Loram fits in-cab signalling to second NR On Track Machine

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Loram fits in-cab signalling to second NR On Track Machine

Loram has begun fitment of ETCS digital in-cab signalling equipment to a second of its Rail Grinders that provide precision rail-profile-treatment capabilities to Network Rail’s regions.

The C44 Rail Grinder, vehicle C44-02, is being fitted with an Hitachi Rail ETCS system at Loram’s engineering facility in Derby.  It is Loram’s first ETCS fitment to be funded through the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP).

ETCS fitment to the C44 Rail Grinder follows the successful introduction of Hitachi Rail ETCS equipment on Loram’s new RGC rail grinding unit earlier this year.

The initial installation and commissioning of ETCS on the RGC machine and its subsequent roll out to the C44 machine is a result of close collaboration between Hitachi Rail, Network Rail and Colas who operate the C44 grinder.

Fitment to the C44 began in June this year by Loram’s Derby based engineering and installation teams, closely supported by industry partners.

Lee Tinney, Managing Director of Loram EMEA said: 

“Following successful introduction of ETCS to our RGC Rail Grinder I am delighted that we are now expanding our ETCS fitment programme to the C44 grinder fleet, three of which are deployed by NR to support track maintenance and management teams across the network.

“I’d like to thank Loram’s engineering and installation teams, as well as our partners at Hitachi Rail, Network Rail, the East Coast Digital Programme and Colas for their support with this fitment programme, which is helping us to showcase how ETCS can be fitted to On Track Machines both cost effectively and at pace.”

Chris Hobden, Programme Director (ECDP), Network Rail said:

“We’re pleased to see continued progress from Loram, and partner collaboration, to deliver digital in-cab signalling to another on track machine.  This pioneering work with grinders will provide valuable learnings for the OTM sector as a whole. 

“Progressing OTM fitment is an important part of our overall strategy to get to signals away on the East Coast Main Line, the end goal being a more reliable, more capable and even safer railway for customers.”    

Paul Maynard, VP Mainline Signalling, Hitachi Rail SRS UK said:

“The installation of ETCS on a second Loram rail grinder highlights the momentum behind digital railway transformation in the UK. As the East Coast Digital Programme continues to progress, it is essential that engineering fleets are equipped to operate seamlessly within a digital signalling environment.

“For Hitachi Rail, this is another important example of how we are applying our digital signalling expertise across a diverse range of rail vehicles, supporting the industry’s transition to ETCS. By working collaboratively with our industry partners, we are demonstrating that ETCS can be delivered effectively on specialist on-track machinery, helping to unlock the benefits of increased safety, improved operational flexibility and greater network performance.”

The installation programme will shortly see static testing at the RTC in Derby with subsequent dynamic testing taking place at NR’s Test Track facility at Melton towards the end of the year.

Hand-back of C44-02 to Colas for operational deployment across the network will take place in early 2027. Following evaluation in operational service, a third Loram Rail Grinder (C44-03) will enter the ETCS fitment programme in Derby.

Initially C44-02 will operate in ‘ETCS dormant mode’ prior to activation of ETCS Level-2 following an agreed approvals and assurance process, as part of NR’s planned signals-away programme on the southern part of the East Coast Main Line and other agreed routes.

The successful installation of ETCS on C44-02 represents another important milestone in preparing Loram’s Rail Grinders for the evolving digital railway and demonstrates the benefits of close collaboration between all organisations involved in delivering this key safety and capacity programme.

Image credit: LORAM

Major 26-day tunnel upgrades get underway in Liverpool this weekend

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Major 26-day tunnel upgrades get underway in Liverpool this weekend

With less than a week until £3.5m of upgrades to tunnels on the Merseyrail network, passengers are being advised to plan their journeys ahead of a 26-day railway closure.

From Sunday 11 October, Network Rail will waterproof and strengthen four underground tunnels on the Northern line to secure future rail journeys for years to come.

Across the Northern and Wirral lines, power control systems will also be modernised to make it easier to turn off the electrified rail for scheduled maintenance and emergency repairs.

The multi-million-pound investment will see:

  • Strengthening of four tunnels
  • Waterproofing tunnel walls
  • Renewing the systems which isolate and control the electrified ‘third rail’

The scale of the work means the Northern line will close between Hunts Cross and Liverpool Central from Sunday 11 October to Friday 6 November.

On Sundays during this time, the closure will extend to Sandhills station on the Northern line and to parts of the Wirral line.

Rail replacement buses will run to keep passengers moving across the city region.

Ahead of the closure, the message to passengers is not to be ‘spooked’ by the upgrades and to use nationalrail.co.uk to plan journeys in advance.

