking Riverside Extension

CLIENT: MSVFJV (VolkerFitzpatrick & Morgan Sindall)
DATE: Jun 2021
LOCATION: Gospal Oak - Barking Line - East London

Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL) were awarded the E&P and Ancillary Civil Engineering works for the joint venture of Volker Fitzpatrick and Morgan Sindall (VFMS), as part of the construction of a new 4.5 km extension to the London Overground route on the Gospel Oak to Barking line for Transport for London, whilst also meeting the requirements for integration onto existing Network Rail infrastructure.

The full project scope provides a new strategic rail connection in East London and included the modification of the existing railway lines from Barking station over a stretch of 3km with a new 1.5km railway viaduct extension from Renwick Road overbridge to a new terminus. This involved constructing an embankment ramp up to the new concrete viaduct supporting a two-track railway extension into the heart of a new residential development at Barking Riverside.

The requirements also included new Overhead Line Electrification (OLE), Signalling, Signalling Power, Domestic Power and Telecoms, providing a new elevated Rail section and station close to the Thames.

In addition to their core Civils and E&P scope of works, GRCL also supplied all materials handling and logistics management for the works, RRV’s as required, site haulage, HV comps and assessors and all necessary SMTH testing staff to support its works and enhance its self-delivery capability.


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Felixstowe Capacity Upgrade Project

CLIENT: Volker Fitzpatrick
DATE: Jun 2019
LOCATION: Ipswich to Felixstowe

The Felixstowe Capacity Upgrade Project was a rail infrastructure programme for Network Rail, which involved the double tracking of sections of Permanent Way – over approximately 20 Kilometres between North Ipswich and Felixstowe – to increase capacity for the main freight route from the Port of Felixstowe.

The full project scope of works included upgrading five Level Crossings with new barrier controls and the installation of new Permanent Way, Signalling, Power and Telecoms for a new loop installation in order to facilitate the expansion of the strategically important freight connections.

The Principal Contractor for the works was Volker Fitzpatrick Ltd (VFL), acting on behalf of Network Rail as part of their Anglia Regional Collaboration (ARC) CP5 framework. Global Rail Construction Limited provided a fully managed sub-contract service to VFL, completing the full scope of Ancillary Civil Engineering and E&P works for the project.

Having a multi-disciplinary workforce including design, civil and structural engineering and E&P expertise, along with in-house project management and having previously delivered time-pressurised, highly co-ordinated schemes, allowed Global Rail Construction Limited to provide the necessary solution in order to complete the works to meet the client’s requirements.


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Feltham Resignalling Project Phase 1

CLIENT: Network Rail Infrastructure Projects
DATE: Apr 2019
LOCATION: New Malden to Richmond and Whitton via Strawberry Hill - Feltham, Middlesex

Global Rail Construction Ltd (GRCL) delivered a compelling tender to Network Rail Infrastructure Projects (NR) and in early 2017, were awarded the Principal Contractors role for the Design and Construction of the full civil engineering scope of works for the Feltham Resignalling Project Phase 1.

This phase of works forms part of a major Re-Signalling project to renew life expired signalling, telecoms and power assets for Network Rail, comprising the renewal of 538 Signalling Equivalent Units (SEUs).

The geographical work-scope, which covers over 80 miles of railway lines also includes, for the first time, the introduction a brand new signalling system from Atkins – Elix.

Works were planned during mid-week days and nights, Saturday nights and a number of 28/52-hour railway possessions between weekend 20 – 2017 and weekend 12 – 2018.

The works were further extended to April 2019 by Network Rail during the course of the contract, whereby a number of Location Case concrete hardstandings were constructed; a number of PSP compounds were designed and constructed, 52 new signals were supplied, delivered and erected; new cable duct routes were added to a number of existing station platforms; and the installation of various new trough routes were completed including their associated design over bridge locations.

Having a multi-disciplinary workforce including rail, civil and structural installation expertise, along with in-house project management, and having previously delivered time-pressurised re-signalling schemes, allowed Global Rail Construction to provide the necessary delivery solution and works have been fully completed to meet the client’s requirements.


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Feltham Resignalling Project Phase 0

CLIENT: Kier Construction (Kier)
DATE: Jan 2016
LOCATION: Shepperton Branch Line, Feltham, Middlesex

Following previous successful contracts with Kier, Global Rail Construction Ltd (GRCL) again delivered a compelling tender and, in early 2016, was awarded the civil engineering scope of works for the Feltham Resignalling Project Phase 0 (Shepperton Branch).

The major resignalling project to renew life expired signalling, telecoms and power assets on behalf of railway systems giant Atkins, comprised the renewal of 538 Signalling Equivalent Units (SEUs).

The geographical work-scope, which covers over 80 miles of railway lines also included, for the first time, the introduction of Atkins brand new signalling system – Elix.

Works were planned during mid-week days and nights, Saturday nights and four 28-hour railway possessions between weeks 48 and 14, leading up to a 15-day blockade commencing in Week 16, between 16th and 31st July 2016.

Having a multi-disciplinary workforce including rail, civil and structural installation expertise, along with in-house project management, and having previously delivered time-pressurised re-signalling schemes, allowed Global Rail Construction to provide a delivery solution, one which the client readily accepted.


