Rail Asset Protection · Network Rail & TfL

Built for the
railway
boundary.

Redwell manages the asset protection interface for third-party construction projects — coordinating engagement with Network Rail and Transport for London, facilitating Asset Protection Agreements, and supporting the quality and completeness of all submissions through to final authority acceptance.

Access client portal Our services
6
Active sites
NR
Network Rail
TfL
London Underground

Authority interfaces

ASSET
PROTECTION

NR Network Rail Asset Protection & Optimisation
TfL Transport for London Infrastructure Protection — Outside Party
ET Edinburgh Trams Authority to Work — Permit+ portal

Active projects

Centreway · Ilford Centenary Plaza · Birmingham Lockhouse · Camden Ironworks · Edinburgh Tradewinds · Edinburgh Kings Tower · Chelmsford

What we do

End-to-end asset protection management

From first engagement with Network Rail or TfL's Infrastructure Protection team through to final close-out, Redwell manages every stage of the asset protection process on your behalf.

01

Asset Protection Agreements

We act as your primary interface with Network Rail and TfL — coordinating the establishment of Basic Asset Protection Agreements (BAPA) and full Asset Protection Agreements (APA), and navigating the administrative and procedural requirements of both authorities on your behalf. Redwell does not provide legal advice; legal matters are referred to qualified advisors.

BAPA · APA · NR & TfL
02

Design & Methodology Submissions

Coordination, pre-submission review and submission management of all required documentation — including Form 1, Form 2, Form 3 design certificates, RAMS, Emergency Preparedness Plans, Construction Phase Plans and Logistics Plans. Redwell reviews documents for completeness and compliance with authority format requirements before issue; design content and structural adequacy remain the responsibility of the appointed designer and checker.

Form 1 · Form 2 · RAMS
03

Programme & Response Tracking

Network Rail operates on strict 25 working day review periods; TfL's Infrastructure Protection team has its own review timelines. We track every live submission, chase authority responses approaching deadline, and coordinate resubmissions — keeping your programme on track and ensuring nothing is missed in the authority interface.

25WD tracking · Reporting
04

Temporary Works Assurance

Coordination of temporary works submission management adjacent to rail infrastructure — pile mats, tower crane bases, scaffolding, slipform rigs and falsework. Redwell facilitates submission to Network Rail and TfL and reviews documents for format and procedural compliance. Temporary works design, checking and approval remain the responsibility of the appointed Temporary Works Designer, Checker and Coordinator in accordance with BS5975.

TW · Crane · Piling · CDM
05

Outside Party & Third Party Works

Full coordination of the TfL Infrastructure Protection Outside Party process for development projects near London Underground, DLR and Overground infrastructure — managing the submission interface, tracking review responses and facilitating monitoring obligation compliance. Design review and risk assessment content remain the responsibility of the appointed designers.

TfL IP · Outside Party · LU
06

Client Progress Portal

Real-time visibility of your submission programme through our secure client portal — live status on every document, authority response deadlines, review outcomes and overall programme progress across both Network Rail and TfL.

Live tracking · Reporting

Agreement types

Which agreement does your project need?

Network Rail operates a suite of eight Template Agreements approved by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The agreement type is determined by who is delivering the works, the scale and complexity of the project, and the PACE phase. Redwell guides clients and contractors through agreement selection, negotiation and management from the outset.

Agreement selection — customer-led works (BAPA / APA)

Step 1

Is the customer delivering the works themselves?

→ Yes: proceed to Step 2

Step 2

Are the works straightforward with low risk to the network — secondary routes, few or no possessions?

→ Yes: BAPA · No: APA

Step 3 — BAPA

Basic Asset Protection Agreement. Simple, straightforward, low-risk customer-led works. NR facilitates through asset protection. Covers PACE A to Phase 4.

NRF: 5% · IRF: 1%

Step 3 — APA

Asset Protection Agreement. Customer-led works on controlled railway infrastructure. NR manages interfaces with operating, maintenance and renewal obligations. PACE A to Phase 4.

NRF: 7.5% · IRF: 1%

BAPA Basic Asset Protection Agreement

Straightforward, low-risk customer-led works

The BAPA is the most common agreement for third-party construction projects adjacent to the railway. Network Rail facilitates the project through asset protection — attending meetings, overseeing interfaces and booking possessions. The business case and delivery risk sit with the customer. Design and construction risks transfer to the contractor.

