New innovation in sleeper design

CEMEX Rail Solutions produce bespoke concrete sleeper design for the London Underground

THE first new sleeper design in more than 30 years has recently been laid on the London Underground. Produced by CEMEX Rail Solutions, the bespoke sleeper solution offers faster installation of new track with improved reliability and greater longevity.

The first contract of 900 sleepers was fitted by Track Partnership, a collaboration between London Underground and Balfour Beatty Rail, on the track around Harrow on the Hill on the Metropolitan Line.

The new 1502 concrete sleeper represents a major innovation offering a preassembled sleeper incorporating the Pandrol Fastclip ‘FE’ fastening system, which allows for automated installation.

The sleeper is also fitted with the required insulators and pads in place, reducing five installation steps down to one. The final step requires the rail to be threaded on to the sleepers and the clips to be driven automatically on to the rails.

The 1502 has been developed in partnership with Pandrol, Balfour Beatty Rail and London Underground in response to a growing need to construct track faster, more safely and at a lower cost with reduced maintenance requirements.

It is estimated that the new sleeper system can be laid in half the time needed to lay traditional sleepers.