SYSTRA enters strategic partnership with Amey for National Highways’ Specialist Professional and Technical Services 3 Framework

SYSTRA enters strategic partnership with Amey for National Highways’ Specialist Professional and Technical Services 3 Framework

As a designated supplier on the six-year framework, which has an estimated maximum value of up to £495m, Amey will provide a range of asset management services including asset operation, maintenance, assurance, and performance, as well as strategic transport planning and policy work. Amey’s technical expertise will see the company deliver specialist services such as design and advisory support, geotechnical engineering, environmental services, highway structures, sustainability, and transport engineering.

SYSTRA brings a wealth of experience in the highways sector, including for National Highways as part of SPaTS2 and the Spatial Planning Framework. Their specialists provide an extra dimension to the team, delivering a range of services as strategic partner to Amey on SPaTS3, from early feasibility studies right through to delivery and post-implementation review.

Nick Salt, CEO at SYSTRA Limited, said: “We look forward to utilising our extensive expertise to deliver for Amey and National Highways as part of this significant and strategically important framework.

“Our connected teams approach means we offer a wealth of insight and capabilities, on everything from road safety and stakeholder engagement to data science and detailed design. We are proud to play our part in helping deliver a road network fit for the future with our core principles of safety, sustainability and value in mind.”

Andy Milner, CEO at Amey, added: “We’re pleased to announce our appointment to National Highways’ Specialist Professional and Technical Services 3 Framework. This recognition highlights our commitment to delivering excellence in technical advice and engineering services to support the delivery of safer, greener, and more efficient road networks across the UK.

“We look forward to working closely with our strategic partners and subcontractors on this framework to deliver a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready road network that underpins national growth and prosperity.”

Find out more about SYSTRA’s experience and expertise in the highways market.

SYSTRA recognised for environmental work at Network Rail’s SHELT Awards

The habitat creation project was the first of its kind for SYSTRA under Network Rail, with our teams working hard to ensure planning requirements were fulfilled and the project positively contributed to the surrounding area. The work included liaising with local groups to gather feedback and providing interpretation panels to educate visitors.

Emily Simpson, Principal Consultant and Professional Head (Ecology), said: “I am always incredibly proud of the work the SYSTRA Ecology team deliver, but even more so in instances like this where we’re able to leave a lasting legacy.

“The team are passionate about delivering the best possible outcome for biodiversity in all the work we undertake. A huge ‘thank you’ to the team for their hard work and congratulations on the well-deserved win.”

SYSTRA colleagues were also highly commended in the Carbon Reduction category. Their work involved developing and implementing innovative management solutions to drive significant carbon reduction outcomes across projects throughout the business.

The introduction of specialised tools has enabled the accurate calculation of carbon impacts at key project stages.

Through the delivery of targeted training programmes, Principal Consultant (Sustainability), Elliot Shiers, has empowered staff with the knowledge and skills required to address sustainability challenges. In addition, collaborative workshops have helped foster knowledge-sharing and best practices, unlocking further opportunities for improvement.

Carbon reduction measures have been systematically identified and adopted on every project, leading to demonstrable, tangible reductions in our carbon footprint. This supported the business in achieving PAS2080 verification and net-zero carbon emissions in line with our Science Based Targets.

Elliot said: “I’m really proud to have been highly commended in the Carbon Reduction category.

“There were many strong entries showcased on the day and to be a part of this list of people, projects and organisations is an honourable achievement that really showcases SYSTRA’s genuine dedication to sustainability.”

Find out more about sustainability at SYSTRA and our nature positive services. 

SYSTRA showcases safety and sustainability at Active City York 2025 

Through our specialist teams we’re able to take infrastructure schemes through the project lifecycle from insight and advice, through to strategy, design and programme delivery. 

We use our innovative tools to ensure accurate modelling and insights – a process that feeds into transport planning and strategy. 

A commitment to safety and sustainability means our solutions address future mobility challenges. They provide users with the integrated networks required to access opportunities – building the foundations for economic growth. 

SYSTRA at Active City 2025 

Join our teams to discuss our active travel expertise and the tools we are utilising to improve safety and achieve environmental targets across transport schemes.

