“Game-changer” tech helps Dutch firm land five-year Network Rail data contract

Dutch survey specialists Fugro has been awarded a five-year framework agreement by Network Rail to carry out survey data acquisition and analysis for all High Output track renewal sites across the UK.

The contract is a long-term partnership between Network Rail and Fugro that sees it’s train-mounted RILA™ solution removing many hours of on-site activities to deliver highly accurate rail infrastructure information; additional survey services will be provided by UK-based Severn Partnership.

The unique technology was first introduced to the High Output function - the Network Rail team responsible for the renewal of strategic sections of the network - in 2015. 

Fugro say the technology provides rapid, route-wide acquisition of data together with value-added imagery and video as a desktop tool. It is now acknowledged as proven technology, certified by Network Rail to Survey Accuracy Band 1A, and was successfully used to deliver data covering over 650,000 yards of renewals sites for workbanks in England, Scotland and Wales. The result was fewer ‘boots on ballast’ and accelerated project delivery times, according to the firm.

Deployed to conduct surveys on a route-by-route basis, it will also allow Network Rail to utilise survey data of track sections between renewal sites for other route project requirements, having a positive impact on time, cost and safety.

Commenting, Jeroen Huiskamp, global director rail at Fugro said, “RILA is game-changer technology; its operational flexibility, improved safety levels, highly accurate data and very attractive cost level set it apart from traditional track survey methods. We look forward to RILA’s continued deployment on Britain’s railways.”