Signalling & Signage
Signalling and signage assets in the rail environment demand reliable, rapidly installed foundations that perform in tight spaces, variable ground conditions, and under strict project timelines. Anchor Systems provides a full range of Anchor Screws and screw pile foundations designed specifically for small to medium-sized signalling and signage installations—including road traffic lights (RTLs), level crossing barriers, fog repeaters, lighting columns, equipment cabinets, and trackside signage.
Our systems eliminate the need for concrete and allow assets to be installed, aligned, and commissioned immediately. Whether the project requires a single pile, dual configuration, or a fully engineered tri-pile or quad-pile grillage, we provide tailored solutions that meet the precision, load, and design life requirements of rail infrastructure.
Key Advantages
Rapid installation with zero curing time – Screw piles and Anchor Screws allow immediate mounting, enabling overnight possession works or single-shift installations.
Minimal disruption on rail and highway sites – No excavation, no wet trades, reduced reinstatement, and smaller working footprints make the system ideal for busy or restricted environments.
High accuracy for critical assets – Engineered grillages and bespoke adapter plates ensure mast alignment and precise positioning for RTLs, barriers, and other directional equipment.
Adaptable in challenging conditions – Our handheld and machine-mounted installation equipment allows work in narrow verges, congested sidings, embankments, and other confined spaces.
Flexible design life to meet industry standards – Foundations can be manufactured to meet service life requirements from 50 years (e.g., TfL guidelines) up to 120+ years for major rail infrastructure.
Improved safety and reduced possession risk – Faster installation reduces time on track, highway exposure, and overall site risk.
How Our Products Are Used for This Application
Anchor Screws and screw piles form the primary foundation system for a wide range of signalling and signage structures. Depending on the load, height, and wind exposure, assets are supported using:
Single or dual piles for small equipment, signs, or compact cabinets.
Tri-pile or quad-pile grillages for larger masts, level crossing barriers, or where positional tolerance is tight.
Custom-fabricated adapter plates to match unique mast or manufacturer baseplate dimensions—including interfaces for lighting column specialists such as Abacus.
Installation Approach
Screw piles are installed using handheld or excavator-mounted hydraulic torque heads. Leads are typically 2m long and hand-wound into the ground or a small trial pit before mechanical installation continues. Extensions (1–2m) and custom flight patterns are added to meet depth, torque, or uplift requirements.
Key Design Considerations
Required depth or minimum torque to achieve stability
Ground conditions and density
Size, height, and wind loading of the asset
Baseplate geometry and equipment mounting points
Alignment tolerances for traffic signals and barrier systems
This design-led process ensures each asset is installed quickly, accurately, and safely with minimal disruption to rail or highway operations.
Which Products Are Used for This Application
We supply a dedicated range of Anchor Screws and screw pile foundations suited to signalling and signage installations:
Screw Pile Sizes
60.3mm diameter – Suitable for lightweight installations.
76.1mm diameter – Common choice for signage, small cabinets, and medium-duty masts.
88.9mm diameter – Used for heavier, wind-loaded structures such as lighting columns or level crossing equipment.
Lead and Extension Options
2m standard leads with optimised helical flight arrangements (often 8"–10"–12").
1m and 2m extensions available with or without additional flights depending on uplift requirements.
Interface & Assembly Components
Pile adapters (300–500mm typical) tailored to the asset’s baseplate.
Engineered grillages for dual, tri-pile, or quad-pile foundations.
Custom mounting plates designed for compatibility with OEM equipment.
Types of This Application We Can Work With
Road traffic lights (RTLs)
Trackside signage for rail
Level crossing barriers
Fog repeaters
Lighting columns and masts
Signalling cabinets
Emergency or telecom boxes
Boxes-on-post installations
Small switchgear or equipment housings
FAQs
01
Can Anchor Screws be installed in live rail environments?
Yes. In many cases, they can be installed without track closures, heavy plant, or significant possession time—greatly reducing cost and disruption.
02
How accurate is alignment for assets like traffic lights or barriers?
Extremely accurate. Templates, adapter plates, and tri-/quad-pile grillages ensure precise positioning, even where tolerances are tight.
03
Is the installation equipment available to hire?
Yes. We provide and hire all required installation tools, including torque heads, hoses, reaction arms, and power packs.
Get to know more about the product
Our Anchor Screw brochure provides full technical specifications, loading capacities, installation guidance, and project examples to support your planning and design process.
Explore Anchor Screw Foundations
Whether you’re installing traffic signals, level crossing barriers, lighting columns, or trackside signage, our Anchor Screw and screw pile foundations provide a rapid, accurate, and low-disruption alternative to traditional concrete bases. Explore how our systems can support your next rail project with engineered precision and long-term performance.