Rail
Shire supports the UK rail network with expert engineering services designed for live, regulated environments. From structural consultancy to ground investigations and telecoms installations, we help maintain safe and reliable rail infrastructure.
The UK’s rail network is a vital component of national transport infrastructure, supporting millions of passengers and significant freight movement every day. Rail assets operate under constant dynamic loading, strict safety regulations and increasing demand for reliability and capacity.
Shire provides specialist engineering services to support the inspection, maintenance and development of rail infrastructure, delivering practical, compliant solutions for live operational environments.
Rail projects demand an engineering partner with a deep understanding of safety-critical systems, access constraints and regulatory compliance. Shire works alongside rail operators, public bodies, contractors and consultants to deliver engineering input that aligns with operational requirements and industry standards.
Our experience in live rail environments enables us to provide clear, actionable advice while respecting possession constraints, safety protocols and programme pressures.
Shire delivers civil and structural engineering services for a wide range of rail infrastructure, including stations, platforms, bridges, retaining walls, embankments and associated structures.
We undertake structural inspections, assessments and design solutions that address fatigue, vibration, loading and asset deterioration. Our proactive approach supports early identification of risks, helping clients prioritise interventions and maintain safe, reliable rail operations.
Rapid response capability allows us to support urgent inspections or defect assessments where safety or service continuity is at risk.
As a trusted structural engineering consultancy, Shire supports rail assets from early feasibility through to refurbishment, strengthening and renewal works.
We provide technical advice that balances regulatory compliance, constructability and long-term performance. Whether addressing ageing infrastructure or supporting new development, our consultancy services help rail clients make informed, cost-effective decisions.
Ground conditions play a critical role in rail safety and performance. Track settlement, embankment instability and foundation failure can have serious operational consequences.
Shire specialises in geotechnical investigations that complement structural surveys, providing insight into soil behaviour, groundwater conditions and slope stability. Our integrated approach supports faster design development and more reliable remediation strategies for rail projects.
Modern rail networks rely on robust telecommunications systems to support signalling, operations and passenger information. Shire provides specialist telecommunications design services for rail environments.
Our team delivers site surveys, structural assessments and design coordination to ensure telecoms infrastructure is safely integrated with existing rail assets. We understand the challenges of installing and maintaining communications equipment in constrained, operational settings.
Ground movement and structural damage present significant risks within rail corridors. Shire provides expert subsidence, supporting asset owners and rail stakeholders with detailed inspections and professional reporting.
Our assessments help identify causes of damage, evaluate risk and inform appropriate remediation measures, supporting safe operation and swift resolution.
Innovation is increasingly important in improving efficiency and sustainability across rail infrastructure. Through ongoing product development, Shire has developed solutions such as the Shire Pile and concrete-free foundation systems.
These products offer reduced installation time, lower environmental impact and improved performance in challenging ground conditions, making them well-suited to rail projects where access, possessions and sustainability targets are key considerations.
Shire combines technical expertise, regulatory awareness and practical delivery experience to support rail infrastructure across the UK. Our proactive approach helps maintain safety, manage risk and extend asset life within demanding operational environments.
If you require expert engineering support for rail infrastructure, from inspections and investigations to design and innovation, our team is ready to assist.
Contact Shire today to discuss your rail project and learn how our specialist services can support safe, resilient and future-ready rail infrastructure.
Get in touch with our trusted structural engineering consultants and experts to discuss your project and see how we can help.
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If you're looking to start a structural engineering project or would like a team of structural engineering consultants to support you, Shire is here to help.
