When an unexpected accessibility challenge threatened to delay the delivery of Cambridge South Station, Murphy Engineering turned to Portaramp for a fast, compliant and bespoke solution.
During installation planning, it became clear that standard PRM rail boarding ramps specified for the project would not fit within the available platform space due to existing platform furniture and structural constraints. With the construction programme already underway and strict deadlines to meet, Murphy required an alternative that could be designed, manufactured and delivered in just one month.
Working collaboratively with Murphy Engineering, Portaramp designed and manufactured a bespoke PRM access solution comprising slant ramps, a platform ramp and freestanding frames. Through rapid design development, close project coordination and accelerated manufacturing, the solution was successfully delivered within programme, restoring safe and compliant passenger access for the new station.
Murphy Engineering is part of J. Murphy & Sons, one of the UK's leading infrastructure contractors, delivering major civil engineering projects across the rail, transport, energy and utilities sectors throughout the UK and Ireland.
As a Tier 1 rail contractor, Murphy is responsible for delivering complex station upgrades, platform works and wider infrastructure projects, often within live operational railway environments.
With every rail project presenting its own unique challenges, Murphy required a specialist partner capable of responding quickly when an unforeseen accessibility issue emerged during the construction of Cambridge South Station.
Cambridge South Station was being constructed by Murphy Engineering as part of a wider rail infrastructure upgrade. As part of the station's accessibility strategy, Greater Anglia had specified standard PRM rail boarding ramps suitable for the relevant train classes.
However, during installation planning, a significant issue became apparent.
Existing platform furniture, combined with structural constraints, meant there was insufficient space for the standard ramps to operate safely. The available platform width simply could not accommodate the off-the-shelf solution that had originally been specified.
Without an alternative, compliant passenger boarding for people with reduced mobility (PRM) could not be achieved. More importantly, the issue threatened to impact the construction programme at a critical stage of the project.
Murphy Engineering needed a specialist solution that could overcome the site's physical limitations without compromising accessibility, passenger safety or project deadlines.
Following the discovery of the platform constraints, Murphy Engineering contacted Portaramp to explore whether a bespoke solution could be developed.
The requirement was highly time-sensitive. Not only did the solution need to meet all operational and accessibility requirements, but it also had to be designed, approved, manufactured and delivered within an accelerated programme that was significantly shorter than normal lead times.
From the outset, Portaramp worked closely with Murphy Engineering to understand the site's unique constraints and identify the most effective approach. Open communication and rapid decision-making allowed both teams to progress quickly, ensuring the project continued to move forward despite the unexpected challenge.
Site Assessment & Engineering Review
Understanding the physical constraints of the platform was the first priority.
The available space was carefully assessed to identify how passengers could continue to board safely while working around existing platform furniture and structural features. Every aspect of the station layout was considered to ensure the final solution would integrate seamlessly into the completed infrastructure.
This collaborative engineering approach allowed the design team to develop a solution tailored specifically to Cambridge South Station rather than attempting to adapt a standard product beyond its intended use.
Bespoke Ramp Design
Portaramp designed a complete accessibility solution consisting of:
Each component was engineered specifically for the site, ensuring the equipment could be deployed safely while fitting within the restricted platform environment.
Rather than relying on a single product, the solution combined bespoke ramp design with purpose-built storage systems to maximise both accessibility and operational efficiency.
Design Refinement
As the project progressed, several design revisions were required to ensure every element met Murphy Engineering's operational requirements.
New technical drawings were produced, designs were refined and reviewed, approvals were completed and manufacturing plans were updated as the solution evolved.
This iterative process ensured the finished products not only complied with accessibility requirements but also integrated effectively into the station environment and supported long-term operational use.
One of the most impressive aspects of the project was the delivery programme.
A project of this nature would typically require around eight weeks from design through to manufacture and delivery.
For Cambridge South Station, however, Murphy Engineering required the complete solution within just one month.
