Innovative M6 bridge slide for HS2 completed without motorway closure 

Innovative M6 bridge slide for HS2 completed without motorway closure 

A UK-first was completed over the weekend, when an enormous 4,600-tonne viaduct was slid into place over the M6 without the motorway being closed. 

As part of the HS2 project, the 17-hour-long operation marked the culmination of a three-stage process to install the 315-metre East deck of the M6 South viaduct, which will carry high-speed trains heading to Birmingham and further north. 

While the previous slide had required a weekend closure of the main carriageway, the team – led by HS2’s main work contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) – worked closely with National Highways to develop the ‘fully restrained’ process which allowed them to safely slide the final section above the moving traffic. It is thought to be the first time this technique has been used on a UK motorway. 

The structural design was delivered by the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA, plus WW+P Architects, Design Joint Venture (DJV). 

The successful operation means the project to construct the M6 South viaduct has reached the halfway point. Over the next year, the same process will be repeated, with a parallel West deck slid into position alongside the first one to carry trains heading south. 

Jack Hillier, Senior Project Manager at SYSTRA, said: “Once more our dedicated team from across the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA DJV have played their part in a significant milestone for the HS2 project. 

“The dedicated design work that has been delivered enables this innovative construction method to be successfully implemented, and it is a proud moment for everyone involved.  

“Every element of work on the project is brought to life through a collaborative approach with safety and innovation at heart, and we look forward to next year’s progress.” 

Caroline Warrington, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Delivery, said: “Along the HS2 route we are pioneering new approaches to engineering and construction in order to deliver more efficiently and with less impact on our neighbours. 

“We believe this fully restrained slide was a first for the country, but most importantly it means we’ve been able to cut in half the number of times we’ve had to close the motorway. I’d like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make the operation a success.” 

Russell Luckhurst, the BBV engineer leading the delivery of the works, said: “We’re all feeling a huge sense of pride after sliding a 4,600-tonne viaduct into its final position this weekend. The third and final slide of the East deck viaduct was delivered over a live motorway for the first time in the UK, making this achievement even more special. 

“Using this ‘fully restrained’ technique meant we were able to keep disruption to an absolute minimum. Our focus will now turn towards the neighbouring West deck viaduct, which will be launched in multiple phases throughout 2026, as well as the East deck finishing works.” 

Click here for more about SYSTRA’s work on HS2 and other high speed rail projects.

2025: A year in review

From new appointments and acquisitions to major project milestones, project wins, and social value work within our local communities, there’s been no shortage of ambition, innovation, collaboration and cause for celebration across our valued teams.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at just some of the most significant moments from the past year. 

Our work

Working in partnership with clients to solve challenges and help deliver outstanding infrastructure solutions across the transport, energy, environment and built-environment sectors, our connected teams have worked collaboratively to secure a number of major project wins and ensure milestones were seamlessly achieved.

This year has definitely been one for the books.

Projects

We kicked off 2025 with a big win for our multidisciplinary colleagues in Ireland, securing a position on the BusConnects Dublin Core Bus Corridors Infrastructure Works Program, which aims to improve accessibility, connectivity and sustainability through upgrades to walking, cycling and bus infrastructure in the area. 

Our success continued in Wales as we saw the release of the Welsh Government’s Public Engagement Strategy report. Our Social and Market Research team evaluated the 2023 strategy, which provided a framework for working with a diverse range of people across the country to act on climate and natural emergencies. Our specialists used a Theory of Change logic model to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy in contributing to the net zero target. 

In March we celebrated another huge project win as we announced our 50/50 joint venture (JV) position with Arup on the £300 million five-year Network Rail Eastern Region Development and Design Partnership Framework , which will improve connectivity across the board and encourage economic growth. The framework covers a range of multidisciplinary design and development services, including the Northern Powerhouse Rail portfolio, the Integrated Rail Plan and other enhancement projects across the Eastern region. 

Having been commissioned alongside Frontier Economics by the Department for Transport (DfT) to carry out independent monitoring and evaluation on the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions programme, we were thrilled to see the publication of its first Interim Report. The programme was designed back in 2022 to reduce maritime emissions and create skilled jobs across the country by accelerating clean maritime technology research and development. 

Our colleagues attended an inspiring inauguration ceremony in Fingal, County Dublin, to mark the completion of Fingal County Council’s Safe Routes to School works. Appointed in 2022 to develop and implement a programme of schemes at nine schools throughout the county, the work has had a transformational impact, enhancing routes and infrastructure, decreasing road safety concerns, improving air quality, and propelling an exciting move towards active travel for the community. 

