Permanent Way Forward for Engineered Rail Solutions
Cubis Systems is a global leader in the design and manufacture of access chambers and cable protection systems for infrastructure networks. Our capability to deliver modern solutions of the highest quality has always been attributable to the emphasis placed upon building enduring working relationships. J Murphy and Sons also adopt this approach, resulting in a highly successful and collaborative partnership.
Both organisations core beliefs are indistinguishable in their comparison; with priority given by Cubis to “building close relationships in key industries to ensure Cubis products solve real-world issues” and J Murphy and Sons also convinced “that working together with our clients, suppliers and partners is the key to delivering world class infrastructure”. This unified strategy, along with a strong, historical working relationship, has produced many successful joint collaborations where, together, they have created bespoke solutions - particularly for the rail sector - evidence of which is apparent in recent projects.
In March of this year, Cubis worked alongside J Murphy and Sons to provide a solution to combat flooding at two separate projects on the West Coast Main Line, one at Crick Tunnel and one in Kensal Green. Works were expected to be undertaken in record time at both sites, at Kensal Green Network Rail’s plan was to upgrade a seven mile stretch of track in just eleven days. Historically, this volume of work would take three years worth of weekend shifts. However, with a reduction in passengers (due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19) Network Rail closed two out of four railway lines which helped facilitate the multiple upgrades required. Similarly, at Crick Tunnel approximately £7.5m of public money was saved completing a years’ worth of weekend night shifts in five consecutive shifts as a 13 mile stretch of track was closed to allow this rare amount of work to be completed.
Having experienced success with Cubis’ FLEXIpit, J Murphy and Sons identified them as the ideal solution. Already approved for use by Network Rail, this catchpit system has a movable ballast board making it much easier for on-site adjustments to pipe invert levels which, when under such time constraints, can make all the difference. The FLEXIpits are comprised from the STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA access chamber so strength and reliability come as standard. Cubis completed take-offs to be able to produce accurate drawings showing sump depth, orientation, pipe diameter and overall depth of catchpit for site to agree prior to manufacture. Drawing upon combined expertise, Cubis collaborated with J Murphy and Sons to create a bespoke solution to guarantee suitability and complete the sign off process to ensure systems were delivered ahead of schedule for work to commence.
A further successful collaboration culminated in the installation of a huge 6 track Under Track Crossing (UTX) at Colton Junction – one of the busiest parts of the network in the North of England and part of the Trans-Pennine Route upgrade project. Using ULTIMA chambers and our MULTIduct™ cable protection solution meant that the project benefitted from a resilient yet lightweight GRP chamber system that offers a smaller footprint than the alternative options. Combined with the MULTIduct™ cable routing system, a far superior, value engineered solution was formed. This modern method of building an under track crossing creates a faster, safer construction system, which reduces track possession times, removes the need for concrete and offers a more flexible system that allows changes to be made if needed. Cubis worked with the designer and J Murphy and Sons to manufacture a solution to address cable bend radii as, at either end of the UTX, cables were turning both left and right, parallel with the track. This joint approach resulted in the design and specification of seven 1200 x 1200 ULTIMA UTX chambers at varying depths with 50m of 9 way MULTIduct™ joining them. With an inflexible programme for installation on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, liaison between all parties guaranteed a precisely scheduled and successful execution.
With much success generated by this collaborative approach to provide innovative solutions, it is no coincidence that both Cubis Systems and J Murphy and Sons are Global leaders within the infrastructure industry. By utilising each others expertise and encompassing all innovations, they are able to provide systems that work consistently and effectively for customers all over the World.