Parsons Brinckerhoff to provide asset information management services for HS2

Parsons Brinckerhoff, the global engineering consultant, has been appointed to provide asset information management services to support HS2, the UK’s high speed rail programme, through the next phases of scheme development. Creating a comprehensive database of asset information is a critical element of delivering such a complex project and is vital for managing future maintenance programmes.

Parsons Brinckerhoff will combine its extensive knowledge of the project – for which it has already undertaken the railway systems design – with industry best practice to provide strategic advice for the development of asset information management requirements to be implemented during construction and handover phases. Specialists from the company will combine systems integration and operational management expertise to define the asset information management processes, and to create an advanced, reliable system that will allow the client and project teams easy access to a comprehensive database of information.

The scope covers developing an asset information model, which will contribute to the creation of a ‘virtual railway’, as well as to definition of the asset breakdown structures and the asset data dictionary. This will also involve establishing processes for data quality management and the maintenance of the asset data portfolio.

Beyond developing a robust and vital tool to support HS2’s infrastructure, Parsons Brinckerhoff’s role will also include strategic business change support to put the asset information management system in place.

Darren Reed, Parsons Brinckerhoff’s Director of Rail & Transit UK/Europe, comments: “This represents another important step in innovation and in designing an intelligent railway for the future. We are delighted to be working with HS2 on this exciting contract, building on our existing expertise, particularly in planning and developing a BIM-type system to be at the heart of HS2’s asset management.”