Orient Way Traincare Depot, London, UK

Project Overview

Strategically located between Stratford and Lea Bridge, Orient Way is a key traincare depot in Greater Anglia’s network. Operating 24/7 and spanning the area of three football pitches, the facility plays a vital role in servicing, cleaning and replenishing the operator’s fleet.

To support the arrival of Greater Anglia’s new Class 720 and Class 745 trains, the depot required a significant infrastructure upgrade. The objective was to scale the facility to safely and efficiently accommodate the new train units across all twelve sidings — part of a wider £1.4 billion investment in modernising East Anglia’s rail services.

IPS Design & Consultancy led the design process across GRIP 3 to 5 stages. Pod-Trak, acting as Principal Contractor, delivered a complex package of civil, mechanical, and electrical works within a live depot environment.

Dura Composites was selected to supply a coordinated range of high-performance Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) products, including walkways, access platforms, safety handrailing and the patented Dura Envirosump system.

A key factor in the client’s decision was the low embodied carbon and fully recyclable nature of d² Dura Grating materials. Their seamless integration with the Dura Envirosump enabled compliant front-of-train washing without the need for new drainage civils — reducing both environmental impact and construction complexity.

Scope of Works

• Installation of low-carbon d² Dura Grating trackside walkways
• Fabrication and supply of Driver Access Platforms (DAPs)
• Supply of d² Dura Keyclamp GRP handrailing
• Supply of Dura Envirosump liquid containment system

Integrated GRP Solutions for Depot Resilience

As part of this critical depot upgrade, Dura Composites delivered a package of fully engineered GRP solutions tailored for a safety-critical, operational rail environment:

d² Dura Grating Walkways

Installed across the depot to create low-maintenance, fire-rated, anti-slip access routes for staff working in fuelling, servicing, and inspection zones.

• Validated against point loads and wheel loads from sanding carts
• Engineered for durability, slip resistance and compliance
• Lightweight for fast installation with minimal plant

Driver Access Platforms (DAPs)

Also known as Driver Hop Ups, these GRP access structures were custom-fabricated to support safe driver changeovers and inspections.

• Delivered fully assembled to site for rapid deployment
• Engineered to meet spatial and operational constraints

Dura Envirosump (Patented Liquid Containment System)

A purpose-designed GRP system that captures run-off from train washing without disturbing the permanent way.

• Integrated with d² Dura Grating for seamless operation
• Configurable for both buffer end and London end layouts
• Captures silt, mud, and detergent residues in lockable containers
• Accessed using a standard railway carriage key
• Supplied in green for visual demarcation and safe zoning alongside yellow walkways and DAPs

Designed for Safety, Sustainability and Speed

The Orient Way upgrade presented a range of challenges — from restricted access and limited historical records to live interfaces with rolling stock. Dura Composites’ d² GRP systems delivered clear advantages:

• Safe: Non-conductive and anti-slip, ideal for electrified depot environments
• Sustainable: Fully recyclable, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting
• Speedy: Supplied in pre-assembled formats to reduce install time and programme risk

Supporting a Greener Rail Network

Dura Composites is proud to support the Network Rail Decarbonisation Programme through the supply of recyclable, low-carbon materials that make infrastructure delivery faster and more sustainable.

Compared to traditional materials, d² Dura Grating offers:

• Up to 33% reduction in embodied carbon
• Full recyclability at end of life
• Carbon savings without compromise on performance

Our in-house Carbon Calculator tool provides verified data to support ESG reporting, enabling evidence-based decisions that align with project sustainability goals.

Orient Way is a great example of how composite innovation can futureproof rail infrastructure. By supplying lightweight, prefabricated GRP walkways, driver platforms, and washdown catchment systems, we helped Pod-Trak deliver a complex live-depot upgrade efficiently and safely. The result is a more resilient facility aligned with modern operational and environmental expectations.

Melissa Warren

Rail Project Manager at Dura Composites

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