SYSTRA secures £43.5k for AI research into road safety incidents

SYSTRA secures £43.5k for AI research into road safety incidents

SYSTRA has secured £43.5k from the Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) to fund work on addressing road safety with artificial intelligence (AI).

The transport consultancy will use the funding to develop a novel AI application that can classify the physical environment surrounding road collisions in Great Britain, using data from OS MasterMap, Earth Observation and CAD drawings.

This will allow the identification of:

• where risks of serious and fatal collisions exist on the road network;
• what type, quantity and severity of incidents are associated with different physical environments; and
• how the existing physical environment could be changed to improve road safety

Such insights can be of value to road and urban designers, giving them a mechanism to assess the road safety risks associated with preliminary designs and how they could be improved, before work begins on the ground.

Digital Director Malcolm Calvert, whose team lead on the bid, said the research will form an important element of the work the SYSTRA Signature Team is doing using AI to understand and address road safety incidents.

“We’re delighted to have received the TRIG funding, and are looking forward to helping improve road safety across the country by using AI to help find innovative solutions that we can offer to clients across a range of new projects,” Malcolm commented.

“AI technology forms a crucial part of analysis, and implementing this type of technology maintains SYSTRA at the cutting edge of safety work for highways and other transport infrastructure. This project forms part of our wider vision to develop a range of digital and AI solutions to the many challenges we face in the transportation sector.”

This project was one of 32 to receive a share of £1.4m from the Department for Transport fund, aimed at driving innovation and revolutionising the UK transport sector.

SYSTRA is focused on providing the digital solutions that make transport safer, more efficient and more cost effective at every stage of development, and ultimately, provide better more resilient infrastructure for the communities that use it every day. Find out more about digital solutions and software development at SYSTRA.

SYSTRA secures place on United Utilities framework to support river quality

SYSTRA has secured a place on a United Utilities framework to help improve river quality across the North West of England.

The engineering firm, which has 13 offices across the UK & Ireland, is now available to be selected to deliver rainwater management and nature-based solutions over the next two asset management periods (2025-2030 and 2030-2035).

The projects within the United Utilities framework are expected to cover a range of a requirements, including rain gardens, green and blue roofs, constructed wetlands, swales and more.

Marc Stedman, Discipline Lead (Water Resources) at SYSTRA, said: “We’re delighted to have secured a place on the United Utilities Specialist Design Development Partners Framework.

“With a wealth of experience in delivering environmental services for major transport and infrastructure projects, our specialists are well-placed to support the North West water company in enhancing river quality across the region and we look forward to getting started on this environmentally important work.”

Jane Simpson, Capital Delivery Director at United Utilities, said: “The specialist design development partners will design natural solutions provided by our engineering teams and partners. We’ll rely on their extensive design expertise to develop future-proof, nature-based innovation, including rainwater management interventions.

“These partners, along with those already appointed, will play an important role in helping to deliver our ambitious proposals.”

The SYSTRA Signature Team brings a wealth of experience in environmental services, including work with Sapphire Utility Solutions for Yorkshire Water, and for Thames Water.

Find out more about how SYSTRA works to support and enhance the environment.

SYSTRA UK & Ireland appoints James Easty as Market Director for Energy

SYSTRA is pleased to announce the appointment of James Easty as Market Director for Energy in the UK & Ireland to help develop and deliver new opportunities in the sector.

An accomplished project manager, James brings a wealth of experience in delivering complex energy sector projects. Throughout his career, he has led energy projects in the defence, security, hydrogen and nuclear industries, and his expertise will be pivotal in driving growth for SYSTRA in the market.

As part of the Business Development team at SYSTRA Ltd, James will work closely with the other market directors – Andrew Dugdale (conventional rail, highways and mass transit), Joe Botterill (high speed rail), and Shirel Stedman (water and environment). Together, they are leading a collaborative approach to delivering innovative, sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions to clients.

