HS2 has announced that it is to partner with the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) to instill safety into the design and construction of Britain’s £45 billion high-speed rail project.
Last week, HS2 confirmed that Japan’s high-speed rail operator East Japan Railway Company (JR-East) was to take up an advisory role on the new north-south railway.
Becoming a member of RSSB will now also give HS2 access to the safety body’s wealth of experience and research in areas such as risk analysis, standards and innovation.
HS2 Ltd’s technical director, Andrew McNaughton, said: “This is another important step in the development of a world-class 21st century railway system that will bring huge benefits for the country.
“HS2 will free up much-needed space on our current network, shorten journey times between our biggest cities and deliver jobs and regeneration opportunities.
“It is one of our Strategic Requirements to design HS2 so that it will operate at a level of safety regarded as world-leading not just when it opens but throughout the century to come. The know-how of our colleagues, through RSSB, will be invaluable in securing this.”
RSSB’s chief executive, Chris Fenton, said: “2026 may seem like a long way off, but the manner in which HS2’s infrastructure operates tomorrow needs to be considered today.
“Through RSSB, we can support HS2 in designing in safety and efficiency into its interfaces by providing access to industry’s shared knowledge base, data, analysis, standards, research, development and innovation as well as involving HS2 Ltd in tackling cross-industry challenges.
“I’m delighted to welcome HS2 Ltd into our membership.”