During the summer, we were excited to announce our strategic partnership with Amey on the National Highways’ Specialist Professional and Technical Services 3 Framework, which has an estimated maximum value of up to £495 million. Our specialists will provide a wide range of services, from early feasibility studies through to delivery and post-implementation review. 

And the project wins kept coming – shortly after we shared news of our collaboration with the Rail Safety and Standards Board on the deployment of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System strategic programme, in replacement of the old GSM-R system. The work will improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of the British rail network. 

Towards the end of the year we celebrated a huge win in Ireland as the business was appointed to support the delivery of the next iteration of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan (CAP26). Our specialists are set to provide modelling services to the Department of Transport and National Transport Authority in aid of ambitious decarbonisation goals.

High Speed 2 (HS2)

As part of two joint ventures, we are a key player on HS2, showcasing impressive digital design solutions, and providing a range of services for the project. As work pushes on to provide zero-carbon journeys that will reinforce rail capacity in the UK and create significant economic benefits for regions and populations, we’re hitting some big milestones.

Earlier in the year the construction of the project’s heaviest bridge structure, designed by our specialists as part of the SYSTRA Mott MacDonald Design Joint Venture , was completed. The bridge was then moved into place ahead of schedule. The method used avoided over two years of speed restrictions, lane closures and traffic disruption that a conventional bridge design would likely need.

Exciting progress was made at Old Oak Common station (which is being constructed by the Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA JV) as the first section of platform was installed.

During a 29-hour closure, the first section of a 320-metre-long viaduct for the East Deck was slid into place over the M6 South using an innovative non-stick material, allowing the road closure to end 11 hours ahead of schedule. Keep a look out for the assembly and positioning of the West Deck viaduct using the same technique next year!

A huge 749-metre river realignment of the River Cole was completed for in Warwickshire as part of the Delta Junction works. The realignment was the most significant scheme of its kind on the project and marked a significant milestone. The work improves the existing environment, enhances habitats in aid of biodiversity, and enhances community access.

During the summer months, a complex 1,631 tonne, 112-metre-long steel deck structure for a Mott MacDonald SYSTRA DJV designed bridge was positioned over a section of Birmingham city’s ring road known as Lawley Middleway. Following two years of construction next to Digbeth Canal, the move used a specialist skidding system and took only four nights to complete due to a fantastic collaborative effort.

The autumn welcomed another big move as a 230-metre-long viaduct was positioned over the M6 near Birmingham Airport, once again ahead of schedule. For the first time in the West Midlands, a ‘fully restrained’ sliding technique was used on the project to reduce the time and impact on road users. 

Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU)

In collaboration with Network Rail, VolkerRail, Siemens, and Murphy as part of the TRU East Alliance, our work as Principal Designer on the largest conventional rail project in the UK forged ahead with great success throughout 2025.

Our work this year brought the north of England ever closer to decreased journey times, increased reliability, improved capacity and safety, and ultimately more opportunities from enhanced connectivity. 

We got the new year off to a fantastic start, announcing the delivery of a crucial SYSTRA-designed bridge replacement over the festive period in Osmondthorpe Lane, Leeds. The work provided a spectacular show as the huge 200-tonne bridge was moved into position in one piece by an impressive self-propelled modular transport vehicle. Our specialists also took on the project’s safety and assurance using the innovative 4D planning tool SYSTRA Vision.

During the spring another notable milestone was reached as we celebrated the completion of tangential wiring at Colton Junction. The unique and complex section of overhead line equipment (OLE) over a diamond track crossing mitigates the operational risks caused by the existing wiring geometry. Our teams worked with specialists from the University of Huddersfield on the iterative design and dynamic modelling.

The following months provided lots of electrification progress on TRU, resulting in 25% completion of the whole project’s electrification by August. An Automatic Power Change Over system was implemented, and on Sunday 3^rd August the first electric passenger train was therefore able to run between York and Church Fenton. To celebrate, the project team was thrilled to welcome the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, who travelled on a TransPennine Express bi-mode train between Leeds and York.

By the end of the year the Crawshaw Woods bridge removal opened the doors for safe installation of the new OLE, with the historic components being repaired and renovated off-site. We can’t wait to see the restored structure reinstated soon!

