SYSTRA-designed River Cole realignment completed on HS2

SYSTRA-designed River Cole realignment completed on HS2

The 749-metre realignment of the River Cole near Coleshill in Warwickshire is the most significant scheme of its kind on the project, and was needed as part of the Delta Junction works, where two new viaducts and a series of railway embankments are being constructed.

The re-naturalisation will improve the existing river environment by creating more meander bends and enhancing habitats in the river and along its banks to maximise biodiversity, and has also seen the creation of new public green spaces and paths alongside the river to enhance community access.

The realignment was designed by the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA DJV and delivered by ecologists and engineers working for HS2’s construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV). In consultation with external stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, the team has created a holistic nature-based design which goes beyond the standard environmental mitigation measures.

Ian Johnson, Project Director at Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture said:

“The River Cole realignment incorporates nature-based solutions, ecological enhancements, infrastructure resilience and environmental conservation which ensures the long-term sustainability of the local ecosystem.

“The multi-stage channel design with varied asymmetric cross-sections and increased meander bends creates a more natural river environment and more diverse habitat features, which enhances ecological resilience and promotes biodiversity in the area.

“The design not only improves flood resilience and natural river processes, it also contributes to the overall health of the river ecosystem, reduces carbon during construction, and creates public spaces for people to enjoy.”

“The multi-stage channel design with varied asymmetric cross-sections and increased meander bends creates a more natural river environment and more diverse habitat features, which enhances ecological resilience and promotes biodiversity in the area.

A multi-disciplinary team has been involved in this complex project, including river engineers, geomorphologists, hydraulic modellers, engineers, agrotechnicians, landscape designers, architects and ecologists. With construction of the river realignment now complete, the teams will focus on completing the surrounding embankments and viaducts.

During the development of the design in this area, HS2 Ltd, Balfour Beatty VINCI, and the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA DJV worked closely with the Environment Agency, local community, Independent Design Panel, Warwickshire County Council and North Warwickshire Borough Council.  

The community has been particularly involved in ideas for high-quality pathways for better connectivity, with the design aiming to revive the area’s recreational aspect through the development of public green spaces and paths alongside the river.  

Excavation works were completed in 2024 and temporary dams were then removed, allowing the water to flow into the new river section. The two River Cole viaducts, which span the river, are due to be completed later this year.

Find out more about our work on HS2.

SYSTRA celebrates 25% electrification of Transpennine Route Upgrade

Sunday 3^rd August marked a major step forward in the work, with the first electric passenger train running between York (Colton Junction) and Church Fenton. This was possible thanks to the successful implementation of an Automatic Power Change Over system.

To celebrate this progress, Heidi Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Transport, visited the route on Tuesday 5^th August and travelled on a TransPennine Express bi-mode train between Leeds and York.

As part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) East Alliance, alongside Network Rail, Murphy, Siemens and VolkerRail, SYSTRA is delivering a raft of upgrades along the eastern section.

Gareth Hanson, Project Manager at SYSTRA, said: “To reach the milestone of a quarter of the Transpennine main line being electrified is amazing news, and something every member of the SYSTRA TRU East Alliance team is rightly proud of.

“The benefits are already being felt by passengers, including myself, and the environmental impact is also immediate, meaning travel by train is now faster and greener, with more improvements still to come.”

Benefits of the Transpennine Route Upgrade include:

• Carbon emissions cut by up to 108,000 tonnes per year
• More freight by rail, removing more than 1,000 lorries from the road daily 
• Reduced journey times making it quicker to travel between key towns and cities 
• Increased capacity by more than a third, enabling more frequent, faster trains 
• Lasting social and economic value, with more than 5,000 jobs already supported and a peak workforce forecast of 8,000 
• Stations fit for everyone, with increased accessibility and improved customer facilities

Find out more about SYSTRA’s work on the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

SYSTRA is preparing the radio transformation of British rail

SYSTRA UK & Ireland will support the RSSB, an independent body working to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the British railway network, in the deployment on this network of the strategic programme called FRMCS, or Future Railway Mobile Communication System, telecommunications equipment that will replace the aging GSM-R system.

The key to success: the international expertise of SYSTRA

The assignment entrusted to us by RSSB is to develop strategic options and a proposed roadmap to support the industry’s transition to FRMCS, which will be reviewed and taken forward by RSSB and relevant stakeholders.