We work across the UK to plan, design and implement active travel strategies and infrastructure that meet the needs of local authorities, clients and stakeholders.

Active City in York, showcases success, innovation and best practice in the creation of active, vibrant places.

We are supporting the event alongside partners across the two days with presentations, demonstrations and exhibitions.

Providing road collision risk analysis and approach to mitigation

Our Senior Consultant Angus Spence will be demonstrating the model’s capabilities our in-house collision analysis data tool ‘Collision Seek’ technology.

The application serves to surface collision data associated with any specified physical environment in Great Britain using environment semantic embedding machine learning models.

The tool affords insight to road collision risk, appropriate mitigations and mitigation prioritisation.

SYSTRA colleagues at Active City 2025

Transport Futures – what’s next for active travel? Watch back our webinar

This session explored active travel and living locally – we’ve debated localised communities regularly, but fast-forward 25 years and it’s time to get real.

Watch back the webinar in full. 

Downloads and Resources 

Llewelyn Morgan champions transport innovation through new TRIG Advisory Board appointment

Having dedicated more than a decade to championing innovation in the transport sector, and witnessing first-hand the transformative power of TRIG through involvement in past projects, Llewelyn’s (Head of Innovation) appointment provides a valuable opportunity to give back and support the scheme.

It’s hoped his insights, alongside those appointed, will help benefit other professionals across the industry.

SYSTRA is committed to leading the way in innovation throughout the transport sector. The business was awarded TRIG funding in 2024 to develop a novel AI application that helps improve road safety through increased understanding of road collision data. The funding is a testament to the foundational support the TRIG programme provides.

TRIG has helped identify and nurture game-changing innovative ideas in the UK transport sector from initial concept through to the crucial stage of development. The scheme has also provided invaluable insights to the Department for Transport which have helped shape future policy and strategy.

On his appointment to the TRIG Advisory Board, Llewelyn said: “I am particularly looking forward to contributing to the Advisory Board over the next two years, offering expert advice and support to both the TRIG team and the emerging projects that will benefit from this vital funding.

“My aim is to help guide these innovations, identify their commercial potential, and ultimately see them contribute to a more efficient, sustainable and inclusive transport system for all.”

Applications for grants (October 2025 – February 2026) are now open – apply here.

SYSTRA UK & Ireland appoints Gareth Davies as Market Director for Water & Environment

SYSTRA has appointed Gareth Davies as Market Director for Water & Environment in the UK & Ireland to help the business grow its strength in the market. He will lead SYSTRA in supporting the industry’s wider ambition of ensuring a secure and sustainable sector that acts in the best interests of all its customers, and in building and maintaining resilient assets that support communities and the environment.  

An accomplished chartered quantity surveyor with more than 20 years’ experience in commercial and programme management, Gareth brings a wealth of industry insight and strategic leadership. Most recently, he has been Head of Commercial at Welsh Water, where he has led the commercial activities on capital projects and network maintenance. 

Gareth will help SYSTRA build on recent success in the water market, including projects for Yorkshire Water, Thames Water and Sapphire Utility Solutions, and a place on United Utilities’ specialist design development framework to deliver rainwater management and nature-based solutions. 

As part of the Business Development team at SYSTRA Limited, Gareth will work closely with the other market directors – Andrew Dugdale (conventional rail, highways and mass transit), Joe Botterill (high speed rail), 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. 

Mike Muldoon, Business Development Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gareth to the team and look forward to his leadership and sector insight as our Market Director for Water & Environment. 

“Gareth brings a wealth of experience and has an impressive track record. He joins us at a crucial time for our business, as we embark on a number of projects for our clients in the water and wastewater sector, and in delivering environmental services  across transport and infrastructure, utilising our diverse skillset and experience from other markets to deliver value, quality and service.” 

Gareth Davies, Market Director for Water & Environment, continues: “There is a wealth of talent across our business, in the UK and Ireland and around the world, and I am confident that we will continue to be incredibly busy on all aspects of projects for our water, wastewater and environment clients, from planning and consents to detailed design and engineering.” 

SYSTRA offers project management, assurance, development and design expertise across the water, wastewater and environment sector, – providing efficient, integrated and sustainable solutions. 