Mike Muldoon, Business Development Director at SYSTRA, said: “We are excited to welcome James to the team and look forward to his leadership in this key role. James has an impressive track record across the energy sector, and he joins us at a pivotal time as we consolidate our diverse skillset and experience in planning, designing, and delivering complex projects in highly regulated environments.”

James Easty, Market Director for Energy at SYSTRA, added: “I am thrilled to join SYSTRA to help develop and position our service offer in this exciting and fast-paced sector. The transition from fossil fuels towards net zero requires new ideas and imaginative solutions, and at SYSTRA, I am proud to be part of this exciting and necessary shift.

“There is an incredible amount of talent across the business from planning and feasibility work to detailed design, engineering and delivery. I am confident that we will be supporting many more clients deliver their energy projects as well as guide them through their transition to net zero.”

SYSTRA offers project development and infrastructure design expertise across the energy sector – providing efficient, integrated and sustainable solutions for renewables, energy recovery, and hydrogen infrastructure schemes.

Find out more about our energy market expertise.

SYSTRA appoints Riona Ainge as Sustainability Lead

SYSTRA has appointed Riona Ainge to the newly-formed position of Sustainability Lead to help drive forward it’s work on supporting the environment and enhancing social value.

The role has been created to support SYSTRA to deliver the four key pillars within its sustainability mission; social purpose, climate action, responsible business and environmental stewardship; and Riona starts in position today, 9^th September 2024.

Riona joined SYSTRA four years ago, starting as a Consultant in the Planning and Consents Team on the Main Works Civils Contract for HS2. She was then seconded to the role of Sustainability Manager for the Balfour Beatty Vinci SYSTRA JV, working on the delivery of Old Oak Common Station (OOC).

She is part of the Next Generation Leadership Team (NGLT), sitting alongside other early career professionals to bring new perspectives and challenge to the business, and was a finalist for the Women in Construction and Engineering (WICE) Awards in 2024 and the prestigious Young Railway Professional of the Year 2023.

Riona holds a first-class degree in Geology and Physical Geography from the University of Birmingham, and a Masters in Environmental Management from the University of Nottingham.

David White, Director of Health, Safety, Security & Sustainability at SYSTRA, said: “Riona’s appointment marks a step-change in the future of our sustainability mission at SYSTRA.”

“She brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to this important role, and it is clear she is determined to drive genuine change and momentum across the business. I am very much looking forward to working with her on taking our sustainability mission forward.”

Riona Ainge, Sustainability Lead at SYSTRA, added: “I am delighted to take on this important role for SYSTRA, which aligns with my core values towards enhancing the environment and generating social value in our projects.”

“My first priorities will be establishing our carbon management programme and creating distinct opportunities to deliver meaningful and lasting social value in the communities we serve.”

Find out more about sustainability at SYSTRA.

SYSTRA Ltd is now Disability Confident

The Disability Confident initiative is a UK government scheme that focuses on creating a movement of change, encouraging employers to think differently about disability and to take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people.

Disability Confident employers are recognised as going the extra mile to make sure disabled people get a fair chance. To become Disability Confident (Level 2), SYSTRA have evidenced that they have met the necessary criteria set under the scheme.

The company is incredibly proud to have received Disability Confident status, which aligns well with the end of Disability Pride Month and SYSTRA’s continued efforts to improve inclusivity for all its colleagues, including those with disabilities.

Lou Garrick, Disability ED&I Lead, said – “I am over the moon that we have achieved Disability Confident Level 2. I started the Disability ED&I Lead role earlier this year and my main objective was to make a positive difference to disabled people’s lives and that is exactly what we are doing.  As someone with hidden disabilities, I wanted to make a change to help people fulfil their potential and feel like they belong without feeling judged.”

“I am working with an amazing group of colleagues who have volunteered to support me to achieve the SYSTRA objectives for 2024.”

“We can be proud of our Disability Confident status knowing that we have a voice and that SYSTRA understands the strengths that disabled people bring to the workplace. We are on a journey together.”

Find out more about the Disability Confident employer scheme.

