HS2 Ltd joins rail industry body RSSB

Safety is paramount on the railways and the new north-south high speed rail network will very much build on the industry’s best practice. To ensure the highest safety measures are put in place as the project develops, HS2 Ltd is joining RSSB to benefit from the expertise on risk analysis, standards and research.

HS2 Ltd’s Technical Director, Andrew McNaughton said: “This is another important step in the development of a world-class 21st century railway system that will bring huge benefits for the country. HS2 will free up much-needed space on our current network, shorten journey times between our biggest cities and deliver jobs and regeneration opportunities. It is one of our Strategic Requirements to design HS2 so that it will operate at a level of safety regarded as world-leading not just when it opens but throughout the century to come. The know-how of our colleagues, through RSSB, will be invaluable in securing this.”

RSSB’s chief executive Chris Fenton said: ‘2026 may seem like a long way off, but the manner in which HS2’s infrastructure operates tomorrow needs to be considered today. Through RSSB, we can support HS2 in designing in safety and efficiency into its interfaces by providing access to industry’s shared knowledge base, data, analysis, standards, research, development and innovation as well as involving HS2 Ltd in tackling cross-industry challenges. I’m delighted to welcome HS2 Ltd into our membership.’

Becoming a member of RSSB means that HS2 Ltd links up with Network Rail, the train and freight operating companies, rolling stock leasing companies (ROSCOs) infrastructure contractors and suppliers in contributing to cross-industry collaboration to improve the rail system as a whole, as well as accessing a shared capacity to understand risk, guide standards and manage research, development and innovation.

The company joins the rail industry body in the ‘infrastructure manager’ category and it will be an opportunity to determine how the new rail link will work in practice while designing in critical characteristics such as safety.

HS2 Ltd is the company responsible for developing and promoting the UK’s new high speed rail network. Its current projection suggests construction of the London-Birmingham section could begin in 2017, with the route opening towards the end of 2026. Rail industry leaders see HS2 as a crucial contribution to increasing capacity for the railway and a long term investment in modernising the nation’s transport system.