We’re proud to announce that ADComms has received Network Rail Route to Gold – Gold Site Recognition for the Mottingham FTN/GSM‑R Rectifier & Battery Renewal project – and it was the highest scoring site in the Southern Region for Period 11.
The recognition forms part of the Construction Route to Gold initiative, which promotes collaborative working, reduces re‑work, and embeds continuous improvement across the Southern Region Capital Works supply chain. Our achievement at Mottingham reflects not just one site, but the excellence delivered consistently across all 309 sites in the programme.
The challenge? Replacing life‑expired rectifiers, chargers, and standby batteries supporting GSM‑R and FTN equipment across Kent & Sussex.
The GSM‑R system provides secure digital communication between train drivers and signallers – essential for safety and day‑to‑day operation. To keep this system resilient during power outages, reliable backup power is critical. Much of the existing equipment, installed between 2008 and 2014, had reached end‑of‑life.
Our work ensured continuity of these safety‑critical communications by renewing all associated rectifier/charger units and battery systems. This supports:
Reliable communication between train drivers and signallers
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Reduced risk of delays during power disruptions
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Safer, more dependable travel for passengers
To deliver this complex programme, our teams implemented innovative solutions, overcame escalating technical challenges, and maintained momentum across a wide geographical area. This included:
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Proactive collaboration with suppliers to resolve recurring issues with Eltek rectifiers
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Engineering ingenuity at Three Bridges Core, where tailored solutions were required for an especially complex site
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Proceeding ‘at risk’ using temporary power supplies to avoid programme delays
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Outstanding safety performance, with 111 tonnes of batteries manually removed and installed, 25,000 manual lifts carried out, and zero accidents or incidents
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Night‑time delivery, made possible through strong communication and close support from the entire project team
This award is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved. As Mark Stacey (NWR Construction Manager) highlighted, the Mottingham success reflects a “carbon copy” of the quality, consistency, and collaborative effort deployed across every site in the programme.