Westbury South Renewal Team from the South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA) celebrated on Thursday 28 November as they were the presented with the RailStaff Awards Project Team or Person Award (Over £5 Million).
Over Christmas 2024, the team delivered the largest and most complex track renewal of CP7 at Westbury South, a critical hub on the Great Western network. The 30-day blockade renewed 30 signals and crossing units, 2,000 metres of track, and modernised signalling, drainage, and platforms.
Through rigorous planning, innovation, and collaboration, the team achieved £11 million in efficiencies, avoided six months of disruption, and secured the reliability of a key national junction for the next three decades.
The Project Team or Person Award (Over £5 Million), a new category for the RailStaff Awards, recognises individuals or teams who have delivered large railway projects exceeding £5 million in value. From complex infrastructure upgrades to station redevelopments and signalling improvements, such projects demand exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to unite multiple disciplines towards a shared goal. The award celebrates the people whose vision, coordination, and hard work bring transformative rail schemes to life, shaping the network for generations to come.
“This is a complete surprise, especially considering the competition we were up against,” said Sean Murray, technical director at AECOM.
“This project has been almost a year in the making, and his involved a lot of collaboration, a lot of cooperation, and a lot of pressure. It’s been the biggest renewal project on the Great Western network, and this award more than makes up for all the hard work.”
Multi-disciplinary contractor Henderson & Taylor sponsored the Award. Within the rail industry Henderson & Taylor is well known for delivering high-quality station upgrades and associated improvements that enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Managing Director Matt Lynch said: “As a company which strives to showcase quality and innovation in rail schemes using our own in-house resources, we understand the tremendous effort and expertise it takes to truly excel in the delivery of these bigger projects.
“We’re delighted to support this award for the best Project Team or Person (over £5 million). The Rail Staff Awards are a brilliant occasion to recognise the incredible work of our people and teams, and we look forward to celebrating that tonight.”
Highly commended:
Diamond Rail Services and Hitachi
Julie Williams, Alstom
Back next year
We have exciting sponsorship opportunities available for the 2026 awards.
If you’re interested in discussing this further or would like to put forward nominations from your team for future awards, please feel free to contact us by email at [email protected] or call us on 01530 816 440.
You can also find out more and view the upcoming pictures and videos from the evening by visiting our website www.RailStaffAwards.com.