Learn more about equality, inclusion and diversity at SYSTRA.

Read our recent piece on Disability Pride Month – a colleague perspective on accessibility at SYSTRA.

SYSTRA’s water resources and climate resilience experts gain a hat-trick of CIWEM accolades

Three of SYSTRA Ltd’s Signature Team for water and the environment have gained a hat-trick of accolades from professional body the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).

CIWEM is the leading royal chartered professional body dedicated to sustainable management of the environment. It aims to build a global community of water and environmental professionals dedicated to working for the public benefit.

Marc Stedman, Discipline Lead for Water Resources and Climate Resilience at SYSTRA, has been made a Fellow of the institution, and has also gained his Chartership.

Marc is currently leading some of the first overflow sewer designs to address The Environment Act 2021 requirements for the water sector. The Act requires water companies to continuously monitor the quality of the water upstream and downstream of their treatment assets to allow meaningful assessments on relevant local watercourses. With severe weather events happening more regularly, water companies are increasingly in the spotlight to make improvements and protect our built and natural environments.

Dan Peers, Principal Consultant in the Water Resources and Climate Resilience (Flood Risk) team at SYSTRA, has received his Chartership, making him a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager (C.WEM). This marks a significant milestone in his 10+ year career which has so far involved projects that improve contaminated land and surface water. Dan is a strong environmental champion and advocate of industry best practice; he generously gives up his own time to mentor others in the early stages of their career.

Dr Mohsen Ebrahimi, Principal Engineer (Rivers) at SYSTRA, has been made a Fellow of CIWEM, which follows on from being made a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) earlier in 2024. Mohsen is currently leading the SYSTRA team focused on the interaction of HS2 viaducts with rivers and the environment in the West Midlands.

John Oldridge, Practice Director at SYSTRA, said: “We are immensely proud of Marc, Dan and Mohsen who exemplify our values of excellence, bold leadership and connected teams. Their professional achievements and journey to success are impressive and they have been deservedly rewarded for their influential environmental practice.”

“As climate change has put our environment into sharper focus, we are evermore determined to grow and nurture our dedicated team of environmental professionals to help create a strong and resilient future for our planet and our people.”

Marc Stedman (C.WEM, FCIWEM), added: “I have been a proud promoter of CIWEM and the sector for 25 years, so it is an honour to become a Fellow and gain my Chartership, and help shape the global community of water and environmental professionals dedicated to working for the public benefit.”

Dan Peers (C.WEM), added: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive my Chartership from CIWEM. I am so proud of the way our projects bring together multi-discipline teams from across civils, drainage, mechanical, electrical, project management and environmental disciplines to find the best solutions.”

Dr Mohsen Ebrahimi (CEng, C.WEM, FICE, FCIWEM) added: “I am proud to have been named a Fellow of CIWEM, adding to my Fellowship from the Institution of Civil Engineers earlier this year. The dedicated team here at SYSTRA are leading the way in river management and it is a pleasure to work with them to deliver sustainable transport and infrastructure projects.”

Cycle to Work Day 2024 – SYSTRA colleagues embrace active travel

Our work aids public and private sector clients with improving health outcomes, reducing traffic emissions, improving safety and achieving environmental targets.

Over the last few years, our experts have been involved in numerous cycling-related projects, from devising strategies for cycle corridors to producing detailed designs of cycle routes and monitoring their implementation.

Active modes of transport, such as cycling, are an ever-popular choice due to their sustainable nature and obvious health benefits.

Our people are our business, and we make it our business to look after everyone who works for us. We constantly review our benefits and rewards to ensure they reflect what’s important to our colleagues, embracing a culture of openness and collaboration, and actively engaging with colleagues to find out what matters to them. Our tax efficient cycle scheme is just one of the many health and wellbeing benefits we offer to our colleagues.

So, recently we sat down with some of our colleagues to hear directly from them about their love for cycling and why they’re so passionate about active travel.

