Central Rail Systems Alliance

Markets

Transportation
Location

North-West, North-East & Midlands
Client

Network Rail
Collaborators

Network Rail, Balfour Beatty, TSO
Completion date

2029

Campbell Gibson

Senior Advisor, External Relations, London contact form+44 7825 074315

The Central Rail Systems Alliance (CRSA) is a fully integrated delivery organisation tasked with modernising and enhancing the UK’s strategically vital rail network in the Eastern and Northwest & Central regions.

The CRSA is a 10-year alliance between AtkinsRéalis, Network Rail, Balfour Beatty and TSO, delivering an ambitious programme of rail systems renewals and enhancements across strategically important routes in the North-West, North-East & Midlands. Covering conception through to construction and handover, CRSA leverages its collaborative model and partner strengths to accelerate delivery and drive efficiency.

As the alliance’s multidisciplinary design partner, AtkinsRéalis brings its expertise in systems integration, design innovation, and collaborative delivery.

Our work includes a wide range of elements from track, signalling, overhead line, electrical and power, civils to environmental and drainage. AtkinsRéalis leads the development of cutting-edge engineering and design solutions in the alliance, constantly seeking ways to optimise programme and project delivery to deliver for rail’s end users - its passengers.

Collaboration at scale

CRSA fosters a culture of collaboration and joint accountability by aligning incentives and working towards shared goals.

AtkinsRéalis spearheads the alliance’s design efforts by integrating expertise across diverse disciplines. This unified approach ensures seamless, innovative solutions to address the complex, interconnected challenges of modern rail infrastructure. In addition, AtkinsRéalis is leading the alliance on Minimum Viable Product (MVP), ensuring what is specified and designed provides the required output with the best value for money.

Delivering excellence, always

There have been many outstanding successes during the first years of CRSA’s decade-long programme, including:

At London’s iconic King’s Cross station, CRSA simplified the approach track layout, renewing ageing infrastructure to improve reliability and capacity. By activating dormant infrastructure and installing bespoke slab track solutions, the project enhanced both operational efficiency and passenger experience.

In May 2020 CRSA seized the opportunity to eliminate longstanding speed restrictions in Kilsby Tunnel. The team delivered rapid, bespoke designs for track and drainage renewals, resulting in faster journeys, reduced maintenance needs, and greater passenger satisfaction.

After a 60-year hiatus, the Northumberland Line reopened to passenger services in December 2024, providing faster, more direct access to jobs, education, and leisure in Newcastle. CRSA delivered significant upgrades to restore 12 miles of track.

To enhance capacity and safety, CRSA designed and installed an NR60 Mk2 E15 crossover at Cricklewood South Junction. Unlike standard solutions that risk excessive wear and safety concerns, this tailored design delivered a higher-speed and more resilient crossover, minimising disruptions.

Following advanced thermal modelling by AtkinsRéalis, CRSA successfully recommended that Network Rail reduce the required standard for “points heating systems”, leading to significant cost and carbon reductions across the network.

470 KM

Track renewed so far

500+

AtkinsRéalis contributors

£ 1.5 B

Programme

300

Projects delivered to date

Digital-first

The alliance has invested in a digital strategy capable of delivering some of the UK’s most high-profile projects, incorporating solutions to stay at the forefront of efficient delivery. This has included powerful visualisation tools and graphics of train movements to speed up project delivery and minimise disruption on some of the network’s busiest routes.

As CRSA moves into the next phase of its 10-year journey, AtkinsRéalis remains focused on delivering smarter, faster, and more sustainable outcomes. By combining deep technical expertise with a truly collaborative approach, we’re helping Network Rail to shape a railway that works better for everyone.