Three Bridges Thameslink Depot

About Project

Civils works as part of the complete build and commission of a train care depot at Three Bridges.

Project Overview

In September 2014 Sunville Rail Limited were appointed by Volka Rail to undertake the rail interface related civil works as part of the complete build and commission of a train care depot at Three Bridges near Crawley, West Sussex. This depot will service and maintain the new Siemens Thameslink rolling stock.

Sunville Rail's experienced project management and multi skilled civils teams worked closely with Volka Rail to deliver all rail interface works. In addition to the general rail infrastructure challenges, SVR worked closely with the other multiple key non-rail suppliers to co-ordinate activities with minimal lost time.

Sunville Rail's works included:

• Project Management
• SSOW Planning
• H/V Management
• Signal Base construction
• TISS Base Construction
• OLE Base Construction
• Shunt Signals
• Safe Cess Walkways
• Pedestrian Track Crossing Walkways
• Lighting Column bases
• Location Case Bases and Hardstands
• Handrail Installation
• Concrete Walkway aprons
• Under Track Crossings
• Installation of Cable management sleepers
• Substation High Voltage cable duct installation
• Troughing and GRP
• Geotextile Placement and Ballast Placement for new sidings

The Three Bridges depot is split into east and west-side facilities either side of the London to Brighton mainline.Works here included a five-road, 12-car maintenance building with associated stores, workshops and offices, train stabling and servicing roads. Two carriage washing machines, CET system, wheel lathe and all associated depot infrastructure. Two under bridges were widened as part of the work.

The depot is the result of extensive collaboration between Siemens, GTR and Network Rail. It is fully signalled and incorporates key personnel safety features including a depot protection and emergency electrical isolation system. It has an automatic inspection facility, which through laser measurement can accurately predict when key train components need to be maintained or replaced. Other features include the installation of an in-cab simulator at the depot which will provide the specialist training each driver must undergo in order to drive a new Class 700 train, from theoretical practice to practical reality.

The depot was successfully opened 15th October 2015.

‍Andy Pitt, executive chairman of train owners Cross London Trains (XLT), added: 

“It is fantastic to see such a significant milestone reached as part of the Thameslink Programme. I would like to congratulate all of our Partners who have created a world class train maintenance facility which will be essential for delivering a super reliable new train fleet for passengers over many years to come.”

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