Greater Anglia has completed a significant infrastructure upgrade at its Orient Way depot in Stratford, strengthening its capability to maintain and service the operator's latest generation of trains.
The depot, which plays a crucial role in supporting Greater Anglia’s fleet operations, features 12 sidings used for the parking, cleaning and servicing of trains around the clock. The enhancements are designed to ensure the facility is fully equipped to support the operator's modern Class 720 and Class 745 fleets for years to come.
The project included the installation of 70 new Controlled Emission Toilet (CET) emptying units, more than three kilometres of new raised walkways and access routes, comprehensive upgrades to the depot’s mechanical and electrical infrastructure, and the addition of a 16-tonne sand storage silo used to supply trains with sand for improved adhesion during challenging rail conditions.
CET systems are a critical component of modern rail operations, enabling waste to be safely removed from onboard toilet tanks using vacuum-powered equipment before the tanks are flushed and replenished. Waste is transferred directly into the depot’s water treatment system for disposal, while separate systems are used to refill clean water supplies for onboard facilities.
The investment forms part of Greater Anglia’s wider £1.4 billion programme to modernise its rail network and supporting infrastructure, ensuring facilities across the region can accommodate its state-of-the-art rolling stock.
Andrew Goodrum, Infrastructure & Major Projects Director at Greater Anglia, said:
"This major investment will help ensure Orient Way can support our fleet for many years to come and help us deliver a consistently high standard of service for our customers."
"Completing this extensive upgrade while keeping the depot fully operational was a significant achievement, and a testament to how our teams can deliver infrastructure improvements without impacting passenger experience."
The successful completion of the project highlights the increasing importance of depot modernisation across the UK rail industry, as operators continue to invest in facilities capable of supporting new-generation rolling stock while maintaining operational performance and reliability.
Image credit: Greater Anglia
