HS2
What does the future hold for the relationship between Network Rail and HS2?
Mark Cowlard, partner and head of rail at built asset consultancy EC Harris, explores the future options for integration, shared governance and strategic partnership between the companies.
T
he development of HS2 will have a signifi cant impact on the UK rail industry and there is already much industry speculation as to the role Network Rail will play in the development of the programme.
The company is already supporting the roll-out of HS2, specifi cally around the Crewe extension and Euston station, and it is not a coincidence that both the chairman and CEO of HS2 both hail from careers at Network Rail. We are sure to see others from the business joining them in the future, and in doing so sharing best practice and network knowledge to deliver the programme effectively.
As the parliamentary process progresses, focus will turn to the implementation plan for phase 1, with the accelerated development of phase 2 following soon after. Once Simon Kirby settles into his new role as CEO Delivery, his immediate priority will be to oversee this implementation.
The resource challenge
Projects like HS2 and Crossrail will set the UK apart as a world leader in rail technology and delivery, and will present an unparalleled opportunity for the development of new skills and supply chains. However, we must avoid a situation where a skills shortage places a constraint upon the delivery of either.
The spending outlook with Network Rail is currently at its highest, and prospects beyond CP5 look promising too. The answer to this has to lie in an integration or alliance between HS2 and Network Rail.
Railway engineers and other professionals will want to be involved in HS2 in some form, and the industry needs to consider how it can elevate
60 | rail technology magazine Apr/May 14
the existing skills and supplier relationships already established through Network Rail to ensure delivery must be given.
It is likely that phase 1, with the exception of areas such as Euston station, can largely be delivered independently. It is through the development and implementation of phase 2 (possibly with a greater overlap to phase 1 than originally thought in response to the need to accelerate) that both organisations will need to manage together priorities, staffi ng and resources – both human and material – to avoid the perfect storm where excessive industry infl ation could be created.
Oversight
Since HS2 will in part operate on the classical railway there is a need for careful systems integration and assurance. It is critical from the outset that an oversight body is created, infl uencing both Network Rail and HS2 to guide the technical integration decision- making and development process, to ensure the right outcomes are delivered for the longer term whole railway.
It is a known intention of HS2 to not seek external investment to deliver the railway. However, if a potential sell-off, post-operational commencement, was to be achieved as with HS1, then a railway which is effi cient to run, with high levels of infrastructure resilience, will be critical in realising maximum value from the railway. This oversight body could ensure this is developed and aligned with operational standards and integration of systems with Network Rail’s classic railway.
Integrated budgeting If together HS2 and Network Rail align with
resourcing plans and strategies, think commonly about supply chain management, about delivery methods, standards, and assurance of the systems and their integration, then should they also think about budget cycles and fi nancial planning too? This is not something that is new.
The role of infrastructure provider to Crossrail that Network Rail is currently providing for the ‘on networks’ element is very similar. Of the overall spend of circa £15.9bn, Network Rail is delivering nearly £3bn of this on behalf of Crossrail. This is scope that is being delivered on parts of the route that are either very close to or on the existing network, possibly not dissimilar to the whole of phase 2. I can foresee that CP6 will contain scope, where funding comes not from the ORR, but instead from HS2 to deliver where HS2 interfaces very closely with the existing network.
Mark Cowlard
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
opinion@railtechnologymagazine.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184 |
Page 185 |
Page 186 |
Page 187 |
Page 188 |
Page 189 |
Page 190 |
Page 191 |
Page 192 |
Page 193 |
Page 194 |
Page 195 |
Page 196 |
Page 197 |
Page 198 |
Page 199 |
Page 200 |
Page 201 |
Page 202 |
Page 203 |
Page 204 |
Page 205 |
Page 206 |
Page 207 |
Page 208