SYSTRA’s unique approach is based on the methodologies and lessons learned from our initial projects using this type of technology in Australia and continental Europe, while ensuring strong involvement from all British stakeholders (Department for Transport, Office of Rail and Road, Network Rail, London St. Pancras Highspeed, railway operators, industrial suppliers, etc.).

Among our key deliverables are a report on the migration strategy, a framing presentation for industry groups, and a strategic outline. This work will be carried out jointly by the teams from SYSTRA UK & Ireland and SYSTRA Australia & New Zealand, along with our local partner JF Rail Consulting, while drawing on the expertise of the Group acquired in France and Denmark.

Amine Triki, Project Director and Bid Manager for SYSTRA in the UK & Ireland commented: “The key to our success lies in our ability to mobilise the best of SYSTRA’s international expertise in railway telecommunications systems. This has allowed us to make a difference in winning this contract.

“This win will position SYSTRA as a leading industrial partner for digital transformations and the digitisation of systems in the UK. Furthermore, it strengthens our role in the ERTMS migration project of the HS1 line, which we are currently undertaking for London St. Pancras Highspeed (formerly HS1 Ltd).”

Learn more about SYSTRA’s expertise in transport communication networks in the UK and Ireland.

SYSTRA works with social mobility charity to help open doors into STEM careers

It comes as research highlights an imbalance around providing early career opportunities. There is predicted to be a 12% decline in social mobility on the back of pandemic learning loss while those from more affluent backgrounds are 80% more likely to have a professional job.

Career Ready has worked with a broad range of employers throughout the UK for more than 20 years. The charity’s structured programme of mentoring, paid internships, masterclasses and workplace visits, aims to empower young people from under-represented backgrounds. Experts work to connect 15-18-year-olds directly with the workforce, providing experiences, insights and a support network.

SYSTRA is exceptionally proud to be partnering with Career Ready to provide paid internships for those on the programme, and champion equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) in the engineering and transport sectors. The partnership reflects SYSTRA’s commitment to enhancing the company’s capabilities and capacity for innovation through the prioritisation of ED&I.

Offering opportunities for young people to embark on STEM careers is fundamental to SYSTRA’s success as well as the company’s wider mission to provide safe and resilient transport and infrastructure solutions, now and in the future.

The charity collaboration also adds real business value, enabling SYSTRA’s network of skilled colleagues to engage and upskill, supporting all early careers professionals, including interns, through training and mentorship.

Senior Recruitment Business Partner and Socioeconomic ED&I Lead for SYSTRA’s internal ED&I colleague engagement group, Jane Neary, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Career Ready to support and inspire the next generation of budding industry professionals.

“At SYSTRA we’re keen to ensure we’re making real, tangible steps towards creating a more diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment. We want to ensure everyone feels safe, and is empowered enough, to share their skills and ideas. 

“Listening to the ideas of young people from all backgrounds could be crucial in instigating some of our greatest transport and infrastructure solutions.” 

Caroline Emery, Career Ready’s Regional Manager for Birmingham,  said: “At Career Ready we strive to level the playing field for the young people we support, so that they can kickstart a successful and rewarding future. 

“We bridge the gap between education and the world of work by connecting talented young people with real-world opportunities – we couldn’t do this without the support of our employer partners like SYSTRA, who have provided mentors and internships for our young people.” 

Jessica Jordan, who is currently undertaking her internship with SYSTRA through Career Ready, said the experience has been eye-opening and enriching.

“My experience at SYSTRA has been really rewarding, providing me with the chance to explore career paths that I never even knew existed,” she added. 

“Everyone I’ve worked with has been welcoming, supportive and encouraging, which has genuinely boosted my confidence in my own abilities. 

“My internship at SYSTRA has shown me the real value in ensuring a variety of different perspectives are heard across the industry.” 

Find out more about our early careers opportunities.

TRU charges ahead with electrification work

Five consecutive weekends of critical work have taken place between Leeds and York, supporting electrification of the railway. SYSTRA is working on the project as part of the TRU East Alliance, alongside Network Rail, Murphy, Siemens and VolkerRail.

Following the installation of overhead line equipment (OLE) earlier this year, 7.5km of wiring has now been completed between Micklefield and Church Fenton. Just to the east of this location, electric passenger services between York and Church Fenton are set to launch in the coming months, following last year’s successful switch-on between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge.

