Network Rail has partnered with consulting firm WSP to develop a new framework to improve the railway’s resilience to flooding and coastal erosion. The move comes in response to a significant increase in weather-related disruption, with 2023/24 being the worst year on record for flooding on the railway, with more than 1,200 incidents recorded.
The new Flood and Coastal Risk Management Framework will standardise the railway’s approach to these issues. Currently, flood response is handled differently by various regions, often relying on local knowledge. The partnership aims to shift from this reactive model to a proactive, data-driven approach.
Lisa Angus, Network Rail’s industry weather response director, said: “When our railway was built between 200 and 150 years ago, engineers chose the most level routes they could, usually along rivers or the beach, cut into hillsides or raised on embankments made of whatever material was nearby. This means our railway is often the lowest part of the landscape, providing an accidental drainage channel, or sits just above water level. In addition, railway embankments were never designed to be flood defences, and are not classed as such, but they often still act that way for communities. Climate change means those weaknesses are becoming a greater problem and we need a new approach to tackle flooding, not on our own but as part of the country’s critical infrastructure.”
The framework will focus on improving the railway’s understanding of its vulnerabilities, enhancing forecasting and decision-making tools, and clarifying its role in wider emergency response efforts.
Dr Kat Ibbotson, Strategic Advisory Director at WSP, said: “We’re proud to be working with Network Rail to improve the railway’s resilience to climate change. The partnership will enable a more consistent, data-driven approach to risk management across the network. By helping Network Rail shift from reactive responses to proactive flood and coastal erosion risk management, we’re not only safeguarding vital transport assets but, also shaping a transformative blueprint for long-term climate adaptation and national resilience.”
This new partnership builds on Network Rail’s other efforts to combat extreme weather, including its collaboration with specialist forecaster MetDesk Ltd and a recent Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Met Office to share research data and forecasting.
