Network Rail’s Flood Risk Framework: UK Rail Resilience

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Introduction

Network Rail, in partnership with WSP, is developing a Flood and Coastal Risk Management Framework to standardize and improve the railway’s response to potential flooding and coastal erosion across the network.

Collaboration and Framework Development

The partnership between Network Rail and WSP aims to implement a more consistent, data-driven approach to risk management. Dr. Kat Ibbotson, Strategic Advisory Director at WSP, stated that this collaboration will help Network Rail transition from reactive responses to proactive flood and coastal erosion risk management, safeguarding transport assets and establishing a blueprint for long-term climate adaptation and national resilience.

Key Aspects of the Framework

The framework will address various aspects to enhance flood and coastal risk management. Further details on these aspects are provided in the source material.

Partnerships and Data Sharing

Alongside WSP, Network Rail collaborates with MetDesk Ltd for specialist forecasting and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Met Office to facilitate closer sharing of research data and probabilistic forecasting.

Impact of Climate Change and Historical Context

Climate change has increased disruption from extreme weather, with over 1,200 flooding incidents recorded on the railway in 2023/24. Lisa Angus, Network Rail’s industry weather response director, noted that the railway’s historical construction, often along rivers or near the coast, makes it vulnerable to flooding. Railway embankments, although not designed as flood defenses, frequently act as such for communities.

Current Flood Response and Framework Goals

The current flood response in the railway industry is divided among different regions and depends on local knowledge. The varying operational rules of different train operators further complicate the response. The Flood and Coastal Risk Management Framework, developed with WSP, seeks to standardize and enhance the understanding of potential issues across the network, improving the railway’s preparedness and resilience to floods and coastal erosion.

Conclusion

The Flood and Coastal Risk Management Framework, developed by Network Rail in collaboration with WSP, aims to standardize and improve the railway’s readiness and resistance to flooding and coastal erosion by enhancing risk management and knowledge of potential problems across the network.

Company Summary

Network Rail: A major infrastructure owner and operator of most of the railway network in Great Britain.

WSP: A professional services company providing engineering and design services.

MetDesk Ltd: A provider of specialist forecasting services.

Met Office: The UK’s national weather service.

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