Strategic programme support and project management for regional rail overhaul

Initial Brief

Transport for Wales, Amey Infrastructure Wales and delivery partners are currently undertaking a £738million multi-disciplinary overhaul of the rail infrastructure in South Wales. Works include, major re-signalling and re-control, introduction of 25kV overhead lines, track re-doublings and re-modelling and major civils interventions including station upgrades, a new depot and new ICC facilities at Taffs Well.

This work will improve the reliability of the infrastructure and increase the operational flexibility of the railway, transforming connectivity for the 1.5 million people who live and work in the Cardiff Capital Region.

Challenges

With upgrades planned for trains, track, signalling, bridges, stations along with the introduction of electrification, new depots, tram-trains and light rail routes, this ambitious programme of works that is being managed by an entirely new entity requires a careful and integrated approach to ensure all elements of the work are aligned with regards to engineering and programme schedule.

Outcomes

Although the major part of the works are still in the design and development stages, WCL’s involvement with this transformational programme so far has given our client a proactive and proficient service in a niche discipline. WCL have been instrumental in assessing and providing support in integrating the wider works so that the signalling commissionings were understood by the wider programme and stakeholders.