Ian Ball, a Modeller in our engineering business, cycles every day he goes in to the office, up to 11kms.

Jade Bell Duque, Senior Graphic Designer, said she does not cycle “often enough, but next year my daughter starts preschool so I intend to a lot more”.

Jade says “my round trip is barely four miles, but it cuts my journey down by foot a lot and usually cuts the bus journey down too”.

For Jade, cycling has many benefits, including setting a great example for her daughter, who will in-turn help to preserve the natural environment when she’s old enough to travel independently.

Jade goes on to say that she thinks “more cyclists make a city better and safer, with cleaner air – councils plan and accommodate for cyclists better when more are commuting regularly”.

“If you’re a little bit competitive or your time poor but want to move your body, it really is a serotonin boost when you go faster than the last time, and it’s much more fun and better for the planet than a gym!”

“You can also go further than you could on foot without reliance on a car or public transport.”

Sarah White, Marketing and Communications Manager, said – “I cycle to the station whenever I go to an office for the day, I have a secure bike parking space at my local station.”

Cycling to work is a long way for Sarah – 19.5kms! But, cycling to work saves Sarah a lot of money and time. “The station car park costs over £10 a day. I do walk sometimes, but is takes half an hour, compared to 10 minutes of cycling plus 5 locking it up. It’s also good exercise and is better for the environment than driving.”

Sarah also enjoys cycling in her personal time. “During the weekends I try to cycle at least 20km for fun. My longest ride was the London to Brighton charity ride this June which was 86.3km. I have completed the London to Brighton Bike Ride twice in the last three years.”

You can find out more about our expertise in walking and cycling here.

A UK-first technique used to construct HS2 River Tame West Viaducts

The project is being delivered by HS2’s main works contractor for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) who are constructing 90km of HS2 between Long Itchington in Warwickshire to the centre of Birmingham and on to Staffordshire.

This is the first of nine viaducts that will use this method of construction which uses pre-cast concrete segments produced at an HS2’s bespoke outdoor factory near Lea Marston. The team have recently celebrated producing the 1,000^th segment out of a total 2,742 segments needed to complete the viaducts.

The River Tame West Viaducts carry three rail tracks in total, made up of one single track viaduct and one double-track viaduct.

The two River Tame West Viaducts cross the River Tame near Water Orton and join the Curdworth Box, which will take the new line over the existing Birmingham to Derby railway.

The structure has been under construction since 2023 beginning with the 20 piers to support the viaducts, the first spans of the three-track section were completed in Spring 2024. This first phase involved placing the segments onto two 42 metre truss beams, moving them into place with a skidding trolley, and securing them by post-tensioning techniques.

The giant cantilever structure has been built, using a 22-metre-high mast, including temporary post-tensioning cable stays and a 14-metre-high swivel crane.

The crane lifts and installs one concrete segment into place at a time, to complete each 45-metre span length. The permanent post-tensioning tendons are then stressed to allow the removal of the temporary cable stays, leaving the permanent structure securely in place. The same process is repeated between each pier until all of the spans are complete.

A total of 2,500 concrete segments will be moved into place using this specialist technique. All the deck segments are due to be in place by August 2026. The same process will be used to build a total of nine viaducts in the Delta Junction.

HS2’s Delta Junction is a triangular section of line, enabling trains to travel between London and Birmingham, Birmingham and Manchester, and direct between London and Manchester without stopping at Birmingham. It is made up of embankments, cuttings and a total of 13 viaducts taking high speed tracks over motorways, local roads, existing rail lines, rivers and floodplains. The viaducts include 6 precast segmental viaducts, 4 composite viaducts and 3 low viaducts.

Find out more about our work on HS2 here.

SYSTRA scoops prestigious Network Rail SHELT construction safety award

The entry, titled ‘4D construction planning and visualisation initiative’, showed how the technology is revolutionising safety in railway infrastructure projects by integrating 3D models with project schedules, resulting in 4D planning that allows for the digital rehearsal of complex construction activities.