In Cross Gates, Station Road bridge was safely demolished and replaced so that OLE can be installed throughout the area. And around 750m of track has been renewed between Killingbeck and Cross Gates, which will support smoother, more reliable travel. A new track crossover was also installed, allowing trains to switch lines more easily and give the TRU programme more flexibility for future upgrades.

SYSTRA was the designer responsible for the track staging design for the crossover, which used a modular joint to help reduce the impact on services while the installation was carried out. It is one of the first sites in the UK to use this type of modular, more durable joint, and the carbon impact of the installation was reduced thanks to partially recycled ballast and a “green” rail which uses less energy in its fabrication.

Spencer Cook, Senior Track Engineer at SYSTRA, said: “The installation of this crossover represents months of successful teamwork between all the TRU East Alliance partners, and is a key element of the wider project. The innovative and sustainable approach taken in the design and installation is evidence of the commitment made across the whole project to delivering a faster, greener, more reliable railway.”

Phil Crosby, Project Manager at SYSTRA, added: “Teamwork was crucial for the Station Road replacement as the project presented a number of challenges for our bridges team and partners across the TRU East Alliance. SYSTRA colleagues were available throughout the possession to aid the site team, and it’s fantastic to see the new deck in place, which means the next section of OLE can soon be installed. Well done to all involved.”

Find out more about SYSTRA’s work on TRU.

SYSTRA’s geotechnics specialist Charlotte Woodhall-Jones elected to the BGA Executive Committee

Nominations were recently put forward for three vacant positions on the committee and Charlotte will now become one of nine elected members.

On her appointment, Charlotte said: “I am proud and excited to have been nominated and voted into the BGA Executive Committee for the next three years.

“I am passionate about the role of the geotechnical community within the ICE [Institution of Civil Engineers], specifically the importance of knowledge sharing and recognition of the contribution the regions can bring into the geotechnical community.”

The committee also comprises a Chair, Vice-Chair, two representatives of the ICE, and one representative of each of the Geological Society of London, the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and the British Tunnelling Society. Additional committee members may be co-opted for periods of up to three years for the purpose of carrying out specific tasks.

The BGA is the principal association for geotechnical engineers in the United Kingdom and performs the role of the Ground Board for the ICE. It is the UK member of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering and the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering.

Charlotte added: “I am fully committed to offering my insights, and challenges where needed, to committee discussions.

“It will be a wonderful and challenging three years, especially being Chair of the Yorkshire Geotechnical Group for the next two.”

Find out more about our geotechnical design and ground engineering expertise.

SYSTRA enters strategic partnership with Amey for National Highways’ Specialist Professional and Technical Services 3 Framework

As a designated supplier on the six-year framework, which has an estimated maximum value of up to £495m, Amey will provide a range of asset management services including asset operation, maintenance, assurance, and performance, as well as strategic transport planning and policy work. Amey’s technical expertise will see the company deliver specialist services such as design and advisory support, geotechnical engineering, environmental services, highway structures, sustainability, and transport engineering.

SYSTRA brings a wealth of experience in the highways sector, including for National Highways as part of SPaTS2 and the Spatial Planning Framework. Their specialists provide an extra dimension to the team, delivering a range of services as strategic partner to Amey on SPaTS3, from early feasibility studies right through to delivery and post-implementation review.

Nick Salt, CEO at SYSTRA Limited, said: “We look forward to utilising our extensive expertise to deliver for Amey and National Highways as part of this significant and strategically important framework.

“Our connected teams approach means we offer a wealth of insight and capabilities, on everything from road safety and stakeholder engagement to data science and detailed design. We are proud to play our part in helping deliver a road network fit for the future with our core principles of safety, sustainability and value in mind.”

Andy Milner, CEO at Amey, added: “We’re pleased to announce our appointment to National Highways’ Specialist Professional and Technical Services 3 Framework. This recognition highlights our commitment to delivering excellence in technical advice and engineering services to support the delivery of safer, greener, and more efficient road networks across the UK.

“We look forward to working closely with our strategic partners and subcontractors on this framework to deliver a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready road network that underpins national growth and prosperity.”

Find out more about SYSTRA’s experience and expertise in the highways market.

SYSTRA recognised for environmental work at Network Rail’s SHELT Awards

The habitat creation project was the first of its kind for SYSTRA under Network Rail, with our teams working hard to ensure planning requirements were fulfilled and the project positively contributed to the surrounding area. The work included liaising with local groups to gather feedback and providing interpretation panels to educate visitors.

