SYSTRA UK & Ireland appoints Jonathan Scott as Managing Director – Engineering

SYSTRA UK & Ireland appoints Jonathan Scott as Managing Director – Engineering

SYSTRA UK & Ireland has appointed Jonathan Scott as Managing Director – Engineering, joining the Executive Board to drive growth and strengthen the company’s position as a leader in delivering sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions.

A Chartered Engineer with more than 30 years’ experience, Jonathan is a recognised figure in the transportation sector. Since joining SYSTRA in 2022 as Operations Director for High-Speed Rail, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the business into markets including energy, and water, and has overseen SYSTRA’s work on HS2 in the West Midlands and at Old Oak Common.

Jonathan has led major infrastructure projects, from both a client and contractor perspective, across the UK and internationally, including California High-Speed Rail and rail systems in the US, Canada and Taiwan. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET) and of renowned rail infrastructure institution The PWI. Jonathan also lectures on degree courses at Glasgow Caledonian University for the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO).

In leading the engineering business, Jonathan will work closely with the wider senior leadership team, market directors and colleagues across SYSTRA to deliver efficient, innovative, and sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions to clients. His commitment to technical excellence, coupled with an unwavering dedication to health, safety, security and wellness for all projects and people, will continue to shape Jonathan’s approach in his new role.

Nick Salt, CEO, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jonathan Scott to the Executive Board as Managing Director for our engineering business. His extensive global expertise and proven leadership will be invaluable.

“Having worked with Jonathan for the past few years I know we have a very safe and capable pair of hands taking on this role as SYSTRA Limited continues to grow across transport, energy, water and other markets.”

Jonathan Scott, Managing Director – Engineering, added: “I am thrilled to step into this role at such an exciting time for SYSTRA. With the breadth of expertise within our UK and Ireland teams, we are uniquely placed to deliver smarter, sustainable and more innovative solutions to the complex transport and infrastructure challenges our clients face.”

SYSTRA UK & Ireland joins the ERTICO Partnership

The agreement allows SYSTRA specialists to push further ahead with innovative techniques in data handling, AI, machine learning and bespoke modelling to support sustainable transport planning.

It will create opportunities to apply research and innovation in real-world scenarios and accelerate the adoption of new digital products across European markets.

The ERTICO Partnership bridges the gaps between stakeholders across the ITS community to help make mobility safer, more efficient and sustainable. Together, we lead the digital transformation of transport through the development of cutting-edge technologies, new services and innovative mobility solutions to move people and goods in smarter ways. ERTICO’s Partners share the joint mission to actively promote sustainable collaborative relations with EU institutions and policymakers by connecting local and regional transport organisations with national authorities.  

SYSTRA has been at the forefront of transport modelling for more than 50 years. Its global teams have developed innovative data modelling tools to help cross-sector clients appraise the impacts and outcomes of their schemes and proposals.

The partnership with ERTICO allows SYSTRA to develop new tools and support growth in its data modelling, digital analysis and data science services.

SYSTRA’s innovation team will also benefit from the opportunity to focus on the integration of digital technologies across transport, energy and water markets.

Dr Patrizia Franco FCIHT, Associate Director in Activity and Agent-based Modelling, Data, Modelling and Analysis – Digital at SYSTRA UK & Ireland, said: “To be approved as an ERTICO Partner is an incredible achievement for the team at SYSTRA.

“This will allow us to develop a strong understanding of challenges across climate change, energy and mobility, and how digital innovation contributes to net-zero targets. We will be better positioned to remain agile and respond quickly to projects across the public and private sectors.

“A partnership with ERTICO aligns with our commitment to SYSTRA’s safety and sustainability missions, as well as our wider values and behaviours.

“We hope the partnership will drive innovative enhancements within the data, modelling and analysis environment – which in turn will lead to more efficient outcomes for clients and end users.” 

Joining the ERTICO Partnership is an important way to connect the dots between different sectors across our complex ecosystem. The Partnership enables close collaboration between stakeholders by coordinating the planning and deployment of intelligent transport systems and smart mobility solutions in Europe and beyond.

Find out more about SYSTRA’s data modelling services.

SYSTRA appoints Conor Cleary as Sales Director for Ireland

SYSTRA has appointed Conor Cleary as Sales Director for Ireland to help the business realise its growth ambitions in the country.

Bringing a wealth of experience in business development; strong relationships with clients; and a keen insight into the construction and infrastructure sectors in Ireland, Conor is poised to lead SYSTRA into new opportunities across a range of markets, including transport, water and energy.

Conor has a degree in construction management and started his career as an engineer before moving into project management and business development. His strategic planning and operational execution have been integral to a wealth of building and engineering projects in his 20-year career, from roads and bridges to water and energy.