Business Growth

In order to effectively support our project work and strong ambitions, our business continues to grow, adapt and develop at an impressive rate.

To kick the year off, SYSTRA Scott Lister UK was transferred to SYSTRA Limited from SYSTRA ANZ, bringing with it its exceptional human factors expertise. The move saw a selection of experienced rail and aviation specialists, already active on key projects such as HS2 and TRU , embedded into the UK and Ireland business.

Our Glasgow office was relocated in response to strong growth, both locally and across the UK, and as part of our long-term commitment to attracting top talent in Scotland. 

Having been present in Ireland since the late 1970s, this year we celebrated our 20^th birthday in Dublin, marking two decades in the city and many more years of transforming transport infrastructure and connectivity for the region and beyond.

SYSTRA Group also announced the acquisition of BG&E – a multi-disciplinary engineering company founded in Australia. The move marks the launch of a new international offering dedicated to complex buildings.

COllaboration

Our work is exponentially enhanced by opportunities to collaborate throughout the business and the wider industry. Diversity of ideas and solutions is fundamental to the success of our projects.

This year, we prioritised collaboration in the pursuit of technical excellence and innovation.

Back in February, we hosted the Rail Industry Association (RIA) North Leadership Group at our Manchester office, to talk all things rail in the north of England. We were joined by Huw Merriman (Chair of the Liverpool-Manchester Railway Partnership Board), Liz Goldsby (Head of NPR and High Speed Development at Transport for Greater Manchester), and Transport for Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region representatives. The session was a fantastic opportunity to come together across the industry to highlight the importance of rail connectivity to the region, and discuss how infrastructure and services must develop to open up access to opportunities for communities, enable economic growth and ensure sustainability in transport.

With similar objectives, our Birmingham office also hosted the RIA Midlands & Eastern Leadership Group, led by chair and SYSTRA Operations Director Sekoura Benissad, and vice chair James Brown.

With Project Director Nizar Awad at the helm, we hosted the Network Rail North West & Central and Eastern SHELT Summit at HS2’s Old Oak Common site. Nizar shared his project insights and led a tour of the site, providing those in attendance with the opportunity to witness first-hand the impressive progress made on the project, and take away best practice and lessons learned for sharing across the industry. 

Midway through the year, we were proud to select the TomTom location technology suite to strengthen our urban transport planning, design and modelling capabilities, and enable evidence-based planning and investment decisions across the UK and Ireland. The collaboration ensures that the transport solutions we provide enhance and optimise urban mobility, quality of life, sustainability and economic growth to the highest possible degree.

We also entered into a premium partnership with ERTICO, enabling the business to push further ahead with innovative techniques in data handling, AI, machine-learning and bespoke modelling, and make the most of opportunities to apply research and innovation in real-world scenarios. Partnering with ERTICO accelerates adoption of new digital products across European markets, and ultimately supports the mission of safer, more efficient, sustainable mobility.

Similarly, our new partnership with the British Aviation Group will encourage collaboration, development and effective delivery within the growing market. 

Our PEOPLE

Our people are the backbone of our business.

Our community of leading thinkers, keen collaborators and supportive peers all exemplify our values – Excellence, Connected Teams and Bold Leadership – and drive our mission forward.

Whatever they’re working on, our colleagues are all about making maximum impact.

This year we saw some important strategic appointments across the business.

With 27 years of professional experience in sustainable transport planning, strategy development and transport modelling in his back pocket, Ian Byrne was appointed Ireland Consultancy Business Director, now Business Director for Ireland, to build on recent success across the Ireland market.

Later in the year, Conor Cleary joined our Ireland team as Sales Director for Ireland, bringing with him his extensive business development experience and expertise to further help the business realise its growth ambitions in the country.

Having joined the business in 2022 in a rail-specific capacity, in May this year, Chris Judge took on the role of Director of Consultancy to support the business in delivering growth across all markets and ensure the fulfilment of wider business objectives.

Gareth Davies was appointed as Market Director for Water and Environment to help the business enhance its presence in the market and support the delivery of AMP8 projects, nature-based solutions and environmental projects.

Having already played a pivotal role in the business’ expansion into markets such as energy and water, Jonathan Scott became our Managing Director of Engineering, eager to strengthen SYSTRA’s position as a leader in delivering sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions.

