Engineering consultancy for infrastructure

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Linking cutting-edge projects with the critical engineering expertise they need

Two workers in hi-vis on the railway tracks

Two men in hi-vis checking an electricity box

Enabling the modern infrastructure transition

New technologies and systems are revolutionising infrastructure, from digital signalling systems to advanced monitoring for pipelines and smart grid sensors for dynamic energy distribution.

Transitioning to modern methods and integrating new tools can be highly complex, particularly if existing systems are large, dated, or interconnected with legacy networks.

WCL specialises in sourcing and applying specialised skillsets to guide these difficult transitions. Our experts provide the principles, processes and leadership required to make transformational change seamless, punctual, and without undue risk.

Client: Network Rail

The TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a £4bn upgrade project for 70 miles of track between Manchester and York, resulting in fully electric digital railway connecting 23 stations using the ETCS digital signalling system.

This Victorian railway needed to have ETCS Level 2 overlaid, with careful integration of non-ETCS sections that feed into it. With only a few people in the UK holding the skillset required to lead the development of such a project, the client turned to WCL to set out the standards and processes for the application of ETCS across the network.

WCL was involved for a year, during which time our specialist empowered existing teams with the approach and principles needed to continue indefinitely.

Engineering new routes to lower costs and faster delivery

Repairing, installing, upgrading: these tasks typically involve service interruption and cost – the key question is how much.

WCL’s approach to engineering consultancy is based on the minimisation of these impacts through intelligent solutions tailored to each individual project, leveraging existing resources and circumstances as far as possible.

For WCL, every project is a unique opportunity to develop improved engineering approaches and identify an ideal, bespoke solution. For WCL engineers, delivery isn’t just to be completed – it’s to be optimised.

Client: Network Rail

Critical wire racks at Wimbledon Top Yard, dating from the 70s, were found to be so degraded that it wasn’t safe to enter the room. WCL led an innovative approach to this high-risk replacement, setting out the engineering principles of how the new rack was to be designed.

30+ year old wiring and electrical standards needed to be adapted for the new system, while WCL implemented the entire construction of its replacement in parallel to the existing rack before co-ordinating installation.

As a result, installation was completed within a single 12-hour shift instead of the several days normally expected. WCL also worked entirely with existing Network Rail resource and capabilities, yielding significant savings compared to an outsourced approach while upskilling in-house personnel.

Full-time or fractional engineering support to empower existing teams

If customers need a skillset, no matter how specialist, WCL can deliver it through its robust core team or quickly source through its rich contractor network.

Flexible, agile access to specialist engineering talent means that you can leverage the skills you need to achieve your objectives without the delays associated with locating and engaging key personnel, or the costs of expanding your in-house resource.

Client: Transport for Wales

WCL supplied a Contract Engineering Manager for the Core Valley Lines project, a role that is in high demand across all infrastructure sectors.

The CEM oversaw all engineering assurance, managing signoff of engineering designs across all disciplines for the duration of the project, from design to construction, ultimate signoff, verification and validation against requirements.

WCL identified and negotiated the contract on behalf of the client, as well as managing the ongoing relationship and ensuring that this specialist resource had everything they needed to remain in post and at maximum effectiveness for the duration of the project.

Get in touch today to discuss your goals and requirements

Find out how we can save you time, eliminate risks and drive your project forward

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