As part of the Business Development team at SYSTRA Limited, Conor will work closely with our market directors – Andrew Dugdale (conventional rail, highways and mass transit), Joe Botterill (high speed rail), Gareth Davies (water and environment), and James Easty (energy and defence). Together, they are leading a collaborative approach to delivering efficient, innovative, and sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions to clients across the UK and Ireland.

Mike Muldoon, Business Development Director, said: “We’re delighted to have Conor join our team, bringing his substantial business development experience and commitment to supporting sustainable projects that deliver growth and opportunities for Ireland.

“Conor joins us at a crucial time for Ireland with the publication of the National Development Plan and a number of critical challenges to address around transport, infrastructure and the environment, and we look forward to working with him to help our Irish clients meet their goals.”

Conor Cleary, Sales Director for Ireland, added: “I’m excited to join the SYSTRA team here in Ireland to support the business in achieving growth and delivering for our many clients.

“The country faces significant challenges in providing sustainable transport solutions and utility infrastructure to support population growth and energy generation – SYSTRA specialists have global and local experience in these areas.  I look forward to working with the local teams in Ireland and the UK as well as colleagues from across SYSTRA’s global business to deliver sustainable, innovative and effective transport and infrastructure solutions that bring benefits to all stakeholders.”

SYSTRA has offices in Dublin and Cork and is delivering for clients such as Irish Rail, the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and local authorities. Projects include BusConnects, Luas Cork and Safe Routes to School.

Huge Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture (DJV) designed bridge structure positioned in Birmingham

The 112m long structure was positioned on concrete pillars over a section of Lawley Middleway – part of the city’s ring road – over four nights in August.

The huge span was constructed on land next to Digbeth Canal over the past two years and a specialist skidding system was used to finally move the bridge into place.

The close collaboration between the DJV was particularly important on this project given the overall complexity of the structure. The team was able to ensure their work supported safe and efficient construction.

Abukalam Mulla, SYSTRA’s CAD Production Manager on the project, said: “This is a proud milestone for the team. We are delighted to witness the bridge being successfully erected into position.

“It is deeply rewarding to see our collective design efforts transformed into a tangible structure on site.”

Lawley Middleway bridge forms part of the railway’s approach to Birmingham. High-speed trains will travel out of the west portal of the 3.5 mile Bromford Tunnel at Washwood Heath and onto a one mile stretch of five connected viaducts which links onto the platforms of Birmingham Curzon Street Station.

Tom Lake, Design Project Manager at the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture DJV, said: “The Lawley Middleway Viaduct is a landmark moment for Birmingham’s transformation, which showcases the best of modern engineering.

“The entire DJV team are delighted with the successful launch which demonstrates the seamless integration of design innovation and construction expertise. The design balances structural efficiency and a consistent architectural language of the approach viaducts, while meeting complex engineering demands.

“Seeing the 112-metre steel span glide into place is not just an engineering achievement, but a step towards the long-term legacy of HS2.”

Find out more about SYSTRA’s work on HS2.

SYSTRA-designed River Cole realignment completed on HS2

The 749-metre realignment of the River Cole near Coleshill in Warwickshire is the most significant scheme of its kind on the project, and was needed as part of the Delta Junction works, where two new viaducts and a series of railway embankments are being constructed.

The re-naturalisation will improve the existing river environment by creating more meander bends and enhancing habitats in the river and along its banks to maximise biodiversity, and has also seen the creation of new public green spaces and paths alongside the river to enhance community access.

The realignment was designed by the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA DJV and delivered by ecologists and engineers working for HS2’s construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV). In consultation with external stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, the team has created a holistic nature-based design which goes beyond the standard environmental mitigation measures.

Ian Johnson, Project Director at Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture said:

“The River Cole realignment incorporates nature-based solutions, ecological enhancements, infrastructure resilience and environmental conservation which ensures the long-term sustainability of the local ecosystem.

“The multi-stage channel design with varied asymmetric cross-sections and increased meander bends creates a more natural river environment and more diverse habitat features, which enhances ecological resilience and promotes biodiversity in the area.

“The design not only improves flood resilience and natural river processes, it also contributes to the overall health of the river ecosystem, reduces carbon during construction, and creates public spaces for people to enjoy.”

“The multi-stage channel design with varied asymmetric cross-sections and increased meander bends creates a more natural river environment and more diverse habitat features, which enhances ecological resilience and promotes biodiversity in the area.

A multi-disciplinary team has been involved in this complex project, including river engineers, geomorphologists, hydraulic modellers, engineers, agrotechnicians, landscape designers, architects and ecologists. With construction of the river realignment now complete, the teams will focus on completing the surrounding embankments and viaducts.

