South Kirkby – Re-Signalling

Client: ALSTOM

Location: South Kirkby

Overview

PACE Infrastructure Solutions Ltd was appointed as the cable installation specialist for a major signalling upgrade project in South Kirkby. The scheme involved the deployment of over 350,000 metres of power, telecoms, and signalling cable, supported by critical lineside civils works. This high-volume, high-risk cable installation programme was executed in a theft-prone environment, requiring specialist techniques and bespoke equipment to ensure a safe, efficient, and theft-resistant delivery.

Our Scope

PACE’s comprehensive scope included:

  • Installation of 350,000m of mixed-use cable (power, telecoms, signalling)
  • Deployment across various environments using manual handling, trailer-mounted drums, and RRVs
  • Installation of 50% of cable routes within buried ducting systems to mitigate theft risks
  • Delivery of associated ancillary civils works to support cable routing and protection infrastructure
Technical Approach

PACE’s methodology leveraged advanced techniques and experienced teams to overcome the scale and complexity of the scheme:

  • Cable Pulling Expertise: Mobilised skilled cable installation teams with extensive experience in both manual and mechanised deployments
  • Cable Winching & Bespoke Rollers: Deployed winch-assisted pulling systems and custom rollers to enable long-distance cable runs through buried ducts, increasing shift productivity
  • Specialised Safety Equipment: Used bespoke lid lifters to reduce manual handling injuries and introduced a unique rail harness restraint system for operatives working along steep embankments
  • Local Labour Integration: Proactively engaged local labour markets to support weekend work peaks and maintain flexibility in resource deployment
Outcome

PACE successfully delivered a high-volume cable installation programme under complex and risk-sensitive conditions, providing:

  • Safe and efficient installation of over 350,000m of cable
  • Enhanced site safety through bespoke tools and PPE innovation
  • Theft-risk mitigation via secure buried ducting systems
  • Flexible, scalable workforce ensuring weekend possession deadlines were consistently met
  • This project reinforced PACE’s capability in delivering large-scale, technically demanding cable infrastructure solutions in operational rail environments.