Network Rail – Crossrail North East Spur

Supporting Safe Rail Services

Background

As part of the Crossrail North East Spur project’s commitment to improve services on a continuous basis, Network Rail has combined key systems to achieve critical monitoring of passenger movement – and support its passenger safety and experience goals – through the provision of continuous public information.

The Elizabeth Line services mean 1.5 million more people will be able to travel into central London within 45 minutes. It is therefore is a key priority for Network Rail to improve its service offering and provide an exceptional passenger experience, in line with its brand values.

The Remit

Optilan was contracted to facilitate the deployment of the Internet Protocol infrastructure through the design and installation of robust new systems. This included the detailed design and build of the new Station Information Surveillance Systems (SISS) – CIS (Customer Information Systems), PA (Public Address), CCTV and Help Points – at four stations: Forest Gate, Goodmayes, Gidea Park and Harold Wood.

The Optilan Approach

Optilan has worked closely with the Crossrail North East Spur project since its inception. With a wealth of project knowledge and rail expertise, Optilan has been able to offer Network Rail the most cost-efficient solution.

This project delivers the SISS assets, which are controlled and monitored locally. However, Optilan has also worked closely with the Station Management System Integration project, which will ultimately see all SISS assets controlled from Romford Rail Operating Centre.

Although most of the framework was of telecommunications lineage, the project was laced with aspects of civils, mechanical and electrical work that Optilan’s multi-skilled teams were able to deliver. Optilan also collaborated with an SME to deliver the civils and engineering works throughout. This supported the time and cost-efficiency goals of the project by owning the risk and simplifying the customer supply chain model.

Optilan’s key differentiator lies in the extensive experience and breadth of knowledge it possesses, enabling it to transform customer intent into a workable programme while meeting all compliance standards.

It is able to evolve the contract shape whilst simultaneously continuing its work to ensure the best outcome is achieved for the customer.

The Result

With robust project management systems in place and clear project communication, Optilan has met Crossrail’s requirements so far while keeping the project on budget and on target. The contract was awarded in November 2019.