Rail Infrastructure

Cairn Cross are a multi-disciplined design and build specialist main contractor for rail depots and bespoke projects.

Rail Capabilities

Cairn Cross are Industry leaders in the construction and maintenance of turnkey rail infrastructure projects. We provide design and build capability for all manner of rail projects, including depots, wheel lathe installation, carriage wash construction, bogie drop facilities, fuelling abilities and innovative CET modules.

Rail Infrastructure Cairn Cross Capabilities

Rail Milestones

40+

Rail Depots Worked in

20+

CET Installation Locations

5+

Carriage Washes

9

Wheel Lathe Installations


Depot Maintenance Abilities

To undertake any rail project, as main contractor and designer, we offer all associated civil works to install, enhance or build your train maintenance depot and associated infrastructure. These civil engineering abilities include but not limited to:

  • AVIS buildings
  • Design & Build
  • Bogie Drop Installation
  • Carriage Wash
  • CET, Fuelling & AdBlue
  • Heating, extraction & Ventilation
Peterborough Maintenance Hub High Drone Shot

Rail Freight

As a key player in the UK rail freight sector, Cairn Cross delivers comprehensive infrastructure solutions for freight operating companies. We have a deep understanding of the industry’s needs and a proven track record of delivering high-quality, bespoke maintenance facilities. Our services encompass everything from the design and construction of individual maintenance equipment (wheel lathes, bogie drops, gantry cranes, fuelling and AdBlue apparatus) to the development of large-scale depot hubs, such as the new GB Railfreight Peterborough maintenance hub on the East Coast Main Line. Partner with Cairn Cross for reliable, efficient, and tailored solutions optimising your rail freight operations.

Peterborough Maintenance Hub Project

Central Rivers Wheel Lathe Cairn Cross Rail Infrastructure depot

Train Operating Companies

Cairn Cross plays a vital role in keeping passenger trains running smoothly across the UK. We design, build, and deliver a comprehensive range of maintenance facilities tailored to the specific needs of passenger train operating companies. Our expertise encompasses everything from wheel lathes, bogie drops, inspection systems to full-scale depot hubs. By partnering with Cairn Cross, passenger train operators gain access to increased efficiency, enhanced reliability, improved safety and cost-effective solutions.

Queens Road Manchester Train Depot

Light Rail and Trams

Cairn Cross is a leading UK contractor specialising in constructing, maintaining, and upgrading light rail and tram maintenance depots. With extensive experience across the UK, we provide comprehensive solutions for modern light rail systems, including depot construction and refurbishment, tailored to specific needs.  This includes expert installation of essential maintenance equipment like vehicle lifts and wheel lathes, ensuring optimal functionality.  Furthermore, our skilled teams handle track and OLE infrastructure and ancillary services like drainage and lighting to create safe and efficient working environments within the depots. Committed to innovation and sustainability, Cairn Cross delivers high-quality solutions that optimise performance and longevity, minimising downtime and maximising operational efficiency for light rail and tram networks.

Rail Project Experience

King’s Heath AVIS

To install an AVIS system along the existing carriage wash at King’s Heath Depot

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Central Rivers Wheel Lathe

A Design & Build project to supply a brand new tandem wheel lathe facility with new building and new p-way siding.

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Southend Victoria AVIS

AVIS system installation from Cairn Cross along the existing rolling stock carriage wash facility at Southend Victoria Depot.

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Oxley Depot Subsidence

Due to subsidence issues, Cairn Cross replaced 137m length of the Road 16 rail pit walls and associated works.

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Neville Hill Wheel Lathe

Project to deliver the civils and foundations for the installation of the Network Rail owned Wheel Lathe.

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CET Upgrade & Installation at Stockport

Design and build project to upgrade the Stockport Sidings CET system to enable CET operations on the new rolling stock fleet.

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Carriage Wash Installation at Holyhead

A Design and Build contract to deliver a new carriage wash shed and facilities to wash trains on the sidings at night so that vehicles are cleaned and maintained before leaving the depot in the morning.

 

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New RRV Maintenance Shed at Crewe

Design and build scheme to provide a new shed facility to accommodate Road Rail Vehicles (RRV) on the depot.

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Queens Road New Maintenance Depot

Design and build contract for the provision of a maintenance workshop and associated works.

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Craigentinny Underfloor Wheel Lathe Installation

Turnkey design and build contract to replace a single-headed wheel lathe with a new single headed Hegenscheidt CNC wheel lathe requiring actuations to the existing structure.

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Oxley Train Depot Extension

Provision of a new shed facility to accommodate the new 11 car fleet of trains.

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