Appointments aside, we also celebrated a trio of new fellows. The Institution of Civil Engineers recognised two of our most talented leaders, Saenthan Sathananthan and Remant Doorgakant, and Sudhasil Das Gupta was awarded fellowship by the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation.

Our Head of Innovation Llewelyn Morgan was one of 24 professionals granted a position on the new Advisory Board for the DfT’s Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) programme. Llewelyn’s position on the Board enables him to guide innovations, identify commercial potential, and witness them contribute to a more efficient, sustainable and inclusive transport system for all.

Our geotechnics specialist Charlotte Woodhall-Jones was elected to the British Geotechnical Association (BGA) Executive Committee for the next three years as one of nine members.

SOCIAL VALUE

Our business isn’t just about economic success and growth. We also care deeply about our communities, sustainability, and equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I), both in our project work and throughout the business itself when it comes to our own activities and the wellbeing of our colleagues.

Our goal is to continuing growing and pushing our social value contribution – we know there’s always more work that can be done. 

This year we chose our corporate charities as Dementia UK and the Irish Cancer Society. The charities were voted on by our colleagues, and each was given a one-off donation on behalf of the company. Our colleagues took part in a number of fantastic fundraising activities throughout the year, including the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and the Royal Parks Half Marathon!

In July we attended Leeds Pride for the third year as sponsors and walkers in the parade. Our participation, organised by our brilliant Everyone Onboard Colleague Engagement Group, reflects our acknowledgement of the challenges still faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and our support for LGBTQ+ colleagues, loved ones and more widely across the industry. It was wonderful to watch our colleagues come together, from offices up and down the country, to celebrate in such colour!

This year we also teamed up with the UK-wide charity Career Ready to support young people looking to enter the engineering and consultancy industry. The programme empowers young people from under-represented backgrounds, connecting them directly with workplaces in order to gain invaluable experience, insights and a support network.

In alignment with our ED&I values and goals, we were very proud to renew our partnership with Women in Transport. The organisation provides networking and professional development opportunities across all modes and disciplines, enabling and encouraging more women to thrive within the transport sector.

Towards the end of the year we were thrilled to share our new Sustainability Mission, which sets out how the business will push even harder to shape and support a better future for all throughout our projects, people and business activities. The mission – structured through the three strategic pillars of people, planet and purpose – is supplementary to our Sustainability Strategy and Policy, which provides guidance on how colleagues can get involved and play their part as individuals.

AWARDS

At SYSTRA we truly understand and appreciate that so much of our success is owed to the dedication and innovation of teams working hard behind-the-scenes.

And, while we love to celebrate our colleagues internally, it’s always gratifying to see our work recognised by the wider industry as well.

Plus we do love a trophy!

Here are just some of our award-wins throughout 2025:

• Institution of Civil Engineers Yorkshire & Humber Awards - ‘Sir John Fowler Award’ for championing ED&I in active travel across Sheffield.
• Institution of Civil Engineers Yorkshire & Humber Awards - ‘Smeaton Award’ for the TRU Alliance’s work on the Osmondthorpe Lane bridge replacement.
• SPOTLIGHT Rail Awards 2025 – ‘Best Use of Technology – Infrastructure’ award for using SYSTRA Vision to proactively manage safety risks on the TRU East project.
• Transform Magazine Awards – the Mima team were recognised for the visual work on London Gatwick Airport station, taking home ‘Best Wayfinding or Signage’ and ‘Best Visual Identity from the Transport and Logistics Sector’. As the lead designer, we were proud to work closely with Mima on the wayfinding and signage for the project.
• SHELT Awards 2025 – ‘Biodiversity Award’ for the habitat management and monitoring plan on the East Coast Main Line power supply upgrade.
• Intelligent Transport Systems UK Annual Awards – ‘Better Integration through Technology Award’ for working collaboratively with Yonder Data Solutions and TravelAi to understand travel habits through digital technology and data fusion on the DfT’s FUSION project.
• John Connell Awards – ‘Quiet Mark Build Environment Award’ for impressive noise reduction and excellent sound management on the Gatwick Airport Station modernisation project.

And that’s a wrap! We’d like to wish our colleagues, partners and clients a very happy new year. We can’t wait to work on more game-changing, award-winning projects in 2026!

Please get in touch with our specialists if you’d like to work with us in any capacity.

You can keep up with all things SYSTRA projects and news by signing up to our email newsletter.

SYSTRA supports the Irish Cancer Society

The charity, which supports people affected by cancer across Ireland, was chosen in a vote by colleagues based at SYSTRA’s offices in Cork and Dublin.

