GBRf Peterborough Maintenance Hub DNO
Customer
GB RailfreightDate Completed
December 2024Sector
Rail InfrastructureProject Overview
Cairn Cross was contracted to design and construct a new rail maintenance hub for GB Railfreight, providing dedicated facilities to service and maintain their fleet of freight wagons.
Project Details
The Challenge
One of the key challenges was delivering the works while ensuring the depot and stone yard remained fully operational throughout the project. This required:
- Careful phasing of construction to minimise disruption to day-to-day operations.
- Removal of the existing permanent way while maintaining safe access across the site.
- Installation of a temporary link road around the work area to enable continued movement of materials and vehicles.
The Solution
The permanent way was successfully removed and alterations installed during three 54-hour possessions, with over 130 workers involved across the possession works. Careful planning and coordination were essential to deliver these complex activities within the tight timescales.
Throughout the ten-month programme, daily communication between Cairn Cross and the client ensured the works progressed smoothly, with clear collaboration helping to keep the project on track and delivered to a high standard.
The Result
The completed facility was designed and built to meet both current and future operational needs, incorporating a range of specialist features, including:
- A gantry crane, fume extraction system, compressed air, and dedicated electrical points to support the use of jacking equipment.
- Comprehensive electrical power and lighting installations.
- A large concrete hardstanding area to provide storage for replacement bogies as well as those removed from service.
- A substantial new power supply to meet the demands of the hub and accommodate future development.
- A striking flex-face sign, measuring 26m x 7m, prominently positioned on the shed and visible from the East Coast Main Line.
The result is a modern, fully equipped maintenance hub that enhances GB Railfreight’s capacity to service its freight wagon fleet and strengthens its long-term operational resilience.