07.08.13
HS2 seminars to share best practice
The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) is launching a series of events to boost knowledge and facilitate learning around high speed rail.
In partnership with HS2 Ltd and Parsons Brinckerhoff, which is responsible for the railway systems design of the project, the events will provide a forum to discuss international best practice.
Industry experts from around the world will consider the benefits of HS2 and make recommendations on how to deliver a good passenger experience.
The events will be held first in London and then Birmingham this year, followed by regional seminars in Manchester, Leeds, the East Midlands and Scotland or the north east in 2014.
Andrew McNaughton, technical director for HS2 Ltd and a keynote speaker at the London event, said: “HS2 will be the north-south backbone of the 21st Century transport network among eight of the 10 largest city regions of Great Britain. Its engineering will be one of the major challenges of the next two decades.”
Peter Sheppard, chair of the IET Transport Sector, said: “The HS2 project is not just a project to reduce the ever-increasing pressure on the conventional West Coast Main Line, nor is it just a project to reduce journey times to Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds.
“It is the first small step of a long term systems engineering project that will utilise leading edge technology in all disciplines to provide the UK with a safe and reliable high speed train service that will challenge the airlines and road users in their selection of travel mode and can be seen as a first step in integrating a new national transport system with existing hubs to bring about benefits to all users.”
Darren Reed, head of rail at Parsons Brinckerhoff, said: “Sharing knowledge and experience is a critical part of developing a project as complex as HS2 which is at the cutting edge of engineering innovation – whether in its design of track alignment and structures or even its signalling, telecommunications and energy systems.
“HS2 offers a significant opportunity for the UK railway industry, it will inspire a new generation of British engineers capable of exporting their skills to deliver advanced high speed rail systems and demanding infrastructure projects anywhere in the world.”
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Image c. HS2 Ltd