Protecting Our Railways Future

The history of Britain’s rail infrastructure runs parallel with the security fencing manufactured to secure it. Network Rail took over from its failed predecessor Railtrack in 2002. Founded under government legislation that privatised the railways in 1994, Railtrack’s short history was plagued with criticism and failings which eventually lead to the formation of Network Rail, with the principal purpose of acquiring Railtrack under a new government mandate of improving safety, reliability and efficiency across the railway network in England, Wales and Scotland.

Even with the vast amounts of money spent on the railway during its initial privatisation in the 90’s, Network Rail realised very early on that the rail infrastructure had been lacking serious investment, so in 2003 began the massive undertaking of renewing the countries aging rail infrastructure, including track, signalling, power and telecom equipment. With this saw the need for high security fencing systems that would protect the next generation of railway users for decades to come.

Today, Network rail continues to improve services and running costs, while making our railway the safest in Europe. Frequent commuters who have travelled on our country’s vast network will undoubtedly come across a varied selection of fencing, ranging from low level stock fencing designed to keep out unwanted wildlife, through to high security Palisade fencing designed to keep out everyone else! In between these two popular designs, you will find a wide range of specialist designs each with its own specific purpose.

As part of the infrastructure renewal programme, the team at Lochrin Bain have spent several years working closely with Network Rail and its partners, helping to secure tens of thousands of kilometres of track along with sites that require enhanced security systems. As well as manufacturing the standard Class 1 specification which utilises a generic ‘W’ section Palisade design, Network Rail also specify our patented high security Lochrin Combi™ Palisade fencing for areas that require a Class 1A system. This is defined as areas which suffer from high trespass and vandalism, or have a line speed of up to 125 miles per hour. The Lochrin Combi™ fence is also used to protect high-value assets, such as buildings and technical equipment, including the next generation of wireless technology on its FTNx network.

We are now seeing a very busy and exciting time for the British Rail industry with great opportunities for companies willing to innovate and collaborate. Lochrin Bain continues to do both, working to secure our countries rail infrastructure one project at a time….

At Crossrail, the new £14.8 billion, high capacity project under development in London, our Lochrin Classic™ ‘rivetless’ palisade fence has been supplied to areas where both security and aesthetics are important, while our front fix ‘W’ section palisade systems is currently being installed as a host fence to take PulseSecure™ advanced electrified perimetrer security system.

From Glasgow to Edinburgh the new EGIP Programme, a Scottish Government priority has seen our Class 1A Lochrin Combi™ Palisade specified on the main line that was recently electrified.

These are just two of our recent rail projects, with various regional programmes underway and the most talked about project in years, HS2  under development. All this while our team continue to deliver our usual high quality British made security fencing, protecting our railways future.