  • —Customer delivers and funds the works
  • —Works present low risk to the network (secondary routes, limited possessions)
  • —NR provides asset protection services: meetings, network oversight, possessions
  • —Includes service level obligations — NR responds to submissions within 25 working days
  • —Covers PACE Phases A through to Phase 4

Network Rail Fee

5% of NR costs

Industry Risk Fee

1% of total project cost

APA Asset Protection Agreement

Complex customer-led works on controlled infrastructure

The APA is used where works are more complex — main lines, multiple possessions, significant interface with NR operating and maintenance obligations. Network Rail manages the interface with its own O&M programme and provides engineering safety management approvals, asset information, possessions, consents, and site oversight. Redwell coordinates the full APA submission programme on the customer's behalf, supporting document quality and authority interface management.

  • —Customer delivers and funds the works
  • —Works on or adjacent to main line infrastructure with active O&M interface
  • —NR provides: engineering safety management approvals, asset information, possessions, consents, oversight
  • —Industry Risk Fund covers low-probability rail-specific risks: cancelled possessions, mandatory variations, network changes
  • —Covers PACE Phases A through to Phase 4

Network Rail Fee

7.5% of NR costs

Industry Risk Fee

1% of total project cost

Risk Fund mechanism

The Template Agreements operate two Risk Funds approved by the ORR: the Network Rail Fee Fund (covering NR breach and negligence) and the Industry Risk Fund (covering low-probability rail-specific events outside either party's control). The funds are pooled and non-refundable contributions are made at agreement commencement as part of the first invoice.

Industry risks covered include: cancelled or altered possessions, mandatory variations arising from changes in railway law or safety standards, network or station changes, and impact of interfacing projects. Claims above £10,000 are recoverable from the Industry Risk Fund. Neither party claims directly against the fund — claims are lodged against NR, who recovers internally.

NR service level obligations (BAPA & APA)

Initial response

Within 5 working days of first contact — written response with relevant contact

Secondary contact

Within 15 working days — engagement at appropriate level of expertise

Design submission response

25 working days from receipt — for critical path design data

Programme response

Within 10 working days of receipt of implementation programme

Possession confirmation

Within 20 working days of completing consultation on proposed possession plan

Source: NR Guide to Template Agreements Sept 2019 updated Jan 2022

The authorities

Network Rail & Transport for London

Both authorities operate distinct asset protection processes with different requirements, review periods, and documentation standards. Redwell is experienced in managing both simultaneously.

Network Rail

Asset Protection & Optimisation

Network Rail's Asset Protection & Optimisation team manages third-party works on or near the national rail network. Any development within the rail boundary requires engagement with the local asset protection team, a formal agreement, and submission of designs and construction methodologies for acceptance prior to works commencing.

  • Basic Asset Protection Agreement (BAPA) or full APA required
  • 25 working day standard review period for all submissions
  • Form 1 / Form 2 / Form 3 design submission process
  • RAMS required for all construction activities near the railway
  • Ground Movement Assessments and monitoring obligations
  • All crane and piling proposals reviewed against NR standards and BS7121
  • Letter of non-objection required before works commence
Transport for London

Infrastructure Protection — Outside Party

TfL's Infrastructure Protection (IP) team manages works by Outside Parties on or near London Underground, DLR, London Overground and other TfL assets. Many TfL structures are below ground and boundaries are not always obvious — early engagement is essential for any development in central or inner London.

  • Outside Party process initiated via TfL Infrastructure Protection team
  • Design and construction methodology review by LU engineers
  • Risk assessments and method statements submitted for acceptance
  • Monitoring of TfL structures throughout construction period
  • Applicable to works near LU tunnels, stations, shafts and surface assets
  • DLR and London Overground assets subject to the same process
  • TfL S1023 Infrastructure Protection standard compliance required
Edinburgh Trams

Authority to Work — Outside Party Process

Edinburgh Trams (ET) is the Duty Holder for the Edinburgh Tram Network under ROGS. Any work on or near the tramway — including scaffolding, hoists, cranes, MEWPs, excavation and façade access — requires a formal Authority to Work (AtW) issued via the Permit+ online portal before work commences. The AtW process operates independently of and in addition to any Network Rail, CEC or other consents. Redwell coordinates the AtW submission interface and supports document quality for Permit+ applications on behalf of contractors working near the Edinburgh tram network.