Paul Owen, Network Rail Liverpool area director, said: “This is a significant £3.5m investment into the underground section of the Merseyrail network to maintain four Victorian-built tunnels for 21st-century passengers.

“We understand that this work will be disruptive, so we’re working with Merseyrail to minimise the impact of the upgrades as much as possible and are asking passengers to plan their journeys using the National Rail or Merseyrail websites.”

Stephen Dodd, Merseyrail chief operating officer, said: “We’d like to thank our passengers for their patience while this important work is carried out. These upgrades will help improve the long-term reliability of the Northern Line and reduce the risk of future disruption. We encourage customers to plan ahead and check before they travel during the closure.”

The major investment will mean more reliable journeys for the millions of passengers who use the Merseyrail network each year.**

Once work is complete, trains will run again from the morning of Saturday 7 November.

Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys by visiting nationalrail.co.uk.

Image credit: Network Rail

First cohort welcomed under CIRO and Keele University academic partnership

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First cohort welcomed under CIRO and Keele University academic partnership

The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO) has celebrated a major milestone in its new partnership with Keele University, welcoming the first cohort of learners onto its Academic Programme.

The cohort formally began their studies at a launch event held at Keele University on Saturday 3 October, bringing together rail professionals embarking on CIRO’s Certificate, Diploma and Degree pathways.

The event marked the first programme launch since CIRO announced its academic partnership with Keele University earlier this year. The partnership supports the delivery and future development of CIRO’s academic learning offer, helping to ensure that rail professionals continue to have access to high-quality, industry-relevant qualifications and professional development opportunities.

Throughout the day, learners were introduced to the structure of their programmes, the academic support available to them, and what they can expect as they balance their studies alongside their professional responsibilities. The launch also provided an opportunity for learners to meet their peers, hear from the academic team and gain a deeper understanding of the learning journey ahead.

The new cohort includes professionals from across the railway industry who will be studying at different levels of CIRO’s Academic Programme. Through their studies, learners will develop their industry knowledge, strengthen their understanding of railway operations and gain skills that support both individual career progression and organisational performance.

©vickiheadphotography

Adam Fenton, Chief Operating Officer at CIRO, said: “Welcoming our first cohort of learners to Keele University is an important milestone for CIRO and a proud moment in the development of our Academic Programme.”

“Our qualifications have helped rail professionals develop their knowledge and capabilities for many years, and this partnership enables us to build on that legacy. It was inspiring to see learners from across the industry come together to begin their studies and take the next step in their professional development.”

“We look forward to supporting them throughout their learning journey and seeing the positive impact they have within their organisations and across the wider railway.”

Professor Mark Ormerod OBE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Keele University, said: “I’m really excited by our new strategic partnership with CIRO – high quality partnerships such as this one are hugely important to Keele University as an externally-engaged, impactful University.

“I was delighted to welcome such a large first cohort of learners to Keele on Saturday for the new programme launch, a really important step in the development of Keele’s partnership with CIRO.”

The launch represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for learners studying under the CIRO and Keele University partnership. As they start their programmes, they join a growing community of rail professionals who have used CIRO qualifications to broaden their understanding, build confidence and support their progression into leadership roles across the industry.

Professionals interested in future intakes are encouraged to attend CIRO’s next Academic Programme Open Evening on 23 February 2027.

To find out more about CIRO’s Academic Programme, visit www.ciro.org

Image credit: CIRO

Award recognises station’s commitment to neurodivergent passengers

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Award recognises station’s commitment to neurodivergent passengers

Efforts to nurture a more inclusive experience for neurodivergent passengers have led to a top accolade for Leeds station.

The team has been awarded the National Autistic Society’s Neuroinclusive Access Silver Award, which celebrates a range of improvements introduced across the station.

The achievement highlights the difference that small but meaningful changes can have in making rail travel more inclusive. At Leeds station, these have included:

  • Creating several quiet spaces for visitors who may need a calmer environment whilst travelling.
  • Providing sensory support bags, containing stress balls, colouring pencils, colouring books, ear plugs and an autism-friendly guide to travelling by train.
  • Improving signage around the station so it’s clear where passengers and visitors can get help or more information.
  • Adding video screens with British Sign Language and subtitles.
  • Reducing the volume of announcements as loud noises can be triggering for people who are neurodivergent.
  • As well as making physical improvements across the station, Leeds station staff have undertaken autism awareness training to help passengers receive the support they need.

Jason Slassor, training & competency specialist at Leeds station, said: “We want everyone who travels through Leeds station to feel welcome, supported and confident in their journey. The autism awareness training has helped our team better understand how different people experience the station environment and given them practical ways to adapt their approach to each individual’s needs.

