Network Rail: a new approach to coastal asset management – North Wales case study

Abstract

Network Rail Wales Route, in partnership with JBA Consulting, has recently developed a new coastal asset management methodology for assessing the risks posed by coastal processes to the Network Rail Wales Route’s portfolio of coastal, estuarine and river defence assets and the rail track infrastructure that they protect. The system has been designed in accordance with best practice guidance, to provide a consequence-based asset risk assessment. This considers the physical condition of the asset in combination with the risk from coastal erosion, wave overtopping and still water level flooding. In order for the coastal asset management plan to be effective over an extended time frame, these risks are analysed in the present day and for three future time epochs: 2025, 2055 and 2115. Analysing the future risk profile allows the development of a long-range view of likely future maintenance and capital liabilities. The coastal asset management system developed includes a number of innovative data capture, analysis and presentation techniques. These tools simplify large volumes of data relating to complex processes. This analysis provides the quantitative evidence base necessary for Network Rail to develop a holistic, whole-portfolio asset management plan to help better in allocating and prioritising funding for defence improvements.