Bletchley TMD

Background

PROJECT OVERVIEW

When West Midlands Trains required safe, unobstructed lighting for narrow maintenance walkways at Bletchley TMD, the project team turned to Holophane for a tailored solution. Through early collaboration with the specifier and installer, we delivered a low-profile LED strip lighting system, integrated into the bespoke channel sourced by Taylor Woodrow and manufactured by Dura in Clacton. This solution enhances visibility without introducing trip hazards or physical obstructions.

Challenges

WHAT WAS INVOLVED

The 1m-wide walkways within Bletchley TMD were unlit, creating a clear safety risk during night operations and low-light conditions. While there was no previous lighting in place, the opportunity arose because West Midlands Trains are continually striving to do better and improve the working environment for their teams.

Traditional column-based lighting was initially considered but quickly dismissed because it would:

• Reduce clearance in already narrow spaces
  
  
• Introduce obstructions along operational routes
  
  
• Increase the potential for maintenance issues in confined areas
  

To comply with industry standards for depot safety and inspection lighting, the solution needed to achieve 10 lux inwards onto the footpath and 50 lux outwards onto the train side for rolling stock inspection. These figures are drawn from recognised rail lighting guidelines to ensure both safe access for personnel and sufficient illumination for visual inspections. 

Taylor Woodrow, the project’s specifier, brought Holophane in at an early stage after reviewing an alternative supplier’s proposal. The goal was to meet required light levels, comply with safety requirements, and maintain clear access along the full walkway length.

The solution

HOW WE ACHIEVED THE RESULT

Holophane worked in partnership with Taylor Woodrow, West Midlands Trains and March Engineering to create a tailored LED strip lighting system.

Key features of the solution included:

• Low-profile LED strips fixed directly to the walkway structure to avoid obstruction
  
  
• In-house lux testing to ensure compliance with the project’s illumination requirements
  
  
• Flexible solution — both in the physical flexibility of the product and the adaptability of the design to meet unique site conditions
  
  
• Side lighting installed at a 45° tilt, a design choice made to achieve the required 50 lux efficiently while avoiding obstructions and unnecessary light spill
  
  
• Silicone strips, added after installation, to prevent the LED strips from edging out of the extrusion and hold them securely in place
  
  
• Train-facing lights manually controlled by switches, walkway lights operating via photocell sensors for energy efficiency
  
  
• 5-year warranty to provide long-term performance assurance
  
  
• Robust, sealed LED housings suitable for challenging depot environments
  
  
• Dura-supplied GRP walkway providing a durable, low-maintenance access surface

This design achieved uniformity, glare-controlled lighting across the full length of the walkway without compromising operational space.

Collaboration in action

West Midlands Trains – defined operational and safety priorities

Taylor Woodrow – identified design challenges and engaged Holophane early in the process

Holophane – designed, tested, and supplied the lighting solution

March Engineering – installed the system to meet rail safety and operational standards