Andrew Went. C.Eng. MICE; RCEA; MPWI

I have over 30 years’ experience within the Transport and Civil Engineering industry with the last 24 being focused specifically on rail enhancement, maintenance (Metro’s and heavy rail), technical leadership, asset management and major scheme development. I have also worked with Network Rail, HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport (DfT) to identify and develop outputs and technical specification for new infrastructure and rolling stock.

As Rail Business Leader I work with the Arup board to develop, define and set the company’s rail strategy within the UKIMEA. I work closely with industry leaders to understand the challenging operational and asset renewal demands within the UK. The experience I have gained over the last 24 years from maintaining and renewing the UK rail assets, through to heading the technical delivery of a number of strategically important rail investments (HS2 Ltd & WCML Upgrades) gives me a unique insight into the challenges faced within the UK market.

Furthermore, as a key part of Arup’s Global Rail Directorate I lead on setting the strategy and direction for Arup’s High-Speed Rail offering. Working closely with industry leads, Universities and Government officials my focus is on developing an approach to integrate High Speed Rail/Higher speed rail, conventional rail systems projects and schemes to deliver a seamless journey experience.

Between 2009 and 2015, I was the Head of Route & Station Engineering at HS2 Ltd, working for the UK’s Department for Transport and was actively involved in the development of the proposed High-Speed Rail network, working closely with Ministers, central and devolved government departments, local authorities, action groups and Network Rail.

As an industry lead in track and wider system engineering, I was seconded into HS2 Ltd to examine, develop and lead the delivery of route and station options through Phase 1 and subsequently Phase 2. Working closely with the DfT and industry colleagues in Europe, I have evaluated UK, European and Global rail standards and developed the initial HS2 Ltd rail system technical, operational, safety and maintenance specification as well as delivering the route and station design for HS2 to Birmingham and the West Coast Main Line.

Through this work I provided engineering and rail operation/maintenance knowledge to Government Ministers, HS2 Ltd Board members, and industry leaders as well as providing guidance to key external stakeholders as to the deliverability and integration of high speed, conventional rail and light rail transport solutions. This ensured that the maintainability and operations models were fully integrated into the resultant specification.

I have acted in senior positions client and contractor side and have a unique understanding of scheme development and inception. Professionally I am a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, The Railway Civil Engineering Association (RCEA) and a Member of the Permanent Way Institute (MPWI)