A major step forward has been taken in the delivery of the long-awaited Cambridge South station, with the successful completion of essential rail infrastructure upgrades along the West Anglia main line. The work, led by the South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA), marks a key milestone ahead of the station’s planned opening in 2026.
Appointed in September 2023, SRSA – a partnership between Colas Rail UK, Network Rail, and AECOM – has delivered a sweeping programme of enhancements between Shepreth and Cambridge. The upgrades include the renewal of 5.7km of track, realignment of 1.4km to accommodate the new four-platform station, and the installation of eight new signals and switches, all critical for supporting future services.
In addition, the Shepreth branch junction has been remodelled to allow trains to pass through at 50mph – a significant improvement from the previous 30mph limit. Electrification works were also central to the project, with nearly 10km of new overhead wiring installed and 110 foundations laid for 79 new structures.
The SRSA completed the project over 18 months with more than 124,000 staff hours logged across 10,000 shifts – all without major incidents. Notably, the Christmas 2024 blockade saw the successful connection of new tracks and the realignment of the route through the future Cambridge South station.
The upgrades not only lay the foundation for better transport links to the south of Cambridge but also support access to the growing biomedical campus and surrounding communities in Trumpington.
Project Director Richard Flanagan of Colas Rail UK hailed the effort, noting the use of innovative safety technology like geofencing and tagging. Network Rail’s Programme Manager, Kevin Sullivan, praised the team’s “dedication and professionalism.”
The Cambridge South station project represents a long-term investment in local infrastructure and mobility. As it moves closer to completion, the benefits of improved rail capacity and connectivity are already beginning to take shape.