  • AtW required for all work within the Red Hazard Zone — Red: requires prior authorisation; Amber: may require authorisation; Green: no authorisation normally required
  • Minimum 21 calendar days' notice required for planned works via Permit+ portal (edinburghtrams.permitplus.app)
  • All AtW applications must include Risk Assessment, Method Statement and where applicable Traffic/Pedestrian Management Plan
  • Scaffolding or crane erection within 5m of nearest tram rail or overhead wires requires authorisation
  • MEWPs, hoists and cherry pickers — authorisation required if any part of equipment could enter the Hazard Zone
  • OLE (Overhead Line Equipment) at 750v DC — must be assumed live at all times; metallic structures (including scaffold and HERAS fencing) near OLE may require earthing
  • Hot Work Permit required for any work generating flame, heat or sparks within 10m of depot building, substation, tram or tram stop
  • Intrusive works impacting tram operations may be refused or deferred by Edinburgh Trams — early engagement essential
  • Works requiring OLE isolation: applicant must visit tram depot to sign onto isolation certificate; confirmation from ET Control Room (0131 622 8910) required before works start
  • Edinburgh Trams may charge £75 for site meetings requested by the applicant

How it works

From enquiry
to acceptance.

01
Initial authority engagement
We contact Network Rail or TfL Infrastructure Protection on your behalf, submit the initial project questionnaire and establish which agreement type and review process your works require.
02
Agreement setup
BAPA, full APA, or TfL Outside Party agreement established. Risk profiles agreed, monitoring obligations set, and submission schedule aligned with your design and construction programme.
03
Document review
All RAMS, design submissions and methodology documents reviewed by Redwell before issue — checking format compliance, completeness and authority-standard wording for both NR and TfL requirements.
04
Submission & tracking
Documents issued to the relevant authority with formal transmittals. All review periods tracked. Comments managed and resubmissions coordinated until formal acceptance is obtained.
05
Close-out
Final as-built drawings, handover documentation and O&M data issued to the authority. Agreement formally closed, letter of non-objection or acceptance obtained before site hand-back.
CRE

05 Contractor's Resident Engineer

Engineering management
under NR/L2/RSE/02009

All construction works on or adjacent to Network Rail infrastructure require formal engineering management roles to be appointed and accepted by NR under standard NR/L2/RSE/02009. Where required by the contractor's appointment and competence framework, Redwell provides the Contractor's Engineering Manager (CEM) and Contractor's Responsible Engineer (CRE) functions for civil discipline asset protection submissions.

Form F0039 NR/L2/RSE/02009

Contractor's Engineering Manager

CEM — Appointed by the Designated Project Engineer

The CEM holds overall engineering management accountability for the contractor organisation on a project or programme. Appointed by NR's Designated Project Engineer (DPE) and confirmed against competence standard CEM01, the CEM is the senior engineering point of contact between the contractor and Network Rail for all technical matters.

  • —Assess and appoint all CREs working under the contract
  • —Ensure engineering management procedures comply with NR/L2/RSE/02009 Clause 7
  • —Brief all CREs on scope, responsibilities and workload
  • —Hold Professional Engineer Registration (EngTech / IEng / CEng or equivalent)
  • —Review CEM appointment at each significant change in project scope
  • —Provide immediate escalation for safety-critical issues

Sign-off chain

DPE accepts nominee → CEM signs declaration of competence → NR Project Manager acknowledges & endorses

Form F0040 NR/L2/RSE/02009

Contractor's Responsible Engineer

CRE — Appointed by the CEM, reviewed by NR Project Engineer

The CRE is the named engineer responsible for design and/or construction on a specific contract or discipline. Appointed by the CEM and reviewed by NR's Discipline Project Engineer (DPE), the CRE is authorised to sign all engineering deliverables under NR/L2/RSE/02009 and is accountable for ensuring those deliverables meet both the contract requirements and NR's technical standards.