First section of M6 South viaduct slides into position thanks to non-stick material

Using material similar to that found on non-stick frying pans, the first of three giant sections was moved into place during a 29-hour closure. The ‘East Deck’ section was slid 119 metres out over a slip road adjacent to the motorway, and the road reopened 11 hours ahead of schedule.

The viaduct deck is being assembled to one side and slid across the motorway over three weekends, with each part pushed out before later sections are added behind them. This multi-stage process means that the weight of the deck will increase with each push from 1,300 tonnes for the first slide, to 3,290 for the final one, which will take the deck out over the main M6 carriageway and then finally the M6-M42 link roads.

The East Deck will carry two tracks taking trains towards London while an adjacent West Deck will carry a further two tracks for services heading to Birmingham and further north. This will be assembled and slid out next year using the same technique.

Each viaduct span is formed of a hollow double-box structure made of weathering steel. This kind of 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 tallest one 9.9m in height. A 4.5m high parapet will be provided on the side facing the Chelmsely Wood to reduce noise and disturbance from passing trains.

The structural design has been carried out by Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Design Joint Venture (DJV), made up of Mott MacDonald and SYSTRA.

Tom Dutton, Senior Design Co-ordinator for the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA DJV, said: “The launch of the first deck of the two-deck M6 Motorway South Viaduct marks an exciting milestone following years of dedicated design work. We have seen the design take shape as the foundations, piers, and abutments were constructed, and now the moment has arrived for the deck to be launched.

“The launch design is a fantastic example of collaboration between Mott MacDonald SYSTRA DJV colleagues in the UK and France, BBV, and their steelwork and launching contractor, Victor Buyck Steel Construction. Together, we have addressed the complex challenges of the temporary works and the fabrication of the steel diaphragm—not to mention the feat of launching the viaduct decks over the M6 motorway itself.

“This achievement is a testament to our collective effort and a fantastic milestone for the immediate team and the whole project.”

First platforms installed at Old Oak Common

Engineers are installing platform slabs in the underground box, which will form the platforms passengers will use when boarding or alighting high-speed trains in the future.

There will be six platforms for high-speed services, used by HS2’s fleet of 400-metre trains, as well as eight surface-level platforms for Great Western Mainline, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express services.

All six high-speed platforms, laid out as three ‘island’ style blocks, are being installed at the same time, with construction taking place from either end of the station box.

Nizar Awad, Old Oak Common Project Director at SYSTRA, said: “Milestone after milestone, the progress is amazing on this megaproject.

“Following on from the base slab being completed earlier this year, the station box is a hive of activity as it is readied for the fit-out, with lifts, escalator shafts and equipment rooms, as well as these platforms, continuously filling the massive cavern that will form the below-ground high-speed station.

“Above ground, the superstructure rising above the hoardings is now visible to the passing public.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our team’s contribution to this iconic project.”

The station is being constructed by HS2’s station construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA (BBVS JV), which began permanent work after the Transport Secretary gave the thumbs up to the station in June 2021. The structure of the huge 850m-long underground station box at Old Oak Common was completed this year, including the 45,000sq/m base slab.

The BBVS JV team is also working a level above the base slab where the platform construction is taking place to construct the ground floor level of the station. From there the superstructure of the station can be built, creating the vibrant station environment.

SYSTRA sets out vision for transport at Future 2050 

SYSTRA’s vision focuses on creating solutions that enhance urban mobility and improve quality of life.

SYSTRA is at the forefront of that thought leadership in transport planning. Our specialist teams are focused on shaping a vision for multimodal networks across the UK and Ireland. 

We remain proactive in developing a deliverable vision for the future – one that addresses social and environmental challenges whilst promoting inclusivity, equity and the platform for strong economic growth. 

SYSTRA at Future 2050 Summit

The Future 2050 Summit is a new event organised by Landor LINKS Live and Local Transport Today, in Partnership with SYSTRA. 

The day-long conference and summer reception will bring together leading thinkers, policymakers, and innovators to explore how transport systems can drive a sustainable, equitable, and thriving society by 2050. 