“Simple actions, such as allowing extra time to process information, checking understanding and being aware of the impact that noise, bright lights or unexpected changes can have, can make a real difference to someone’s journey experience.

“Seeing the positive impact these changes can have on passengers and their families has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud that the efforts of our colleagues have been recognised with this award.”

Lisa Myers, head of National Autistic Society: Learn, commented: “We are delighted that Leeds station has achieved the Neuroinclusive Access Silver Award, recognising their embedded practices to meet the needs of neurodivergent people and their families.

“There are lots of small changes businesses can make to better support neurodivergent people, and just a little understanding can go a long way. We hope to work with as many businesses as possible to help create a society that works for autistic and other neurodivergent people.”

The National Autistic Society’s Neuroinclusive Accreditation Programme is built on decades of experience as the UK’s first autism-specific quality assurance programme. The programme offers a comprehensive suite of awards to support and develop organisations and services across sectors, delivering meaningful outcomes for neurodivergent people, their families and organisations as a whole.

For more information about the Neuroinclusive Access Award, visit the National Autistic Society website.

Image credit: Network Rail

Airport firefighters get to grips with new Metro trains 

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Airport firefighters get to grips with new Metro trains 

Newcastle Airport firefighters have completed a series of vital training sessions on the new Metro Tyne and Wear trains – ensuring they are familiarised with them in the event of an emergency at the airport terminal. The training was delivered to all four of the Airport’s fire watches, whose job it is to provide 24/7 emergency response cover, helping to keep passengers and airport operations safe. 

Metro operator Nexus said the aim was to familiarise the firefighters with all aspects of the new trains in line with the training it provides to other local emergency services on a regular basis. Key areas included:

  • Carriage layout
  • Fire detection
  • Emergency access points to and from the driver’s cab and the carriage saloon area
  • Braking distances, power supply
  • Battery locations
  • Emergency alarm and intercom systems
  • Jacking points
  • Location of fire extinguishers and defibrillators.

The new Metro fleet now provides all of the daily train services on the Metro system. 

A team of more than 40 highly skilled and experienced firefighters are based at Newcastle Airport. They are trained to deal with a wide range of emergencies, including aircraft incidents, fires and medical emergencies, and carry out regular training exercises and equipment checks to ensure they are ready to respond at all times. 

Paul Taylor, learning and development specialist at Nexus, said: “This is an essential programme of training and familiarisation with the new Metro train fleet that we’ve delivered with all of the fire fighters at Newcastle Airport. 

“It’s important that they know the layout, emergency systems and access points on the Stadler train so that they can react effectively in the unlikely event an emergency situation should arise at the airport.  

“The new trains are vastly different [to the original fleet], so we built this in this programme of emergency service familiarisation. We’ve already delivered the same course to our colleagues in Northumbria Police and the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. We plan to update our colleagues at the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS). 

“Working with our local blue light services is absolutely critical for us.”

Tony Fatkin, fire service manager at Newcastle Airport’s Rescue and Fire Fighting Service, said: “Safety is always our top priority, which is why continual training and preparation are such an important part of the work we carry out every day.

“It has been fantastic to work alongside Nexus to familiarise our teams with the new trains and gain a detailed understanding of their systems.

“While we hope these skills are never needed, this training ensures our firefighters are fully prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency, helping to keep Airport and Metro passengers, our people and our operations safe.”

Stadler, the Swiss train manufacturer, has built 46 new Metro trains on behalf of Nexus – all of which have now been successfully delivered. The fleet has had a phased introduction since the first trains began carrying customers at the end of 2024. Almost 40 new trains are now available for service. The new Metro fleet offers a comfortable, modern and open plan layout, sleek modelled interior, transforming the customer experience, while setting new standards for accessibility.

Image credit: Nexus

Most Chiltern Railways services to run as normal despite industrial action on 10 and 17 October

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Most Chiltern Railways services to run as normal despite industrial action on 10 and 17 October

The vast majority of train services operated by Chiltern Railways on Saturday 10 and Saturday 17 October are unaffected, despite industrial action being announced on both days by members of the RMT union.

Over 93% of services will run as usual on both Saturdays, and the normal number of trains will run into and out of London Marylebone.

The following four long distance services will run for only part of their journeys:

  • The 6.44am service from Stourbridge Junction to London Marylebone will start at Banbury
  • The 8.19am service from Stourbridge Junction to London Marylebone will start at Birmingham Moor Street
  • The 6.02pm service from London Marylebone to Stourbridge Junction will terminate at Birmingham Moor Street
  • The 7.32pm service from London Marylebone to Stourbridge Junction will terminate at Banbury

There will be no Chiltern services between Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa on both days.

