Rail infrastructure reimagined for Cambridge South Station
Major rail projects are changing.
At Cambridge South Station, the focus wasn’t just on delivering new infrastructure. It was on how that infrastructure was delivered: reducing disruption, improving sustainability, and working smarter on site.
That environmentally responsible thinking aligns closely with our approach here at Cubis Systems. Our lightweight, modular rail solutions are designed to cut risk, cost, and carbon alike.
Working closely with the contractor (Murphy), we supplied our access solutions to support the station’s lighting and electrical ducting network. And, in turn, we helped simplify installation on one of the UK’s most high-profile rail developments.
📸Pictured: Our solutions on-site at the Cambridge South Station project
The challenge
Cambridge South Station is not a typical rail project.
Built beside a world-leading biomedical campus and active hospital environment, construction activity had to be carefully managed. Plus, the site sits next to a nature reserve and is intended to "fit in within the green belt".
It was imperative, therefore, to reduce factors such as disruption, congestion, unnecessary carbon, and vibration impact during the works.
📸Pictured: Behind the project scenes @ Cambridge South Station
Traditional below-ground infrastructure methods can introduce multiple challenges on rail projects, including:
With their goal of setting an example for sustainable transport, traditional methods weren't going to cut it for this Cambridge South Station project. So, requiring a strong, sustainable, and scalable ducting infrastructure solution capable of supporting critical station electrical systems, it was Cubis Systems that made the spec.
The solution
Cubis supplied a considerable package of access chambers and covers to support the station’s electrical ducting network. This included:
- | 600 x 600 STAKKAbox™ Modula chambers
- | 900 x 900 STAKKAbox™ Modula chambers
- | B125 composite cover and frame systems
- | B125 recessed covers
📸Pictured: A snapshot of our products installed in the ground
Unlike traditional concrete alternatives, our modular composite systems offered a significantly lighter and more practical solution for installation teams working within a constrained rail environment.
The lightweight design helped simplify handling and site logistics, while the modular construction supported faster installation and easier coordination across the programme.
Importantly for the contractor, we also provided dependable delivery support and straightforward specification resources. This degree of support is just one more way that Cubis helps reduce overall project completion time and risk.
📸Pictured: The Cubis Systems BIM team in action
The outcome
Cubis supplied hundreds of units of infrastructure solutions into the Cambridge South Station development. The ducting routes for station lighting and electrical systems have now been completed using our products — quickly and sustainably.
This project highlights how modern modular infrastructure solutions are helping reshape rail construction approaches. Increasingly, modern projects are sustainability-led. Reducing disruption, simplifying installation, and improving efficiency all form critical considerations for designers.
Now set to open on 28 June 2026, Cambridge South Station reflects a broader shift towards smarter, lower-disruption infrastructure delivery across the rail sector.
📸 Image source: Network Rail render, Cambridge South Station
“Projects like Cambridge South Station are exactly where modern modular infrastructure comes into its own. When sustainability, logistics, installation efficiency and reduced disruption all matter, lightweight engineered systems can offer significant advantages over traditional construction approaches.” Andy Hobbis, Head of Sales, Cubis Systems
Get in touch to discuss your project
This recent rail project is just one more example of our ability to support critical infrastructure with practical, high-performance access solutions.
To cut the install time, carbon, and complexity of your underground infrastructure project - whether it's in rail. telecoms, energy, highways, water, general civils - get in touch with the team today.