As well as making a one-off donation on behalf of the company, colleagues are getting involved in a number of fundraising activities during the year.

Paul Morgan, Head of Legal for SYSTRA Limited, said: “We’re really proud to be supporting the Irish Cancer Society. We hope our donation will make a huge difference in providing help to those who need it, and we’re delighted to see so many of our colleagues supporting the charity, including some who have had direct contact with its services.”

Claire Bowman, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Irish Cancer Society, added: “We are so grateful to SYSTRA and its employees for their incredible generosity and support. One in two of us will hear the words ‘you’ve got cancer’ in our lifetimes, sadly there isn’t a family in Ireland who hasn’t felt the impact of a cancer diagnosis. The Irish Cancer Society typically receives just 5% of our funding from Government, so without the amazing support of companies like SYSTRA, we would not be able to be there for people affected by cancer, when they need us most. Your generous donations fund life-changing cancer research projects in addition to our free vital support services like our Night Nursing, counselling and transport to treatment. None of this vital work would be possible without you.”

The Irish Cancer Society is a community of patients, survivors, volunteers, supporters, health and social care professionals and researchers working together towards a future where nobody in Ireland will die from cancer.

Their work includes listening to patients and their loved ones; supporting them by providing free information and care; funding cancer research to find better treatments that will save more lives; and working to keep cancer on the Government’s agenda, to make sure the Irish healthcare system functions as well as possible to help cancer patients and their loved ones through their diagnosis.

Find out more and make a donation.

Gatwick Airport Station project wins prestigious acoustic design award

With SYSTRA working as lead designer and architect alongside Network Rail, Gatwick Airport, Costain and Mima Group, the Gatwick Airport Station modernisation project set out to resolve a range of safety and operational issues while vastly improving the passenger experience in the station.

Judges praised the team’s collaborative approach when redesigning the station, recognising the challenges faced when designing for reduced noise and sound management in such a busy location.

Jordan Gill, Lead Architect on the project, said:

“We are delighted to have received the John Connell Award for the Built Environment in 2025. This award recognises the success of our project in an area that is often overlooked: the treatment of acoustics within station concourses. Effective acoustic management is not only essential for enhancing the overall passenger experience, but it is also vital for creating a safe and inclusive environment for all users.

“The station, situated directly above the Brighton mainline, at the heart of the airport’s South Terminal and within 500 metres of the flight path, presented our team at SYSTRA and acoustic engineering partners at Buro Happold with an exceptionally challenging acoustic environment. This award acknowledges the success of our comprehensive design solution in overcoming those challenges.”

Find out more about the Gatwick Airport Station project.

SYSTRA commits to better future for all in new Sustainability Mission

SYSTRA has published its new Sustainability Mission, setting out how it will shape and support a better future for all through its projects, people and business activities.

The document outlines three strategic pillars – people, planet and purpose – each with focus areas, commitments, and clear targets.

People: A focus on community engagement and equality, diversity and inclusivity, with targets including an increase in science, technology, engineering and maths activities and the use of volunteering days among all colleagues.

Planet: A focus on climate change and environmental enhancement, with targets to reduce emissions in all areas of project delivery and business operations.

Purpose: A focus on being a responsible business and supply chain integrity, with targets including climate training for all colleagues, energy-efficient offices, and lower carbon emissions for business travel. 

The mission is a supplementary document to SYSTRA’s Sustainability Strategy and Policy, and also provides clear guidance on how colleagues can play their part, such as by making the most of things like the cycle to work scheme, getting involved in social value activities on projects, and staying up-to-date with sustainability best practice and guidance in relation to their role.

David White, Group Health, Safety and Security Vice President at SYSTRA, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and the journey to net zero is one we’re absolutely committed to.

“Our new Sustainability Mission is our commitment to going further, and faster, to achieve our climate ambitions.”

SYSTRA is a headline sponsor of the inaugural Transport Decarbonisation Awards, taking place in March 2026 to recognise the important work underway to address climate change.

Riona Ainge, Sustainability Lead at SYSTRA, added: “From rail enhancements and operations, and active travel schemes, to landscape management and renewable energy projects – the collaborative work that we at SYSTRA and colleagues across the industry are delivering is moving us forward towards net zero goals.

“The Decarbonising Transport Awards is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the people and projects that are leading the way in this space, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with the finalists.”