  • —Sign and take technical ownership of all engineering deliverables for the contract
  • —Confirm deliverables satisfy contract requirements and NR/L2/RSE/02009
  • —Assess and appoint all design engineers working under the contract
  • —Manage design and construction integration in accordance with Clause 7
  • —Undertake or oversee the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) role where required under BS5975
  • —Escalate safety-critical issues immediately and take urgent action when required

Sign-off chain

CEM assesses & appoints → CRE signs declaration → NR Project Engineer (Discipline) reviews → Designated Project Engineer accepts

CRE appointment scope — what must be declared at appointment

Responsibilities

Design — Yes / No
Construction — Yes / No
Both — declared separately

Temporary works

TWC role required — Yes / No
CRE undertaking TWC role — Yes / No / N/A
If not CRE: TWC named separately

Competence

Must meet CRE01 performance requirements (NR/L2/RSE/02009/01 Annex B.6)
Oracle competence profile or equivalent accepted

Review cadence

Appointment reviewed at each significant scope change
Up to 3 formal review records on F0040
CEM + CRE + NR PE (Discipline) sign each review

Redwell as your CRE

Design & construction — civil discipline

Where contractors require a CRE for civil works adjacent to Network Rail infrastructure and do not have an in-house appointment meeting the CRE01 competence requirements, Redwell can provide that function under NR/L2/RSE/02009 — supporting the quality and procedural compliance of engineering deliverables for submission to NR, coordinating the temporary works interface under BS5975, and maintaining the appointment through all formal review points. Engineering design content and structural adequacy are the responsibility of the appointed designer and checker; Redwell's CRE role is focused on the submission interface and procedural compliance.

Track your
submissions.

Log in to view the live status of every asset protection submission on your project — response deadlines, review outcomes and overall programme progress across both Network Rail and TfL.

DOE duties

Structural & track monitoring management

The Duty Operations Engineer (DOE) role is central to every asset protection agreement. Redwell provides experienced DOEs who manage the full monitoring interface on behalf of contractors throughout the construction programme.

01

Automatic monitoring oversight

The DOE coordinates the automatic monitoring interface from installation and baselining through to completion. Weekly reports issued by the monitoring contractor are reviewed by the DOE against the trigger thresholds established in the accepted EPP for all assets — NR tracks (UP and DOWN), disused platforms, OHLE stanchions and building facades. Monitoring instrument design and installation are carried out by the appointed specialist monitoring contractor.

Track · Platform · OHLE · Facade
02

Trigger management & escalation

On breach of any trigger threshold, the DOE reviews the alert against monitoring data, communicates with the NR Fault Control Centre within the required timescales stated in the accepted EPP (Amber: 24hrs, Red: 12hrs, Black: 6hrs), convenes the Engineering Review Panel and coordinates the required reports and close-out documentation. Structural interpretation and remediation decisions are made in conjunction with the project designer and NR.

Green · Amber · Red · Black
03

Engineering Review Panel

The DOE assembles and chairs the Engineering Review Panel (ERP) — drawing together representatives from the contractor, designer, building and track monitoring contractors, NR (CM, SPM, TME, ATME, PTO) and the client. For Red triggers, the ERP is convened within 12 hours and can be conducted by conference call. The DOE coordinates actions, mitigation measures and close-out.

ERP · Mitigation · Close-out
04

EPP preparation & maintenance

Redwell coordinates the preparation, review and maintenance of the Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) throughout the works — incorporating NR comments at each revision, coordinating updates to monitoring trigger thresholds with the project designer, maintaining the Emergency Communications Directory, and ensuring all appendices are current and complete before resubmission to NR.

EPP · NR/L2/CIV177 · NR comments

Trigger levels — structural assets (reference)

Disused platform

● Green <±5mm
● Amber ±5–10mm
● Red >±10mm

OHLE stanchions

● Green <±4mm
● Amber ±4–6mm
● Red >±6mm

Facade tilt meters

● Green <1mm/m
● Amber 1–2mm/m
● Red >2mm

Facade settlement

● Green <10mm
● Amber 20–30mm
● Red >30mm

Reference: NR/L2/CIV177 — Monitoring Track over or Adjacent to Building & Civil Engineering Works

initial-scale=1.0"> Redwell — Rail Asset Protection Consultants

Rail Asset Protection · Network Rail & TfL

Built for the
railway
boundary.

