Network Rail is under fire in an ORR investigation over concerns about a backlog in the structures checks of bridges, tunnels and culverts
The rail regulator has warned in a letter to Network Rail that if the necessary structures checks are not complied with, faults could go undetected (or detected but not assessed).
The ORR investigation has warned Network Rail of the safety risks that this could cause.
Failure to perform structures checks could impact maintenance and renewal activities
Speed restrictions may have to be put in place to mitigate safety risks, which could result in train delays and cancellations.
Failure to manage the examination process could also impact Network Rail’s ability to plan its maintenance and renewal activities efficiently.
The ORR investigation into Network Rail’s progress to clear the backlog of structures examinations has been active since 2021.
There has been limited progress since the investigation opened in 2021
Although the rail regulator has recognised pockets of good practice, overall, there has been limited progress.
The ORR investigation also found concerns that the rail company may not be able to comply with the company’s own new standard for structure examinations which is intended by September 2023.
Network Rail will provide the ORR with plans to achieve compliance by 30 June 2023
Following constructive dialogue with Network Rail, the company has agreed to provide ORR with robust plans with clear milestones to achieve compliance by 30 June 2023.
ORR will assess these, with final plans produced by the company at the end of August 2023.
ORR will monitor Network Rail’s progress closely until the end of the current Control Period 6 (ending April 2024).
John Larkinson, ORR chief executive said:”There are over 70,000 structures on the rail network, so we understand the scale of the job of inspecting these assets.
“Equally, we know this requires clear, robust and systematic examination plans but previous attempts to get on top of the backlog of work have failed.
“Network Rail has accepted the need to do better and it must now deliver against the agreed workplan to clear the backlog.”