Enter the awards before 5^th December.

Find out more about sustainability at SYSTRA.

SYSTRA celebrated for digital innovation at the ITS UK Annual Awards

The award celebrates projects and solutions that utilise digital technology to support more seamless, joined up journeys.

FUSION (Fusion of User Surveys and Integrated Online Navigation), delivered for the Department for Transport and led by SYSTRA in partnership with Yonder Data Solutions and TravelAi, is an innovative project that uses advanced digital technology and data fusion to deeply understand travel behaviours and motivations across England.

The project’s methodology uniquely combines passive, sensor-based journey tracking via TravelAi’s MyWays mobile app, in combination with a series of detailed online surveys collected from 3,500 demographically representative participants (recruited by Yonder Data Solutions) over six months. This dual approach not only captures accurate, granular travel diaries, but also links them to rich demographic and attitudinal data, providing a comprehensive view of how and why people move.

The work undertaken by SYSTRA’s specialists resulted in three open datasets, which integrate mobility and survey data, soon to be available. This data enables demographic and behavioural analysis for potential applications in transport modelling alongside valuable insights into the impacts of policy and disruptive events on travel.

The thorough, data-driven understanding of travel behaviours provided by FUSION will lead to more informed design interventions and investments with social, economic and environmental benefits.

Such detailed comprehension of transport mode choices and motivations enables us to develop more responsive, user-friendly, inclusive transport systems that communities are keen to engage with, which in-turn, supports the campaign for greener travel and decarbonisation.

The project also produced an interactive Proof-of-Concept Analysis Tool, enhancing data accessibility and making it easier for users to explore, visualise and filter mobility patterns.

Caroline Broughton-Smith, Principal Consultant, commented on the win: “I’m delighted the hard work all partners put into the project has been recognised through this award.

“FUSION has been such an exciting, innovative project to deliver and has the potential to significantly change the way we gather mobility data.”

The ITS UK Awards judges commented on the award-winning project: “The judges felt FUSION had major potential in supporting better decision making for those looking to build integrated networks – a great example of the role of data in supporting seamless transport.”

Learn more about SYSTRA’s data science capabilities.

SYSTRA celebrates 20 years in Dublin

Transport and engineering consultancy SYSTRA is celebrating 20 years since its Dublin office opened, during which time its specialists have been integral to many of Ireland’s vital connectivity projects.

SYSTRA in Ireland dates back to the late 1970s, and has been supporting the development of transport infrastructure in the country long before it opened a Dublin office. It was in October 2005 that SYSTRA opened its Ireland headquarters in Dublin, and those two decades have brought additional growth.

Now located at City Quay, Dublin, as well as in Lapp’s Quay, Cork, SYSTRA has around 70 colleagues in Ireland. They’re working across a range of transport and infrastructure projects, delivering for public and private clients at all stages of scheme lifecycles.

Notably, SYSTRA is supporting Ireland’s journey towards net zero through a range of transport projects, from active travel schemes to electric vehicle infrastructure. The team’s capability in energy and water schemes also allows SYSTRA to provide unique insight as key design partner in helping the country to deliver critical infrastructure.

Find out more about SYSTRA’s work in Ireland at: https://www.systra.com/ireland and to explore the latest vacancies visit: https://www.systra.com/ireland/job-offers/

Another DJV-designed HS2 viaduct successfully slides into place

The 230-metre-long east deck was moved into position over the M6 near Birmingham Airport at the end of September, with both carriageways re-opened to traffic ahead of schedule.

It was the second phase of a multi-phase operation that will see two parallel viaducts installed, and for the first time on this project in the West Midlands the team used a ‘fully restrained’ sliding technique.

This meant the viaduct could be launched over the M6 Junction 4 slip road on the Friday before the weekend closure, maintaining traffic on the carriageway below. This new approach was introduced in collaboration with National Highways, to reduce the time of the operation and further minimise the impact on road users.

The team moved the viaduct using a series of winches, known as strand jacks, at an average speed of 10 metres per hour. To reduce friction, the structure was slid across non-stick pads, using a material usually found on the surface of a household frying pan. The viaduct was guided by a number of rollers placed on the piers, which ensured the deck remained on course for the full duration of the operation. 

Rob Owen, Project Manager at SYSTRA, said: “Once again the design team is extremely proud to see their design brought to life as part of what is a complex and innovative launch phase.