Redwell manages the asset protection interface for third-party construction projects — coordinating engagement with Network Rail and Transport for London, facilitating Asset Protection Agreements, and supporting the quality and completeness of all submissions through to final authority acceptance.

Access client portal Our services
6
Active sites
NR
Network Rail
TfL
London Underground

Authority interfaces

ASSET
PROTECTION

NR Network Rail Asset Protection & Optimisation
TfL Transport for London Infrastructure Protection — Outside Party
ET Edinburgh Trams Authority to Work — Permit+ portal

Active projects

Centreway · Ilford Centenary Plaza · Birmingham Lockhouse · Camden Ironworks · Edinburgh Tradewinds · Edinburgh Kings Tower · Chelmsford

What we do

End-to-end asset protection management

From first engagement with Network Rail or TfL's Infrastructure Protection team through to final close-out, Redwell manages every stage of the asset protection process on your behalf.

01

Asset Protection Agreements

We act as your primary interface with Network Rail and TfL — coordinating the establishment of Basic Asset Protection Agreements (BAPA) and full Asset Protection Agreements (APA), and navigating the administrative and procedural requirements of both authorities on your behalf. Redwell does not provide legal advice; legal matters are referred to qualified advisors.

BAPA · APA · NR & TfL
02

Design & Methodology Submissions

Coordination, pre-submission review and submission management of all required documentation — including Form 1, Form 2, Form 3 design certificates, RAMS, Emergency Preparedness Plans, Construction Phase Plans and Logistics Plans. Redwell reviews documents for completeness and compliance with authority format requirements before issue; design content and structural adequacy remain the responsibility of the appointed designer and checker.

Form 1 · Form 2 · RAMS
03

Programme & Response Tracking

Network Rail operates on strict 25 working day review periods; TfL's Infrastructure Protection team has its own review timelines. We track every live submission, chase authority responses approaching deadline, and coordinate resubmissions — keeping your programme on track and ensuring nothing is missed in the authority interface.

25WD tracking · Reporting
04

Temporary Works Assurance

Coordination of temporary works submission management adjacent to rail infrastructure — pile mats, tower crane bases, scaffolding, slipform rigs and falsework. Redwell facilitates submission to Network Rail and TfL and reviews documents for format and procedural compliance. Temporary works design, checking and approval remain the responsibility of the appointed Temporary Works Designer, Checker and Coordinator in accordance with BS5975.

TW · Crane · Piling · CDM
05

Outside Party & Third Party Works

Full coordination of the TfL Infrastructure Protection Outside Party process for development projects near London Underground, DLR and Overground infrastructure — managing the submission interface, tracking review responses and facilitating monitoring obligation compliance. Design review and risk assessment content remain the responsibility of the appointed designers.

TfL IP · Outside Party · LU
06

Client Progress Portal

Real-time visibility of your submission programme through our secure client portal — live status on every document, authority response deadlines, review outcomes and overall programme progress across both Network Rail and TfL.

Live tracking · Reporting

Agreement types

Which agreement does your project need?

Network Rail operates a suite of eight Template Agreements approved by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The agreement type is determined by who is delivering the works, the scale and complexity of the project, and the PACE phase. Redwell guides clients and contractors through agreement selection, negotiation and management from the outset.

Agreement selection — customer-led works (BAPA / APA)

Step 1

Is the customer delivering the works themselves?

→ Yes: proceed to Step 2

Step 2

Are the works straightforward with low risk to the network — secondary routes, few or no possessions?

→ Yes: BAPA · No: APA

Step 3 — BAPA

Basic Asset Protection Agreement. Simple, straightforward, low-risk customer-led works. NR facilitates through asset protection. Covers PACE A to Phase 4.

NRF: 5% · IRF: 1%

Step 3 — APA

Asset Protection Agreement. Customer-led works on controlled railway infrastructure. NR manages interfaces with operating, maintenance and renewal obligations. PACE A to Phase 4.