During the development of the design in this area, HS2 Ltd, Balfour Beatty VINCI, and the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA DJV worked closely with the Environment Agency, local community, Independent Design Panel, Warwickshire County Council and North Warwickshire Borough Council.  

The community has been particularly involved in ideas for high-quality pathways for better connectivity, with the design aiming to revive the area’s recreational aspect through the development of public green spaces and paths alongside the river.  

Excavation works were completed in 2024 and temporary dams were then removed, allowing the water to flow into the new river section. The two River Cole viaducts, which span the river, are due to be completed later this year.

Find out more about our work on HS2.

SYSTRA celebrates 25% electrification of Transpennine Route Upgrade

Sunday 3^rd August marked a major step forward in the work, with the first electric passenger train running between York (Colton Junction) and Church Fenton. This was possible thanks to the successful implementation of an Automatic Power Change Over system.

To celebrate this progress, Heidi Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Transport, visited the route on Tuesday 5^th August and travelled on a TransPennine Express bi-mode train between Leeds and York.

As part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) East Alliance, alongside Network Rail, Murphy, Siemens and VolkerRail, SYSTRA is delivering a raft of upgrades along the eastern section.

Gareth Hanson, Project Manager at SYSTRA, said: “To reach the milestone of a quarter of the Transpennine main line being electrified is amazing news, and something every member of the SYSTRA TRU East Alliance team is rightly proud of.

“The benefits are already being felt by passengers, including myself, and the environmental impact is also immediate, meaning travel by train is now faster and greener, with more improvements still to come.”

Benefits of the Transpennine Route Upgrade include:

• Carbon emissions cut by up to 108,000 tonnes per year
• More freight by rail, removing more than 1,000 lorries from the road daily 
• Reduced journey times making it quicker to travel between key towns and cities 
• Increased capacity by more than a third, enabling more frequent, faster trains 
• Lasting social and economic value, with more than 5,000 jobs already supported and a peak workforce forecast of 8,000 
• Stations fit for everyone, with increased accessibility and improved customer facilities

Find out more about SYSTRA’s work on the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

SYSTRA is preparing the radio transformation of British rail

SYSTRA UK & Ireland will support the RSSB, an independent body working to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the British railway network, in the deployment on this network of the strategic programme called FRMCS, or Future Railway Mobile Communication System, telecommunications equipment that will replace the aging GSM-R system.

The key to success: the international expertise of SYSTRA

The assignment entrusted to us by RSSB is to develop strategic options and a proposed roadmap to support the industry’s transition to FRMCS, which will be reviewed and taken forward by RSSB and relevant stakeholders.

SYSTRA’s unique approach is based on the methodologies and lessons learned from our initial projects using this type of technology in Australia and continental Europe, while ensuring strong involvement from all British stakeholders (Department for Transport, Office of Rail and Road, Network Rail, London St. Pancras Highspeed, railway operators, industrial suppliers, etc.).

Among our key deliverables are a report on the migration strategy, a framing presentation for industry groups, and a strategic outline. This work will be carried out jointly by the teams from SYSTRA UK & Ireland and SYSTRA Australia & New Zealand, along with our local partner JF Rail Consulting, while drawing on the expertise of the Group acquired in France and Denmark.

Amine Triki, Project Director and Bid Manager for SYSTRA in the UK & Ireland commented: “The key to our success lies in our ability to mobilise the best of SYSTRA’s international expertise in railway telecommunications systems. This has allowed us to make a difference in winning this contract.

“This win will position SYSTRA as a leading industrial partner for digital transformations and the digitisation of systems in the UK. Furthermore, it strengthens our role in the ERTMS migration project of the HS1 line, which we are currently undertaking for London St. Pancras Highspeed (formerly HS1 Ltd).”

Learn more about SYSTRA’s expertise in transport communication networks in the UK and Ireland.

SYSTRA works with social mobility charity to help open doors into STEM careers

It comes as research highlights an imbalance around providing early career opportunities. There is predicted to be a 12% decline in social mobility on the back of pandemic learning loss while those from more affluent backgrounds are 80% more likely to have a professional job.

Career Ready has worked with a broad range of employers throughout the UK for more than 20 years. The charity’s structured programme of mentoring, paid internships, masterclasses and workplace visits, aims to empower young people from under-represented backgrounds. Experts work to connect 15-18-year-olds directly with the workforce, providing experiences, insights and a support network.

SYSTRA is exceptionally proud to be partnering with Career Ready to provide paid internships for those on the programme, and champion equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) in the engineering and transport sectors. The partnership reflects SYSTRA’s commitment to enhancing the company’s capabilities and capacity for innovation through the prioritisation of ED&I.

