Rapid Route Cable Management System
A Joint System with Scott Parnell
The Rapid Route Cable Management System is a modern, lightweight foundation solution designed specifically for the demands of UK rail environments. Developed in partnership with Scott Parnell, the system brings together Anchor Systems’ advanced Anchor Screw foundations with the proven ARCO troughing and bracketry range, offering a faster, safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional concrete troughing.
Engineered for projects requiring efficient installation, minimal ground disturbance and long-term durability, Rapid Route supports reliable railway cable management across even the most challenging environments — including sloping ground, constrained work areas, and locations where speed of deployment is critical. With more than 20,000m installed across the UK , the system is now a widely proven solution for lineside signalling, power and communications cabling.
Key Advantages
Traditional concrete cable troughing has been the long-standing industry norm, but it presents real limitations for modern rail projects — heavy lifting demands, labour intensity, slow installation times and limited flexibility. The Rapid Route System overcomes all of these challenges with a modern, modular solution.
The Traditional Challenge
Concrete installations typically require:
Specialist lifting equipment and large installation teams.
Higher costs, longer programme durations and increased track possessions.
Significant ground excavation and environmental disruption.
Maintenance issues due to cracking, subsidence and vandalism.
The Rapid Route Advantage
Rapid Route delivers a modern, rail-ready alternative:
Lightweight foundation system — installed using handheld equipment, no heavy plant.
Rapid deployment, reducing possession requirements and labour costs.
Modular and adjustable, allowing easy rerouting, expansion or component replacement.
Durable and reliable, using long-lasting steel components designed for rail conditions.
Environmentally considerate, with reduced soil disturbance and fewer deliveries.
Together, these advantages make Rapid Route one of the most efficient and future-proof cable management foundations available for rail projects.
How Our Products Are Used for This Application
Rapid Route uses an optimised Anchor Screw foundation that securely supports elevated cable routes and transitions across complex ground conditions. The design is tailored for rapid installation using hand-held torque equipment, enabling efficient progress even within live railway environments.
The system provides a strong, stable fixing for ARCO troughing, allowing cable routes to be built above ground level while maintaining alignment, load capacity, and resilience against ground movement.
Key design features include:
Improved anchor geometry for efficient penetration and enhanced load distribution.
Streamlined head assembly options to match load requirements and installation preferences.
Compatibility with sloping ground up to 30 degrees.
Easily adjustable posts and brackets, ensuring precision alignment during installation.
This makes the system ideal for rail corridors where traditional concrete is slow, difficult to deploy, or impractical due to access constraints.
Which Products Are Used for This Application
The Rapid Route Cable Management System is built around two core Anchor Screw foundation options — Rapid Route and Rapid Route Plus — allowing engineers to select the right level of performance, flexibility and load capacity for each project. Both options work seamlessly with the ARCO troughing and bracketry supplied by Scott Parnell, creating a complete, high-integrity cable management solution for rail environments.
Rapid Route P05
Rapid Route is the standard foundation within the range and is optimised for cost-efficiency, fast deployment and everyday cable management requirements. It is ideal for long linear routes, rural sections, and projects where speed and simplicity are essential.
Key features include:
Streamlined dome head for straightforward alignment and installation.
Direct sigma post connection, removing the need for an interface plate and reducing assembly time.
Single-helix Anchor Screw, delivering reliable holding capacity while minimising material use.
Lightweight components, allowing installation using handheld torque equipment.
This option achieves up to 50% cost savings compared to Rapid Route Plus while still providing robust performance for most rail cable routes.
Rapid Route P06
Rapid Route P06 is designed for heavier-duty applications, more complex terrain or locations requiring additional structural strength and installation flexibility. It is commonly used in higher-load areas, transitions, or where precise alignment and adaptability are critical.
Key features include:
Enhanced dome head with multiple fixing slots for greater positional versatility.
Interface plate connection, improving load distribution and providing additional structural stability.
Dual-helix Anchor Screw, increasing the foundation’s grip and performance in variable ground conditions.
Greater configuration flexibility, supporting bespoke or complex cable route geometries.
Rapid Route P06 has been successfully deployed on projects such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), demonstrating its suitability for major infrastructure programmes with demanding performance requirements.
Typical Uses
The Rapid Route System is designed for a wide range of rail-related cable management applications, including:
Lineside signalling cable routes
Power and communications cabling
Elevated cable troughing systems
Embankment transitions and changes in level
Areas with restricted access or limited ground disturbance allowances
Locations requiring rapid deployment
Sloping or uneven terrain up to 30 degrees
Long linear routes for major rail upgrades
Its modularity also makes it suitable for non-rail environments such as utilities, highways and industrial cable management.
FAQs
01
How long does installation typically take?
Installation is significantly faster than concrete systems — often completed in minutes per foundation using handheld equipment, depending on site access and ground conditions.
02
Can Rapid Route accommodate future cable upgrades?
Yes. The modular design makes it easy to access existing cables, add new ones, or reconfigure the system as needed — perfect for evolving network demands.
03
Where can Rapid Route be used?
Rapid Route is ideal for railway lineside cabling, including signalling, communications, and power cables. It can also be used in highways, utilities, and industrial settings where fast, reliable cable protection is needed.
Get to know more about the product
The Rapid Route Cable Management System provides a robust, modular solution for protecting and managing cables across rail and infrastructure projects. Designed for fast installation and long-term durability, it eliminates the need for concrete foundations, offering a secure and sustainable alternative that saves both time and cost on site.
Experts in innovative foundation systems
At Anchor Systems (International) Ltd, we specialise in innovative, low-impact ground solutions that simplify cable management and foundation installation. The Rapid Route system has been developed to meet the demands of modern rail and infrastructure environments — offering strength, flexibility, and minimal ground disturbance.
Quick and simple to install
No need for wet trades or concrete
Compatible with Anchor Screw foundations
Modular and reusable system design
Proven performance across rail and infrastructure projects