NRF: 7.5% · IRF: 1%

BAPA Basic Asset Protection Agreement

Straightforward, low-risk customer-led works

The BAPA is the most common agreement for third-party construction projects adjacent to the railway. Network Rail facilitates the project through asset protection — attending meetings, overseeing interfaces and booking possessions. The business case and delivery risk sit with the customer. Design and construction risks transfer to the contractor.

  • —Customer delivers and funds the works
  • —Works present low risk to the network (secondary routes, limited possessions)
  • —NR provides asset protection services: meetings, network oversight, possessions
  • —Includes service level obligations — NR responds to submissions within 25 working days
  • —Covers PACE Phases A through to Phase 4

Network Rail Fee

5% of NR costs

Industry Risk Fee

1% of total project cost

APA Asset Protection Agreement

Complex customer-led works on controlled infrastructure

The APA is used where works are more complex — main lines, multiple possessions, significant interface with NR operating and maintenance obligations. Network Rail manages the interface with its own O&M programme and provides engineering safety management approvals, asset information, possessions, consents, and site oversight. Redwell coordinates the full APA submission programme on the customer's behalf, supporting document quality and authority interface management.

  • —Customer delivers and funds the works
  • —Works on or adjacent to main line infrastructure with active O&M interface
  • —NR provides: engineering safety management approvals, asset information, possessions, consents, oversight
  • —Industry Risk Fund covers low-probability rail-specific risks: cancelled possessions, mandatory variations, network changes
  • —Covers PACE Phases A through to Phase 4

Network Rail Fee

7.5% of NR costs

Industry Risk Fee

1% of total project cost

Risk Fund mechanism

The Template Agreements operate two Risk Funds approved by the ORR: the Network Rail Fee Fund (covering NR breach and negligence) and the Industry Risk Fund (covering low-probability rail-specific events outside either party's control). The funds are pooled and non-refundable contributions are made at agreement commencement as part of the first invoice.

Industry risks covered include: cancelled or altered possessions, mandatory variations arising from changes in railway law or safety standards, network or station changes, and impact of interfacing projects. Claims above £10,000 are recoverable from the Industry Risk Fund. Neither party claims directly against the fund — claims are lodged against NR, who recovers internally.

NR service level obligations (BAPA & APA)

Initial response

Within 5 working days of first contact — written response with relevant contact

Secondary contact

Within 15 working days — engagement at appropriate level of expertise

Design submission response

25 working days from receipt — for critical path design data

Programme response

Within 10 working days of receipt of implementation programme

Possession confirmation

Within 20 working days of completing consultation on proposed possession plan

Source: NR Guide to Template Agreements Sept 2019 updated Jan 2022

The authorities

Network Rail & Transport for London

Both authorities operate distinct asset protection processes with different requirements, review periods, and documentation standards. Redwell is experienced in managing both simultaneously.

Network Rail

Asset Protection & Optimisation

Network Rail's Asset Protection & Optimisation team manages third-party works on or near the national rail network. Any development within the rail boundary requires engagement with the local asset protection team, a formal agreement, and submission of designs and construction methodologies for acceptance prior to works commencing.

  • Basic Asset Protection Agreement (BAPA) or full APA required
  • 25 working day standard review period for all submissions
  • Form 1 / Form 2 / Form 3 design submission process
  • RAMS required for all construction activities near the railway
  • Ground Movement Assessments and monitoring obligations
  • All crane and piling proposals reviewed against NR standards and BS7121
  • Letter of non-objection required before works commence
Transport for London

Infrastructure Protection — Outside Party

TfL's Infrastructure Protection (IP) team manages works by Outside Parties on or near London Underground, DLR, London Overground and other TfL assets. Many TfL structures are below ground and boundaries are not always obvious — early engagement is essential for any development in central or inner London.

  • Outside Party process initiated via TfL Infrastructure Protection team
  • Design and construction methodology review by LU engineers
  • Risk assessments and method statements submitted for acceptance
  • Monitoring of TfL structures throughout construction period
  • Applicable to works near LU tunnels, stations, shafts and surface assets
  • DLR and London Overground assets subject to the same process
  • TfL S1023 Infrastructure Protection standard compliance required
Edinburgh Trams

Authority to Work — Outside Party Process

Edinburgh Trams (ET) is the Duty Holder for the Edinburgh Tram Network under ROGS. Any work on or near the tramway — including scaffolding, hoists, cranes, MEWPs, excavation and façade access — requires a formal Authority to Work (AtW) issued via the Permit+ online portal before work commences. The AtW process operates independently of and in addition to any Network Rail, CEC or other consents. Redwell coordinates the AtW submission interface and supports document quality for Permit+ applications on behalf of contractors working near the Edinburgh tram network.

