Send us a message

Email us

Call us

Social

Parsons Tunnel Cable Diversions

Following a number of disruptive rock falls on the line between Dawlish and Holcombe, Morgan Sindall were contracted to construct a rockfall shelter at the northern end of Parson’s Tunnel. Amaro were tasked with carrying out the preparatory S&T works required before any pilings works could take place.

  • Completed ahead of programme and with zero lost time incidents
  • Improved resilience and reliability for rail users and the local economy
  • Further works awarded as a result of Amaro’s successful delivery

The challenge

Part of Network Rail’s South West Rail Resilience Programme – and a reaction to the immense disruption caused by heavy storms in 2014 – Morgan Sindall were engaged to construct a 209m open-sided rockfall shelter at the mouth of Parson’s Tunnel.

Located on the South Devon coastal line between Dawlish and Halcombe, this route is a vital rail artery into the South West and beyond. Despite its great importance, however, it has long been constrained by its environment, with rock falls taking a significant toll upon rail users and the region’s economy.

With major piling works being required prior to construction, significant pre-construction works were needed in order to relocate and install critical S&T infrastructure.

The solution

Over a period of 7 months, an Amaro team of 2 were tasked with creating sufficient cable slack (via joining and re-routing) prior to also carrying out the following works…

  • The installation of a number of line side telephones (LST) within the tunnel with all cabling run within a new trough route
  • The re location of an axle counter dis box by 230m
  • The installation of 2 no. 10-pair cables, jointed and run through the new trough route
  • The installation of a FSP (Functional Supply Point) joint box, with all associated 650v cable run through the new trough route
  • The jointing and installation of 2 no. 60-pair telecom cables through the new trough route
  • The provision of 900m of 48-core signalling cable run out and installed into the new trough route through the tunnel and within the piling zone
  • The recovery of several redundant cables from the route

The outcome

Delivered ahead of programme and with zero lost-time incidents, all works were completed in line with the client’s specification. This was achieved despite restricted access due to scrap rail, excess ballast and vegetation on the trough route.

Thanks in part to the role played by Amaro, piling was able to take place without damaging vital S&T infrastructure, facilitating the construction of a rock fall shelter which, in turn, significantly improved the resilience of the operational railway.

A peaceful railway scene at sunset, featuring tracks running through a rural landscape. A yellow safety barrier surrounds a trackside signal installation, with workers in high-visibility orange clothing performing maintenance nearby. The open fields and trees in the background create a serene atmosphere.

Wessex Signal Post Renewals

In April 2024, Amaro was instructed to replace two signals on the Wessex Route that posed a safety risk due to significant deterioration.

A railway worker in high-visibility orange clothing and a safety helmet is smiling while holding a clipboard with paperwork. The scene is set on a railway platform with the 'Way Out' sign visible, and modern buildings, including Battersea Power Station, in the background. Other workers can be seen further along the tracks.

Wandsworth Road Signalling Upgrades

Advancements in technology, reliability, and energy efficiency—coupled with the need to reduce Network Rail’s maintenance burden—necessitated the upgrade of three filament-type signalling heads in the Wandsworth area. Part of London’s wider Victoria Resignalling Programme, these works replaced outdated units with cutting-edge LED technology.

Railway workers in high-visibility orange clothing are conducting cable-laying operations near train tracks. A crane mounted on a yellow rail service vehicle is lifting large cable reels, with team members positioned along the tracks and on adjacent embankments under a bridge.

Cable Pulling – Phases 4 and 5, Victoria Area Re-Signalling Programme

First hitting site in August 2022, Amaro was instructed to carry out all cable pulling associated with phases 4 and 5 of Network Rail’s Victoria Area Re-Signalling Programme (VARP). This project aimed to boost asset reliability, improve passenger experiences and journey times, and reduce the ongoing maintenance burden on the client.