Achieving this accelerated programme required exceptional coordination across every department within Portaramp.
Material sourcing was prioritised, manufacturing schedules were reorganised and production teams worked closely alongside design and operations to ensure every stage progressed without unnecessary delay.
Strong internal communication and rapid decision-making enabled the project to move seamlessly from concept to production while maintaining the high standards of quality and engineering expected on critical rail infrastructure projects.
The finished solution provided Murphy Engineering with a fully bespoke PRM boarding system designed specifically for the challenges presented by Cambridge South Station.
By combining specially engineered slant ramps with a bespoke platform ramp and freestanding support frames, Portaramp delivered a complete accessibility solution that addressed both operational requirements and physical site constraints.
The modular design ensured the equipment could be deployed safely while integrating neatly within the available platform space, providing a practical long-term solution for station operators and passengers alike.
Restored Accessible Boarding
The bespoke solution successfully restored compliant PRM accessibility where standard boarding ramps could not be used, ensuring passengers with reduced mobility could board and alight safely.
Bespoke Engineering for a Challenging Environment
Portaramp developed a solution specifically designed around the station's restricted platform layout, delivering a practical outcome tailored to the site.
Delivered Within Programme
Despite the significantly reduced delivery schedule, the project was completed within Murphy Engineering's construction programme, allowing station works to continue without unnecessary delays.
Improved Passenger Safety
Purpose-built boarding ramps and dedicated storage systems provided a safe, stable and reliable solution for both rail staff and passengers, supporting safe deployment whenever required.
Seamless Site Integration
Site assessments and collaborative design ensured every component worked with the existing platform environment, avoiding further redesign or disruption to ongoing construction works.
Strong Project Collaboration
Close collaboration between Murphy Engineering and Portaramp enabled challenges to be identified quickly, solutions developed efficiently and decisions made without delaying the wider project.
The success of the Cambridge South Station project was driven not only by engineering expertise but also by the strength of teamwork across the entire Portaramp business.
From initial design discussions through to manufacturing, production and final delivery, every department played an important role in meeting the accelerated programme. Designers adapted drawings as requirements evolved, production teams responded to revised schedules, while operations coordinated materials and manufacturing to maintain momentum throughout the project.
This collaborative approach allowed issues to be resolved quickly, ensuring Murphy Engineering received a fully compliant accessibility solution within an exceptionally demanding timeframe.
Working alongside Murphy Engineering, Portaramp successfully transformed a potentially critical programme issue into a practical, compliant and long-term accessibility solution.
The bespoke boarding ramps and supporting infrastructure enabled Cambridge South Station to provide safe PRM access despite the platform's physical constraints, while the accelerated delivery programme ensured construction deadlines remained on track.
The project further demonstrated the value of early collaboration, responsive engineering and bespoke manufacturing when standard accessibility products cannot meet the unique demands of modern rail infrastructure.
No two railway stations are the same, and accessibility challenges often emerge once construction is underway. Existing infrastructure, limited platform space and operational constraints can all make standard products unsuitable.
This project demonstrates the importance of working with a specialist partner capable of designing bespoke accessibility solutions when off-the-shelf products are no longer viable.
By combining engineering expertise with rapid project delivery, Portaramp helped ensure accessibility remained a priority without compromising programme deadlines or passenger safety. It is another example of how bespoke design and close collaboration can overcome complex challenges across the UK rail network.
Every rail project presents different accessibility challenges. Whether you're constructing a new station, upgrading existing infrastructure or overcoming complex platform constraints, Portaramp can design and manufacture a solution tailored to your requirements.
Our experienced team works alongside contractors, train operators and infrastructure providers to deliver bespoke rail boarding ramps and accessibility systems that prioritise passenger safety, operational efficiency and compliance.
Contact Portaramp today to discuss your project and discover how our bespoke rail accessibility solutions can help keep your programme on track.