  • AtW required for all work within the Red Hazard Zone — Red: requires prior authorisation; Amber: may require authorisation; Green: no authorisation normally required
  • Minimum 21 calendar days' notice required for planned works via Permit+ portal (edinburghtrams.permitplus.app)
  • All AtW applications must include Risk Assessment, Method Statement and where applicable Traffic/Pedestrian Management Plan
  • Scaffolding or crane erection within 5m of nearest tram rail or overhead wires requires authorisation
  • MEWPs, hoists and cherry pickers — authorisation required if any part of equipment could enter the Hazard Zone
  • OLE (Overhead Line Equipment) at 750v DC — must be assumed live at all times; metallic structures (including scaffold and HERAS fencing) near OLE may require earthing
  • Hot Work Permit required for any work generating flame, heat or sparks within 10m of depot building, substation, tram or tram stop
  • Intrusive works impacting tram operations may be refused or deferred by Edinburgh Trams — early engagement essential
  • Works requiring OLE isolation: applicant must visit tram depot to sign onto isolation certificate; confirmation from ET Control Room (0131 622 8910) required before works start
  • Edinburgh Trams may charge £75 for site meetings requested by the applicant

How it works

From enquiry
to acceptance.

01
Initial authority engagement
We contact Network Rail or TfL Infrastructure Protection on your behalf, submit the initial project questionnaire and establish which agreement type and review process your works require.
02
Agreement setup
BAPA, full APA, or TfL Outside Party agreement established. Risk profiles agreed, monitoring obligations set, and submission schedule aligned with your design and construction programme.
03
Document review
All RAMS, design submissions and methodology documents reviewed by Redwell before issue — checking format compliance, completeness and authority-standard wording for both NR and TfL requirements.
04
Submission & tracking
Documents issued to the relevant authority with formal transmittals. All review periods tracked. Comments managed and resubmissions coordinated until formal acceptance is obtained.
05
Close-out
Final as-built drawings, handover documentation and O&M data issued to the authority. Agreement formally closed, letter of non-objection or acceptance obtained before site hand-back.
CRE

05 Contractor's Resident Engineer

Engineering management
under NR/L2/RSE/02009

All construction works on or adjacent to Network Rail infrastructure require formal engineering management roles to be appointed and accepted by NR under standard NR/L2/RSE/02009. Where required by the contractor's appointment and competence framework, Redwell provides the Contractor's Engineering Manager (CEM) and Contractor's Responsible Engineer (CRE) functions for civil discipline asset protection submissions.

Form F0039 NR/L2/RSE/02009

Contractor's Engineering Manager

CEM — Appointed by the Designated Project Engineer

The CEM holds overall engineering management accountability for the contractor organisation on a project or programme. Appointed by NR's Designated Project Engineer (DPE) and confirmed against competence standard CEM01, the CEM is the senior engineering point of contact between the contractor and Network Rail for all technical matters.

  • —Assess and appoint all CREs working under the contract
  • —Ensure engineering management procedures comply with NR/L2/RSE/02009 Clause 7
  • —Brief all CREs on scope, responsibilities and workload
  • —Hold Professional Engineer Registration (EngTech / IEng / CEng or equivalent)
  • —Review CEM appointment at each significant change in project scope
  • —Provide immediate escalation for safety-critical issues

Sign-off chain

DPE accepts nominee → CEM signs declaration of competence → NR Project Manager acknowledges & endorses

Form F0040 NR/L2/RSE/02009

Contractor's Responsible Engineer

CRE — Appointed by the CEM, reviewed by NR Project Engineer

The CRE is the named engineer responsible for design and/or construction on a specific contract or discipline. Appointed by the CEM and reviewed by NR's Discipline Project Engineer (DPE), the CRE is authorised to sign all engineering deliverables under NR/L2/RSE/02009 and is accountable for ensuring those deliverables meet both the contract requirements and NR's technical standards.

