Network Rail’s Flood Risk Framework: UK Rail Resilience

Network Rail partners with WSP to develop a flood risk management framework, improving resilience against coastal and river threats.

Network Rail’s Flood Risk Framework: UK Rail Resilience
September 20, 2025 3:17 pm
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Introduction

Network Rail and WSP are collaborating to develop a Flood and Coastal Risk Management Framework, aiming to standardize and enhance the understanding of potential risks across the railway network.

Collaboration and Objectives

The partnership between Network Rail and WSP aims to establish a consistent, data-driven approach to risk management. Dr. Kat Ibbotson, Strategic Advisory Director at WSP, stated that the framework will help Network Rail transition from reactive responses to proactive flood and coastal erosion risk management, thereby safeguarding transport assets and contributing to long-term climate adaptation and national resilience.

Partnerships and Data Sharing

In addition to WSP, Network Rail is partnering with MetDesk Ltd for specialist forecasting and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Met Office to facilitate closer sharing of research data and probabilistic forecasting.

Impact of Climate Change

Climate change has led to increased disruption from extreme weather over the last five years. The year 2023/24 was the worst for flooding, with over 1,200 incidents recorded on the railway. Significant disruption also occurred last year due to floods, particularly from Storm Bert.

Historical Context and Current Challenges

Lisa Angus, Network Rail’s industry weather response director, explained that the railway’s construction, dating back 150 to 200 years, often involved routes along rivers or the coast, making it susceptible to flooding. Railway embankments, while not designed as flood defenses, often function as such for communities. The current flood response in the railway industry is decentralized, varying across different regions and train operators, which leads to inconsistent impact management.

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Conclusion

The Flood and Coastal Risk Management Framework, developed in partnership with WSP, seeks to standardize and improve the understanding of potential flood and coastal erosion risks, enhancing the railway’s preparedness and resilience.

Company Summary

Network Rail: A UK-based infrastructure owner and manager of most of the railway network in Great Britain.

WSP: A professional services company that provides engineering and design services.

MetDesk Ltd: A provider of specialist forecasting services.

Met Office: The UK’s national weather service.

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