Tony Baxter, Interim Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, said:

“We’re disappointed that RMT members have voted in favour of industrial action over how we intend to run services on the first stage of East West Rail between Oxford and Milton Keynes. 

“Industrial action has been announced by the RMT on 10 and 17 October, we expect to operate the vast majority of our services limiting the impact on customers. We will confirm timetables for these days shortly.

“Every East West Rail service will have two people on board — the Driver, and a colleague looking after passengers: checking tickets, helping people who need assistance, and on hand to assist with any issues. 

“We have run most of our trains with the Driver in control of the doors for decades, safely and as approved by the independent rail regulator. It also means over 100 new permanent jobs at Chiltern, and no changes to the roles of existing colleagues. 

“We remain committed to working with the RMT to resolve this, and urge them to work with us so passengers can start benefiting from this new railway as soon as possible.”

On Saturday 10 October, many trains to and from London Marylebone will also call at Wembley Stadium, to help customers get to the multi-show Girlguiding Big Gig at Wembley Arena.

Train timetables for both days have been uploaded to journey planners and more information on the industrial action is available here.

Image credit: Chiltern Railways

ORR authorises Salford Crescent station improvements

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ORR authorises Salford Crescent station improvements

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the rail regulator, has today authorised a raft of improvements to busy Salford Crescent station ahead of its opening later this year.  

ORR’s authorisation covers the station’s new 157m long platform (Platform 3), with canopy and seating, extended the existing footbridge and new lift. There will also be a new gate line adjacent to the existing station building. 

The regulator’s authorisation is a key milestone in getting new, upgraded or renewed infrastructure ready to open. It also confirms that standards on areas like health and safety, accessibility, environmental protection, reliability and availability have been met.

ORR has worked closely with Network Rail and the wider project team through the authorisation process, ensuring that important checks and surveys were carried out.  

Steve Fletcher, deputy director, engineering and asset Management, said: 

“This is an important step in getting the busy Salford Crescent station ready to open its new platform to help improve how passengers move through the station.

“We’re pleased to have played our part in getting the improvements ready to be put into use. Our team worked closely with Network Rail to support them through the authorisation process, just as we do for new trains and infrastructure across the country.”

Image credit: ORR

HS2 completes 320-metre-long Westbury viaduct

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HS2 completes 320-metre-long Westbury viaduct

Engineers working on the HS2 project have put the finishing touches to a major viaduct that will carry high-speed trains across a floodplain of the River Great Ouse near Brackley.

Set low in the landscape to the east of the town, the 320-metre-long Westbury viaduct was built using an unusual ‘double composite’ approach inspired by recent viaducts on the French TGV network, which uses less carbon-intensive concrete and steel than a more traditional design.

Instead of a purely concrete span, or a steel beam supporting a concrete deck, the double composite approach uses a layer of reinforced concrete above and below the steel beam, creating a more-efficient box-beam.

The steel beams – which alone weigh 2,695 tonnes – were assembled on the north abutment before being slid into place between March and October 2024.

During the slide, special pads covered in a non-stick coating – similar to the surface of a frying pan – were used to minimise friction between the deck and the temporary steel bearings on top of each of the concrete piers.

With the steel beams in place, a travelling formwork was used to cast the concrete deck. This was done in 42-metre-long sections, with the formwork pulled forward each time to allow the next section to be cast. With the deck complete, the prefabricated parapets along the edges were then lifted into position and secured into place.

HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager, Paul Cooper said: “It’s been amazing to watch Westbury viaduct come together over the last few years and I’d like to thank everyone involved in getting this incredible structure over the finishing line.

“This section of the railway is now really starting to come together, and with the viaduct complete, our focus will turn to completing the earthworks and other nearby structures.”

Westbury is the longest viaduct in the Brackley area and one of fifteen being built by HS2 Ltd’s main works contractor, EKFB, who are responsible for the central section of the HS2 project. They are a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall.

With construction now finished, the hardstanding surface beneath the viaduct, which was put in place to support heavy equipment, will be removed and the landscaping completed.

Strong progress is also being made nearby structures such as the Turweston green bridge, which was completed in April and the realignment of the nearby A43, which was completed in July.

EKFB Project Sub Agent, Arman Yarali, said: “It’s fantastic to see Westbury Viaduct structurally complete. 

