Rail Innovation & Development Centre - Programme Management

Project Outline

Network Rail‘s Operational Programme Delivery (NR OPD) is responsible for managing the Train Control National Readiness portfolio.

This portfolio was tasked with developing the Rail Innovation and Development Centre (RIDC) infrastructure at Melton to enhance test track capabilities for the next stages of train control in the UK rail network.

Once the digital signalling-enabled test track was completed, it would be utilised over the following years (and remains in use today) to ensure assurance as the European Train Control System (ETCS) is implemented across both the infrastructure and the vehicles operating within the UK rail network.

Key Information

Project	Rail Innovation & Development Centre (RIDC)
Client	Network Rail
Services	Programme Management, Engineering Management, Engineering Assurance
Duration	Workstreams from 2020 to 2023

Workstream 1 – RIDC ETCS Enhancement

The ETCS represents the next phase of signalling for the UK rail network. Upgrading the test track is essential to ensure that First-in-Class assurance is achieved before any mainline operations can commence. The introduction of ETCS is expected to help alleviate some of the capacity issues currently faced by the network.

The work required involved enhancing the existing RIDC infrastructure to install ETCS, enabling testing capabilities for ETCS installations.

The project involved concurrent civil construction and signalling workstreams along the purpose-made track.

Workstream 2 – First in Class Train Fitment

Each classification of locomotive must undergo a specific number of testing hours before it is approved for mainline operation. The RIDC offers an excellent facility for this testing, providing the necessary running capabilities for all types of locomotives currently in use on the network.

Photo: An ETCS-fitted Class 180 at NR’s Rail Innovation & Development Centre. NETWORK RAIL

Our Service

Due to our expertise, Mercury3 Consult was engaged to provide Subject Matter Expert roles as part of this portfolio. The roles included:

Programme Lead for European Train Control System (ETCS) Enhancement (RIDC)
Programme Engineering Manager – Engineering Assurance Specialist (Signalling)
Train Fitment Specialist for First in Class

Workstream 1 – RIDC ETCS Enhancement (Programme Lead, Programme Engineering Manager, and Engineering Assurance):

Mercury3 Consult were engaged to provide for the Programme Management of the works package.
Key to delivering the project on time and within budget was Mercury3 Consult’s proactive engagement. We ensured that all parties were kept informed about every stage of the programme. When risks arose, mitigations were quickly determined and agreed upon to keep the programme on track. We were also engaged to provide civil engineering expertise for the permanent way works (including Switches & Crossings and Mechanical & Electrical) as well as signalling expertise to retain legacy systems and introduce the digital European Train Control System (ETCS).

Workstream 2 – First in Class (FiC) (Train Fitment Specialist):

Mercury3 Consult was engaged to provide engineering assurance for the procurement, installation, and testing of ETCS equipment on four different First in Class locomotives, along with subsequent testing at RIDC. This included the very first train to undergo the installation and testing process.
The main challenges of this workstream involved managing the varying wants and needs of the train operators and network stakeholders, all of which had to be carefully coordinated.

Key Achievements

Completed works on schedule and within budget.

Provided assurance for the first train capable of operating on the upgraded mainline network.

The Programme Lead intervened to resolve a major commercial impasse by creating a tailored, structured commercial agreement.

Team members sitting a table in the office, looking at a laptop

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The Access for All (AFA) programme, funded by the Department for Transport, aims to improve accessibility at UK railway stations by providing an obstacle-free, level-access route between drop-off locations, the station entrance and all platforms.

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Improving Customer & Stakeholder Management Through Strategic Project Management

The Network Rail Executive Leadership Team sought assurance and evidence of processes against sixteen key business topics through the GRAI programme—Governance, Risk, Assurance, and Improvement.

Moving tram train driving through a train station

Driving Clarity & Collaboration for Cardiff Crossrail

Transport for Wales (TfW) is delivering a major infrastructure programme centered on Cardiff Central Station. This programme is a series of interconnected infrastructure projects, including the high-profile Cardiff Crossrail project.

Strengthening Operational Safety Through Signaller Development & Competency Management

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Transforming 21st Century Rail Operations in Anglia

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Project Managing the Portable ETCS Feasibility Study

The European Train Control System (ETCS) is part of the rail industry’s programme to roll out the introduction of modern signalling and train control technology across the network, which will increase capacity, reduce delays, enhance safety and drive down costs.

Driving Revenue & Clarity Through Freight Contract Management

The objective of the project was to identify Freight Connection Contracts that were missing and to bring new contracts to freight end users. The missing connections were contracts that had either not been set up or their owners/lessees had changed, and the agreement had not been updated.

Embedding Expertise in Project Management Across the Digital Railway Programme

Since May 2017, Mercury3 has provided a range of resources with previous Digital Railway experience (e.g. on Cambrian or East Coast) as the project has evolved, including: engineering manager, programme manager, project interface lead, project manager and planner and business change and operations specialists.

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The Manchester ROC Traffic Management is a ‘change and engagement’ led project which aims to improve operating performance by: reducing train delay, improving passenger information and improving the working environment for operations staff.

Four team members gathered around a project plan in the office, smiling at the camera

Delivering Operations Expertise to Support the Transpennine Route Upgrade

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) programme is a £2.9bn programme of works, tasked with delivering various strategic outputs including journey time improvements and capacity increases between Manchester and York, as part of the overall Northern Powerhouse works.

Strategic Asset Management for TfW Station & Depot Transfer

In March 2020, the Core Valley Lines were successfully transferred from Network Rail (NR) to Transport for Wales (TfW). Building on this, TfW proposed a similar transfer process for up to 193 stations and five depots under a long-term lease arrangement. To facilitate this, a comprehensive business case process was required, consisting of a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC), an Outline...

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Providing Project & Bid Leadership for TRU’s West of Leeds Alliance

An LNER Azuma train approaching a platform at Peterborough Station

Strategic Project Mobilisation for the ETCS Long Term Deployment Plan (LTDP)

The Long Term Deployment Plan proposes a partnership between Network Rail, train and freight operating companies, the supply chain and the Department for Transport; to work together to implement a European Train Control System (ETCS) across the UK rail network.

Three team members reviewing a project plan on a wall, with one pointing to it.

Leading Business Change for TRU Digital Train Control Deployment

Adopting and implementing a Business Change Strategy was identified from lessons learnt across Europe as a critical enabler to the safe and successful deployment of ETCS and a TM system. Therefore, Mercury3 were instructed to lead this workstream and deliver alongside Arcadis on the project’s behalf.

Empty train platform at Victoria station

Project Management Expertise for Station Access Charges & Industry Consultation

Industry consultation to review Station Access Charges, including Qualifying Expenditure and Long-Term Charge proposals as part of the ORR Periodic Review 23 consultation for the UK’s Managed Stations and Franchised Stations and Network Rail’s Control Period 7 Strategic Business Plan.

Outside London King's Cross Station, UK (shutterstock_797469370)

Project Management for Customer Experience & Accessibility at Managed Stations

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