Emily Simpson, Principal Consultant and Professional Head (Ecology), said: “I am always incredibly proud of the work the SYSTRA Ecology team deliver, but even more so in instances like this where we’re able to leave a lasting legacy.

“The team are passionate about delivering the best possible outcome for biodiversity in all the work we undertake. A huge ‘thank you’ to the team for their hard work and congratulations on the well-deserved win.”

SYSTRA colleagues were also highly commended in the Carbon Reduction category. Their work involved developing and implementing innovative management solutions to drive significant carbon reduction outcomes across projects throughout the business.

The introduction of specialised tools has enabled the accurate calculation of carbon impacts at key project stages.

Through the delivery of targeted training programmes, Principal Consultant (Sustainability), Elliot Shiers, has empowered staff with the knowledge and skills required to address sustainability challenges. In addition, collaborative workshops have helped foster knowledge-sharing and best practices, unlocking further opportunities for improvement.

Carbon reduction measures have been systematically identified and adopted on every project, leading to demonstrable, tangible reductions in our carbon footprint. This supported the business in achieving PAS2080 verification and net-zero carbon emissions in line with our Science Based Targets.

Elliot said: “I’m really proud to have been highly commended in the Carbon Reduction category.

“There were many strong entries showcased on the day and to be a part of this list of people, projects and organisations is an honourable achievement that really showcases SYSTRA’s genuine dedication to sustainability.”

Find out more about sustainability at SYSTRA and our nature positive services. 

SYSTRA showcases safety and sustainability at Active City York 2025 

Through our specialist teams we’re able to take infrastructure schemes through the project lifecycle from insight and advice, through to strategy, design and programme delivery. 

We use our innovative tools to ensure accurate modelling and insights – a process that feeds into transport planning and strategy. 

A commitment to safety and sustainability means our solutions address future mobility challenges. They provide users with the integrated networks required to access opportunities – building the foundations for economic growth. 

SYSTRA at Active City 2025 

Join our teams to discuss our active travel expertise and the tools we are utilising to improve safety and achieve environmental targets across transport schemes.

We work across the UK to plan, design and implement active travel strategies and infrastructure that meet the needs of local authorities, clients and stakeholders.

Active City in York, showcases success, innovation and best practice in the creation of active, vibrant places.

We are supporting the event alongside partners across the two days with presentations, demonstrations and exhibitions.

Providing road collision risk analysis and approach to mitigation

Our Senior Consultant Angus Spence will be demonstrating the model’s capabilities our in-house collision analysis data tool ‘Collision Seek’ technology.

The application serves to surface collision data associated with any specified physical environment in Great Britain using environment semantic embedding machine learning models.

The tool affords insight to road collision risk, appropriate mitigations and mitigation prioritisation.

SYSTRA colleagues at Active City 2025

Transport Futures – what’s next for active travel? Watch back our webinar

This session explored active travel and living locally – we’ve debated localised communities regularly, but fast-forward 25 years and it’s time to get real.

Watch back the webinar in full. 

Downloads and Resources 

Llewelyn Morgan champions transport innovation through new TRIG Advisory Board appointment

Having dedicated more than a decade to championing innovation in the transport sector, and witnessing first-hand the transformative power of TRIG through involvement in past projects, Llewelyn’s (Head of Innovation) appointment provides a valuable opportunity to give back and support the scheme.

It’s hoped his insights, alongside those appointed, will help benefit other professionals across the industry.

SYSTRA is committed to leading the way in innovation throughout the transport sector. The business was awarded TRIG funding in 2024 to develop a novel AI application that helps improve road safety through increased understanding of road collision data. The funding is a testament to the foundational support the TRIG programme provides.

TRIG has helped identify and nurture game-changing innovative ideas in the UK transport sector from initial concept through to the crucial stage of development. The scheme has also provided invaluable insights to the Department for Transport which have helped shape future policy and strategy.

On his appointment to the TRIG Advisory Board, Llewelyn said: “I am particularly looking forward to contributing to the Advisory Board over the next two years, offering expert advice and support to both the TRIG team and the emerging projects that will benefit from this vital funding.

“My aim is to help guide these innovations, identify their commercial potential, and ultimately see them contribute to a more efficient, sustainable and inclusive transport system for all.”

Applications for grants (October 2025 – February 2026) are now open – apply here.