SYSTRA will be presenting a range of potential future scenarios and outcomes that will result from hypothesised trajectories. Where will transport be in 25 years? From today’s starting point, where will demand pathways take us? 

We want to develop these themes and perspectives through rich debate and expert insight. Bringing thought-leaders together from across sectors and industries is a fantastic way to generate discussion and provide diversity of opinion. 

We hope Future 2050 will set the foundations of a future direction – one that will be taken forward by future leaders and technical staff within SYSTRA. 

Across all aspects of our consultancy and engineering offer, we are committed to developing the skills of our colleagues to futureproof our specialisms and insights. 

It’s our aim to ensure our teams continue to lead in the transport planning space through providing robust evidence bases and clear direction. Our colleagues have the opportunities and abilities to work beyond the current constraints of transport thinking. It’s our shared vision to deliver a prosperous future for all. 

SYSTRA Speakers at Future 2050

Breaking the mould of current thinking

The Future 2050 event in London will explore the likely context for transport decision-making over the next 25 years.

To help spark conversation and set the scene, some of our specialists have put forward their scenarios for scrutiny. They don’t cover all avenues of human development, but provide an insight into routes society may find itself heading down. 

Future One considers a life lived local, Future Two looks at a direction where technology takes the lead, and Future Three explores a draconian world shaped by environmental collapse and political centralisation. 

These articles will feature in Local Transport Today over the coming weeks, but you can read short summaries from the May edition by clicking the link below. 

Learn more about the event and how to subscribe to LTT by visiting: lttmagazine.co.uk 

SYSTRA Limited selects TomTom to enhance transport planning and consultancy solutions

TomTom (TOM2), the location technology specialist, today announced it has been selected by SYSTRA Limited, a leader in multimodal transport planning and modelling consultancy, as a key supplier of maps, traffic data and location-based services.

This collaboration supports SYSTRA’s transport and modelling professionals across the UK and Ireland in designing, visualising, and assessing proposed infrastructure modifications. As such, SYSTRA helps ensure transport solutions improve urban mobility and citizens’ quality of life, while advancing sustainability and enabling economic growth.

SYSTRA’s transport and modelling professionals across the UK and Ireland join their colleagues from various other countries, who are already using TomTom’s location technology products to inform their work.

Leveraging TomTom’s Orbis Maps and comprehensive suite of traffic analytics products, SYSTRA is able to build highly accurate transport models that replicate real-world traffic conditions. These models are used by SYSTRA’s teams to perform in-depth analyses on the potential impacts of infrastructure investments, schemes, and policies. Using TomTom’s advanced location technology, SYSTRA’s UK and Ireland teams will also be able to provide enhanced support to clients in evaluating the impacts of proposed schemes and policies.

Chris Judge, Director of Consultancy at SYSTRA, said: “We recognise the critical role that accurate and reliable maps and movement data plays in effective urban transport planning and design.

“Partnering with TomTom allows us to utilise their market-leading technologies to enhance our modelling and appraisal work on behalf of our clients, assisting us in developing sustainable infrastructure and mobility solutions that help communities and economies thrive.”

Benoit Joly, SVP Sales at TomTom, added: “We are proud to partner with SYSTRA Limited and collaborate on driving innovation and digital transformation across the public sector.

“By harnessing our maps and traffic data, SYSTRA will be well-equipped to deliver transformative improvements to infrastructure in the UK and Ireland, easing congestion and enhancing environmental sustainability.”

Find out more about SYSTRA’s transport planning services and expertise.

Chris Judge appointed as Director of Consultancy

Chris has spent the last 23 years working in the rail and transport industry, including for Halcrow, CH2M and Mott MacDonald, and holds a Master’s degree in Transport Economics at the University of Leeds Institute for Transport Studies.

He joined SYSTRA in 2022 as the Business Director for the Consultancy Rail Team, and since then has played a significant role in the Consultancy Senior Leadership Team to deliver growth across all markets and support the wider business objectives.

Nick Salt, CEO of SYSTRA Limited, said: “I am delighted to welcome Chris into this role. Chris has been an integral part of our leadership team over the past few years, and his experience will help drive our business forward on our journey of sustainable growth.”