“The commitment and collaborative approach demonstrated by the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA DJV and the wider Integrated Project Team is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the final section of the east deck being completed later this year, followed by the west deck launches throughout next year.”

Each viaduct is formed of a hollow double-box structure made of weathering steel. The steel boasts a natural protective layer of oxidisation which gives it a characteristic ‘rusty’ appearance and reduces maintenance by eliminating the need for regular repainting. 

Four pairs of concrete piers support the viaducts with the tallest one measuring 9.9m in height. A 4.5m-high parapet will be installed on the side facing Chelmsley Wood to reduce noise and disturbance from passing trains. 

The viaduct was launched with 51 precast slabs already installed on top of the steel structure. This will further reduce the number of road closures in the future, to complete the viaduct deck works. 

Find out more about our work on HS2.

SYSTRA to support Ireland Climate Action Plan 2026

Transport consultancy SYSTRA has been appointed to support the delivery of the next iteration of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). 

SYSTRA specialists, based out of Cork and Dublin as well as 11 offices in the UK, will be providing transport modelling services to inform CAP26 – the third annual update to the plan led by the Department of Transport (DoT) and supported by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The services include reviewing base year and future year models, conducting feasibility reviews of CAP23/24 measures, identifying new measures and establishing scenarios, testing policy interventions, analysing and reporting on model outputs, and facilitating meetings and consultations. The modelling will inform the pathway to decarbonisation of the transport sector in Ireland, aligning with the five-year carbon budget ceilings.

The SYSTRA team brings extensive experience in transport modelling and appraisal, particularly with the NTA’s Regional Modelling System, and the development of tools like the Carbon Forecasting Tool, National and Regional specific Fleet Models and the Decarbonisation Playbook. They also have expertise in non-standard modelling approaches from projects such as the Greater Dublin Area Transport Emissions Strategy and Scheme.

Work is well underway and will continue to the end of the year.

Ian Byrne, Consultancy Business Director for Ireland at SYSTRA, said: “Achieving carbon reduction targets in Ireland’s transport sector is crucial not only for the environment but in supporting growth and development too.

“We are proud to be part of Ireland’s journey towards increased climate resilience, reduced emissions, and environmental enhancements that will benefit us all, and to further cement our position with the National Transport Authority and Department of Transport as the prime transport modelling advisors in Ireland.”

Find out more about SYSTRA’s data modelling services.

SYSTRA reinforces ED&I mission with Women in Transport partnership renewal

The arrangement empowers colleagues through networking and professional development opportunities in the transport sector, across all modes and disciplines.

Part of Women in Transport’s mission is to encourage and enable more women to enter and thrive within the transport sector, which aligns strongly with SYSTRA’s equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) goals.

SYSTRA is dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace where colleagues can be the best personal and professional versions of themselves.

Making positive steps towards increasing the representation of women in the business and closing the gender pay gap, is part of this commitment. It is crucial to better understand experiences through active engagement with women throughout the company and across the industry.

Clare Francis, Senior HR Business Partner and ED&I Lead at SYSTRA, comments on the partnership renewal:

“Improving the representation and inclusion of women within SYSTRA, and our industry more widely, is a key focus of our Everyone Onboard strategy. 

“We are excited to continue building on our relationship with Women in Transport and their member network in order to share best practice, learn from others and support wider reaching change.” 

SYSTRA also has its own internal ED&I colleague engagement group, Everyone Onboard, which has a dedicated pillar focused on supporting an inclusive workplace for colleagues of all genders. 

Abi Lindsay, Senior Consultant (Development Planning) and Gender ED&I Lead for the Everyone Onboard group at SYSTRA, shares her support for the partnership renewal, and her ambitions for gender equality at SYSTRA and throughout the transport industry. 

“I’m thrilled that SYSTRA and Women in Transport are continuing their strong partnership. 

“As a women in a male-dominated industry, I’m really passionate about advocating for better gender representation. Our Women in Transport partnership, and my own work with the Everyone Onboard group, is a fantastic opportunity to do just that. 

“It’s vital that the women at SYSTRA, and across the industry, not only feel like there’s a place for them in this line of work, but that they can thrive – that their contributions are worthy and sincerely valued.” 

The business’ Women@SYSTRA internal network also provides a host of opportunities for women at the company, including leadership workshops, networking groups, and forums for discussion on issues such as menopause and imposter syndrome. 

Learn more about ED&I at SYSTRA.