By visualising each construction stage in a time-sequenced manner, it provides a comprehensive understanding of project timelines, risks and constraints. The core innovation lies in its ability to simulate construction processes before they begin, identifying potential risks and conflicts.

This proactive approach enhances safety by enabling teams to develop and refine strategies to mitigate hazards. Through digital rehearsals and scenario planning, safety concerns can be foreseen and addressed, ensuring all personnel are better prepared for on-site challenges.

Furthermore, the 4D planning tool fosters improved communication and collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that everyone—from designers to contractors – has a clear understanding of the project. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the likelihood of errors that could compromise safety.

Paul Chelin, Principal Digital Engineer at SYSTRA, said: “To receive this SHELT Award for our ground-breaking 4D construction planning and visualisation initiative is a hugely proud moment for us all on the project team and across SYSTRA.”

“This accolade underscores our commitment to pioneering advancements in construction safety and planning, and is testament to the innovative spirit and dedication of our team, who have tirelessly worked to revolutionise how complex construction projects are planned.”

Find out more about our work on TRUe here.

Flexible working brings benefits to company and colleagues

SYSTRA currently supports a range of flexible working arrangements. The case studies below are examples of how flexible working has been implemented for colleagues in a variety of roles throughout the business, and how it has had a positive impact on them.

Throughout our connected teams, we recognise that flexible working can bring benefits to the company and the colleague. Our approach will allow flexible working wherever it is possible for working arrangements to be adapted to suit both personal and organisational circumstances.

Charlotte Woodhall-Jones, Discipline Lead (Ground Engineering), currently has a flexible working pattern and works 24 hours-per-week (60% full time equivalent). This is typically fixed to three full days, working two days in the office to collaborate with, and support, her team.

She initially requested flexible working for childcare purposes but as her children grew older and transitioned to school, she retained a flexible working arrangement to enable a focus on self-care and mental wellbeing.

“With time I have realised that flexible working brings an additional benefit of developing skills to become more effective and collaborative,” Charlotte added.

“You cannot work in isolation when working flexibly, you need support from others to ensure work progresses in your absence.”

“SYSTRA have embraced and supported my flexible working needs.  In addition, I have been overwhelmingly supported in developing a career progression pathway at SYSTRA irrespective of my working pattern; flexible working is not seen as a limitation.”

Charlotte said anyone considering a move to a flexible working pattern should be clear on their underpinning reason for the change and establish soft and hard boundaries.

“This ensures clear and consistent communication for everyone involved; flexible working requires knowledge of what is flexible and what is not.”

Read more about Charlotte’s journey here.

Associate Director (Consultancy) Pete Kidd, has followed a flexible working arrangement for over 20 years.

For Pete, flexible working has been imperative after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a life-long progressive degenerative autoimmune illness that will impact his ability to work throughout the rest of his career.

He said: “Having flexibility to work reduced hours, as well as regularly working from home, has, and will continue to be, critical in me delivering optimum performance in my work.”

“SYSTRA recognise that there might be some ongoing variability and work with me to accommodate these specific needs.”

Read more about Pete’s journey here.

Jenny Taylor, Associate Director (Consultancy), has worked flexibly for 12 years, varying her days and hours as her non-working requirements have changed.

The arrangements have helped her balance a career with childcare responsibilities, while the option to work from home has provided peace of mind when it comes to supporting her family.

“My line managers have always been very supportive of any requests I have made for flexible working, as have colleagues I have worked with, who have been happy to rearrange meetings to fit in with my working hours,” said Jenny.

“Whilst managing intense projects, I’ve required more support from Project Directors to oversee projects on days I’m not working, but for the rest of my work, including proposal management, project direction and staff development, I’ve been able to fit the work within my working hours by planning ahead.”

And Jenny has one simple rule when it comes to managing her flexible hours: “It is very easy to get sucked into working on your days off,” she said.

“So be very strict about not checking emails or Teams when you are working, as five minutes can quickly turn into an hour.”

Read more about Jenny’s journey here.