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East Notts Modular Resignalling

CLIENT: Alstom
DATE: Nov 2016
LOCATION: Nottingham to Grantham and Nottingham to Newark Lines

In April 2014, UK rail contractor Global Rail Construction Limited (GRCL). fought off stiff competition to be awarded the design and construction of the civil engineering scope of works (Grip 5-8), for the East Notts Modular Resignalling scheme on behalf of Alstom.

The remitted signalling renewals on Network Rail’s East Midlands Route, consisted of the replacement of life expired mechanical signalling equipment, with Alstom’s state of the art modular signalling concept.

This flagship project involved the use of Alstom’s latest obstacle detection (OD) technology at 9 separate level crossing sites, on both the Nottingham to Grantham and the Nottingham to Newark lines.

The project was to be completed whilst adhering with two critical project milestones commissioning dates in March 2015 and November 2015, culminating in final test, handback and completion in November 2016.

The project was also cutting edge in its safe working processes, as it also became the first project in the UK to implement NR//L2/OHS/133 – Network Rail’s brand new Code of Practice for Planning and Delivering Safe Work.

Global Rail Construction self delivered much of the work scope using their in-house civil and structural engineering teams.


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Automatic Selective Door Operation (ASDO) Project

CLIENT: Network Rail
DATE: Dec 2015
LOCATION: London and the South West (Wessex Route)

Following Global Rail Construction’s notable success in securing a Principal Contractors licence, its signalling division was invited to provide the most advantageous offer to fully manage a project on Network Rail’s (NR) Wessex route. The scope of works included for planning, surveying, installing and commissioning of 509No Hima-Sella Tracklink 3 beacons, including the careful recovery of the existing beacons for refurbishment and re-use, all under SMT conditions.

The system known as Automatic Selective Door Operation (ASDO), provides the train operator – in this case South West Trains – with technology that compares the length of the train with the length of the platform, sending a signal to the driver so that only the correct amount of doors on the platform side are opened.

With more people travelling by train, many train operators are increasing the number of carriages and whilst the infrastructure owners are also increasing platform capacity to afford the extended trains, there will be many stations that will not have sufficient platform length to allow all doors to open.

The principal function of this technology is contained within an electronic beacon installed at each station location, which is fitted to the track at a pre-determined datum point to the existing sleepers and is mounted within the mid-point between the rails known as the 4ft.

The beacon itself is a passive component that utilises radio frequencies and communicates with a beacon reader, which is fitted to the train and then this in turn decodes the data taken from the beacon.

Having provided a comprehensive offering Global Rail Construction were contracted by Network Rail in the Summer of 2014, to meet two key project milestones as part of a two-phased programme in October 2014 and December 2015.


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Balcombe Bi-directional Signalling Scheme – 650v power works

CLIENT: Kier Plc
DATE: Dec 2014
LOCATION: Balcombe Tunnel

Global Rail Construction were selected by Kier as E&P contractor for the installation of the new 650v power supplies and also the 400v power domestic supplies for the Balcombe to Copyhold Signalling Supply upgrade project on Network Rail’s VTB lines.

Having already supported Kier on previous signalling projects, Global Rail Construction were seen as the partner of choice once more, particularly as the works involved substation access, calling upon the experienced in-house Level C staff that the business have.

The project on Network Rail’s Sussex route involved three sites at Balcombe Tunnel, Ouse Valley and Haywards Heath and required a fully managed delivery solution from Global Rail Construction’s in-house E&P division.

The project relied heavily on close co-operation between Kier’s own teams and those of Global Rail Construction and it is this in-house experience in signalling and civil engineering, that provided Kier with the confidence that the E&P team fully understood the interdisciplinary nature of the works.

The programme was fast track with the power build and install having to be completed in 3 months, however, Global Rail Construction’s E&P team – who are just at home delivering standalone projects under their Principal Contractors Licence – were able to call upon their experience in-house project delivery processes to provide a robust cost loaded programme of activities that could be accurately monitored.


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Selby Swing Bridge

CLIENT: Siemens
DATE: Dec 2012
LOCATION: Selby

Global Rail Construction were selected by Siemens as design and build civil engineering contractor for a Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) that was required to cross under a Grade 2 listed building, the Great River Ouse, Ouse Road and the East Coast Mainline railway in the heart of Selby town centre.

Utilising their in-house multi-disciplinary design team, Global Rail Construction were able to offer Siemens a complete design and build solution.

The civil engineering works, which formed part of the Selby Rail Swing Bridge Signalling Interlocking Renewal being undertaken by signalling product specialist Siemens, were being specifically undertaken to renew the existing electricity cables, which had been installed in 1956 and were located under the river.

The project consisted of the replacement of the swing bridge cabin signalling interlocking onto a new interlocking building, incorporating new lineside equipment from locations 128, 129, 130 and 131, which also required cables to traverse into the river at this location. The conventional approach of simply running the signalling cable across the bridge was not appropriate, as one 40m span of the swing bridge – which was built in circa 1900 – allowed river traffic to pass. Hence, Global Rail Construction designed a suitable ducted solution to carry telecommunication, signalling and power cables on behalf of their client.


Global Infastructure Group
Global Rail Construction
Units 18 & 20
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