Offering opportunities for young people to embark on STEM careers is fundamental to SYSTRA’s success as well as the company’s wider mission to provide safe and resilient transport and infrastructure solutions, now and in the future.

The charity collaboration also adds real business value, enabling SYSTRA’s network of skilled colleagues to engage and upskill, supporting all early careers professionals, including interns, through training and mentorship.

Senior Recruitment Business Partner and Socioeconomic ED&I Lead for SYSTRA’s internal ED&I colleague engagement group, Jane Neary, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Career Ready to support and inspire the next generation of budding industry professionals.

“At SYSTRA we’re keen to ensure we’re making real, tangible steps towards creating a more diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment. We want to ensure everyone feels safe, and is empowered enough, to share their skills and ideas. 

“Listening to the ideas of young people from all backgrounds could be crucial in instigating some of our greatest transport and infrastructure solutions.” 

Caroline Emery, Career Ready’s Regional Manager for Birmingham,  said: “At Career Ready we strive to level the playing field for the young people we support, so that they can kickstart a successful and rewarding future. 

“We bridge the gap between education and the world of work by connecting talented young people with real-world opportunities – we couldn’t do this without the support of our employer partners like SYSTRA, who have provided mentors and internships for our young people.” 

Jessica Jordan, who is currently undertaking her internship with SYSTRA through Career Ready, said the experience has been eye-opening and enriching.

“My experience at SYSTRA has been really rewarding, providing me with the chance to explore career paths that I never even knew existed,” she added. 

“Everyone I’ve worked with has been welcoming, supportive and encouraging, which has genuinely boosted my confidence in my own abilities. 

“My internship at SYSTRA has shown me the real value in ensuring a variety of different perspectives are heard across the industry.” 

Find out more about our early careers opportunities.

TRU charges ahead with electrification work

Five consecutive weekends of critical work have taken place between Leeds and York, supporting electrification of the railway. SYSTRA is working on the project as part of the TRU East Alliance, alongside Network Rail, Murphy, Siemens and VolkerRail.

Following the installation of overhead line equipment (OLE) earlier this year, 7.5km of wiring has now been completed between Micklefield and Church Fenton. Just to the east of this location, electric passenger services between York and Church Fenton are set to launch in the coming months, following last year’s successful switch-on between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge.

In Cross Gates, Station Road bridge was safely demolished and replaced so that OLE can be installed throughout the area. And around 750m of track has been renewed between Killingbeck and Cross Gates, which will support smoother, more reliable travel. A new track crossover was also installed, allowing trains to switch lines more easily and give the TRU programme more flexibility for future upgrades.

SYSTRA was the designer responsible for the track staging design for the crossover, which used a modular joint to help reduce the impact on services while the installation was carried out. It is one of the first sites in the UK to use this type of modular, more durable joint, and the carbon impact of the installation was reduced thanks to partially recycled ballast and a “green” rail which uses less energy in its fabrication.

Spencer Cook, Senior Track Engineer at SYSTRA, said: “The installation of this crossover represents months of successful teamwork between all the TRU East Alliance partners, and is a key element of the wider project. The innovative and sustainable approach taken in the design and installation is evidence of the commitment made across the whole project to delivering a faster, greener, more reliable railway.”

Phil Crosby, Project Manager at SYSTRA, added: “Teamwork was crucial for the Station Road replacement as the project presented a number of challenges for our bridges team and partners across the TRU East Alliance. SYSTRA colleagues were available throughout the possession to aid the site team, and it’s fantastic to see the new deck in place, which means the next section of OLE can soon be installed. Well done to all involved.”

Find out more about SYSTRA’s work on TRU.

SYSTRA’s geotechnics specialist Charlotte Woodhall-Jones elected to the BGA Executive Committee

Nominations were recently put forward for three vacant positions on the committee and Charlotte will now become one of nine elected members.

On her appointment, Charlotte said: “I am proud and excited to have been nominated and voted into the BGA Executive Committee for the next three years.

“I am passionate about the role of the geotechnical community within the ICE [Institution of Civil Engineers], specifically the importance of knowledge sharing and recognition of the contribution the regions can bring into the geotechnical community.”

The committee also comprises a Chair, Vice-Chair, two representatives of the ICE, and one representative of each of the Geological Society of London, the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and the British Tunnelling Society. Additional committee members may be co-opted for periods of up to three years for the purpose of carrying out specific tasks.

The BGA is the principal association for geotechnical engineers in the United Kingdom and performs the role of the Ground Board for the ICE. It is the UK member of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering and the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering.

Charlotte added: “I am fully committed to offering my insights, and challenges where needed, to committee discussions.

“It will be a wonderful and challenging three years, especially being Chair of the Yorkshire Geotechnical Group for the next two.”

Find out more about our geotechnical design and ground engineering expertise.