“This viaduct showcases the innovation, technical expertise and collaboration behind the build. Its double composite design has created a lighter, more efficient structure that uses less concrete. As the first of five viaducts to be completed, that are designed and built in this way, this milestone demonstrates EKFB’s ability to deliver complex engineering solutions with both sustainability and design in mind.

“Thank you to everyone involved in delivering this structure safely. This achievement would not have been possible without the expertise of our supply chain partners, including Eiffage Metal, who led the manufacture and installation of the beams, and Infrasolutions Ltd., whose specialist deck finishing works were key to bringing the structure to completion.”

Image credit: HS2

RIA publishes checklist to test coherence of the UK’s rail strategies

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RIA publishes checklist to test coherence of the UK’s rail strategies

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has published A Checklist for Rail Strategies, a practical framework designed to help Government, Great British Railways (GBR), devolved authorities and industry test whether the UK’s growing family of rail, transport, and place strategies work together as a coherent, deliverable system.

As GBR is established, an expanding suite of national, regional and local strategies, implementation plans and roadmaps are taking shape.
RIA’s checklist does not make policy judgements or evaluate existing strategies. Instead, it helps those commissioning, producing, assuring or updating strategies test whether the right questions have been asked, whether assumptions and priorities are aligned, and whether the proposed direction is credible and deliverable over time.

Developed with input from RIA members and experts across industry, the checklist is built around six lenses: outcomes, service proposition, enablers, capabilities, accountability and engagement, and coherence.

As well as a detailed checklist, there are five key messages for those producing rail strategies and plans:

  • Start with outcomes, not rail: strategies should define what the railway is there to achieve before considering what services, capabilities and investments are required, positioning rail as an enabler of growth, housing, freight and wider social objectives rather than a transport system seeking funding.
  • Be clear on priorities and choices: decisions about growth, affordability, capacity and long-term value should be made explicit and evidenced, rather than left implicit.
  • A clear vision for the future railway: strategies should set out a clear line of sight from outcomes to the service the railway must provide, and from that service to the capabilities and investments needed, across 5, 10, 15 and 30-year horizons.
  • Clarify responsibilities, but break down silos: different places will legitimately pursue different priorities, but the connections, alignment and differences between strategies must be visible and understood, with teams empowered to work across boundaries.
  • We need living plans, not “on the shelf” documents: strategies must drive action through clear governance, ownership and accountability, with progress monitored and assumptions revisited as circumstances change.

Commenting on the checklist’s publication, RIA Policy & Public Affairs Director Robert Cook said: “As Great British Railways is created and Mayoral Strategic Authorities are taking on increasingly significant roles, we have a real opportunity to bring the rail industry’s strategies and plans together into one coherent, deliverable system. Too often, individual documents are produced in isolation, without a clear line of sight between the outcomes we are trying to achieve and the investment needed to deliver them.

“This checklist sets out five simple messages for anyone commissioning, producing or updating a rail strategy: start with outcomes, be honest about priorities and trade-offs, set out a clear vision for the future railway, clarify responsibilities without creating silos, and treat strategies as living plans rather than documents that sit on a shelf. Used early and revisited often, it can help surface gaps and improve alignment before major decisions are taken, giving the supply chain greater confidence to invest in people, skills and capability.”

Image credit: RIA

Amey appointed to deliver Luas overhead line works for Transport Infrastructure Ireland

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Amey appointed to deliver Luas overhead line works for Transport Infrastructure Ireland

Amey Infrastructure Ireland has been appointed to Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s (TII) Luas Overhead Contact System (OCS) Works Framework, securing its first directly awarded contract with TII and reinforcing Amey’s role in supporting Dublin’s light rail network.

Under the four-year framework, valued at approximately €3–5 million per annum, Amey will deliver the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of overhead contact system renewals, upgrades and new works across the full Luas network. The contract includes options to extend for up to a further four years.

The framework covers the 70km Luas system, including both the Red Line and Green Line, and will support the safe and reliable operation of one of Ireland’s most heavily used urban transport networks.

Amey will develop detailed construction designs and deliver complex, safety-critical OCS works within a live operatioal environment, drawing on its specialist electrification capability and experience working across busy passenger rail systems.

Ewen Morrison, account director Ireland at Amey, said: “The Luas is part of everyday life for people across Dublin, so being trusted to deliver overhead line works on this network is a responsibility we take seriously. This framework reflects our experience delivering complex electrification projects safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption.

“Our focus will be on keeping the Luas running reliably for passengers today while supporting the long-term resilience of the system for a growing city.”

The appointment further demonstrates Amey’s commitment to supporting sustainable, electric mass transit systems and improving the reliability of transport infrastructure that communities depend on every day.

Image credit: Amey

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