  • —Sign and take technical ownership of all engineering deliverables for the contract
  • —Confirm deliverables satisfy contract requirements and NR/L2/RSE/02009
  • —Assess and appoint all design engineers working under the contract
  • —Manage design and construction integration in accordance with Clause 7
  • —Undertake or oversee the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) role where required under BS5975
  • —Escalate safety-critical issues immediately and take urgent action when required

Sign-off chain

CEM assesses & appoints → CRE signs declaration → NR Project Engineer (Discipline) reviews → Designated Project Engineer accepts

CRE appointment scope — what must be declared at appointment

Responsibilities

Design — Yes / No
Construction — Yes / No
Both — declared separately

Temporary works

TWC role required — Yes / No
CRE undertaking TWC role — Yes / No / N/A
If not CRE: TWC named separately

Competence

Must meet CRE01 performance requirements (NR/L2/RSE/02009/01 Annex B.6)
Oracle competence profile or equivalent accepted

Review cadence

Appointment reviewed at each significant scope change
Up to 3 formal review records on F0040
CEM + CRE + NR PE (Discipline) sign each review

Redwell as your CRE

Design & construction — civil discipline

Where contractors require a CRE for civil works adjacent to Network Rail infrastructure and do not have an in-house appointment meeting the CRE01 competence requirements, Redwell can provide that function under NR/L2/RSE/02009 — supporting the quality and procedural compliance of engineering deliverables for submission to NR, coordinating the temporary works interface under BS5975, and maintaining the appointment through all formal review points. Engineering design content and structural adequacy are the responsibility of the appointed designer and checker; Redwell's CRE role is focused on the submission interface and procedural compliance.

Track your
submissions.

Log in to view the live status of every asset protection submission on your project — response deadlines, review outcomes and overall programme progress across both Network Rail and TfL.

DOE duties

Structural & track monitoring management

The Duty Operations Engineer (DOE) role is central to every asset protection agreement. Redwell provides experienced DOEs who manage the full monitoring interface on behalf of contractors throughout the construction programme.

01

Automatic monitoring oversight

The DOE coordinates the automatic monitoring interface from installation and baselining through to completion. Weekly reports issued by the monitoring contractor are reviewed by the DOE against the trigger thresholds established in the accepted EPP for all assets — NR tracks (UP and DOWN), disused platforms, OHLE stanchions and building facades. Monitoring instrument design and installation are carried out by the appointed specialist monitoring contractor.

Track · Platform · OHLE · Facade
02

Trigger management & escalation

On breach of any trigger threshold, the DOE reviews the alert against monitoring data, communicates with the NR Fault Control Centre within the required timescales stated in the accepted EPP (Amber: 24hrs, Red: 12hrs, Black: 6hrs), convenes the Engineering Review Panel and coordinates the required reports and close-out documentation. Structural interpretation and remediation decisions are made in conjunction with the project designer and NR.

Green · Amber · Red · Black
03

Engineering Review Panel

The DOE assembles and chairs the Engineering Review Panel (ERP) — drawing together representatives from the contractor, designer, building and track monitoring contractors, NR (CM, SPM, TME, ATME, PTO) and the client. For Red triggers, the ERP is convened within 12 hours and can be conducted by conference call. The DOE coordinates actions, mitigation measures and close-out.

ERP · Mitigation · Close-out
04

EPP preparation & maintenance

Redwell coordinates the preparation, review and maintenance of the Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) throughout the works — incorporating NR comments at each revision, coordinating updates to monitoring trigger thresholds with the project designer, maintaining the Emergency Communications Directory, and ensuring all appendices are current and complete before resubmission to NR.

EPP · NR/L2/CIV177 · NR comments

Trigger levels — structural assets (reference)

Disused platform

● Green <±5mm
● Amber ±5–10mm
● Red >±10mm

OHLE stanchions

● Green <±4mm
● Amber ±4–6mm
● Red >±6mm

Facade tilt meters

● Green <1mm/m
● Amber 1–2mm/m
● Red >2mm

Facade settlement

● Green <10mm
● Amber 20–30mm
● Red >30mm

Reference: NR/L2/CIV177 — Monitoring Track over or Adjacent to Building & Civil Engineering Works