Appleby Signal Box

Appleby North signal box was originally opened in 1951 and the last 70 years of the Cumbrian climate has taken its toll. The timber construction has put up a good fight against the elements which is a battle we will all eventually lose. The decision to repair and refurbish the signal box was given to Colt Construction as we have expertise in this area.

The signal box is located at the far southern end of a depot which serves as an operational Network Rail Maintenance Delivery Unit. The much-needed repairs to the structure of the signal box will enhance it’s life span and help with increased rail use on the Settle to Carlisle line.

Working collaboratively with Network Rail, to develop a full scheme of works it was discovered early in the planning that the signal box was not a listed building. However, it does fall within a conservation area. Early engagement with Network Rail Planning Team has identified that the works are Permitted Development under Part 8 of the GPDO (general permitted development order) and therefore no planning permission is required for this project.

In addition to outlining a comprehensive list of repairs and refurbishment needs, it was determined that the signal box would benefit from the addition of modern amenities. As part of this decision, plans were made to construct a new WC adjacent to the signal box, providing added comfort for the personnel working in the facility. This enhancement not only addresses the practical needs of the signal box but also improves the overall comfort and functionality of the workspace. Paintwork inside and outside was also to be added for a complete refresh. We liaised with the Friends of the Settle and Carlisle Railway Line to give us some historic guidance and assist with deciding the colour scheme.

The work required included:

• Timber support corners and intermediate posts.
• Full external timber, matching cladding to the signal box.
• Civil piling to all corners of the signal box.
• Crane lifts near operational railway to install steel frame support structure.
• Construction of new timber external WC
• 18,000 litre underground septic tank and drainage.
• A new Welsh slate roof.
• External gantry timbers.
• Gable elevation matching timber windows in keeping with the existing look and feel.
• Electrical upgrade to the signal box and external lighting.
• Improve the drainage around the signal box to prevent standing water.
• Internal and external decoration to the signal box.
• Trench sheet supports within excavation to all elevations.
• New reinforced concrete ring beam.
• And the raising of the complete signal box and steel support frame whilst structural timbers are replaced.

The new WC which was built to match the style of the signal box. All this work had to be undertaken without damaging or compromising the workings of the mechanical lever frame.

Our client was exceptionally pleased with the result.

We came in on time and to budget but more importantly we were able to breathe a new lease of life into this historic monument to the railway and extending the operational life of the asset. We completed all our work to refurbish the signal box without having any impact on the daily movements of the rolling stock and without damaging those all-important mechanical levers.

We were also delighted that we were winners at the National Railway Heritage Awards, which is an accolade recognising and rewarding the very best in re-use, restoration, and conservation of our historic railway infrastructure.

A Network Rail spokesperson said, “We are delighted with the work Colt Construction have carried out, turning our old subsiding signal box into a real landmark along the railway and extending its life for at least another 25 years. The new addition of a functional toilet looks as though it has been part of the signal box since its opening in 1951 and will be a welcome addition for those who operate the signals.”