AECOM has announced its appointment to Network Rail’s crucial Asset Protection (ASPRO) support services framework for the North West & Central region. This three-year agreement, with the option to extend for a further two years, will see AECOM providing vital technical expertise to bolster railway safety during works undertaken by third-party and external organisations on or near Network Rail infrastructure.
The framework will involve AECOM supporting the region’s three ASPRO teams, playing a key role in mitigating potential risks to the rail network. This appointment builds upon AECOM’s extensive 18-year track record of delivering asset protection services for Network Rail.
“AECOM is proud to support ASPRO services in the North West & Central region, continuing our longstanding relationship with Network Rail as we bring together our years of experience and deep bench of skillsets to bear,” says Mark Southwell, chief executive of AECOM’s global Transportation business. “As the industry’s top rail and mass transit firm, our teams possess the comprehensive technical capabilities to ensure safe, reliable improvement work by Network Rail partners across England.”
The work will involve collaboration with key stakeholders, including local authorities, as well as train and freight operating companies. AECOM will be supported on this framework by SLC, reinforcing their existing strong partnership. SLC brings valuable experience in the development and delivery of third-party rail schemes for local authorities, developers, and operators.
“Successfully navigating the processes within the rail sector to facilitate the execution of third-party and outside-party projects is crucial—it helps keep the operational rail environment safe and encourages future investment too,” said Nathan Campsall, Director of SLC. “Our people are experts at working in this area and we look forward to supporting the continued development and innovation of ASPRO services with AECOM and Network Rail.”
“We’re honored to partner with SLC as we extend our role on the next generation rail investments across the UK,” said Richard Whitehead, chief executive of AECOM’s Europe & India region. “We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety on every project we deliver, and our integrated expertise across transportation, program management and engineering prepares us to safeguard critical improvement operations along the UK’s busiest rail routes.”
The comprehensive framework encompasses a wide array of services, including program and project management, engineering, commercial support, construction management, and project management office (PMO) roles. This appointment follows AECOM and SLC’s successful delivery of numerous third-party funded rail schemes in recent years, including the West Midlands Rail Programme and the Northumberland Line project, which recently reopened to passenger travel in December 2024 after six decades dedicated solely to freight transport. This latest win underscores AECOM’s continued commitment to supporting and enhancing the UK’s vital railway infrastructure.
