Southampton railway research to underpin innovations in HS2 infrastructure
A ground-breaking agreement between HS2 and three leading railway research centres including the University of Southampton will accelerate new technologies and products in the rail sector.
The agreement with the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) will enable HS2 to access world-leading research capabilities, knowledge and facilities, including Southampton’s £48m National Infrastructure Laboratory on Boldrewood Innovation Campus .
Southampton will lead on the development of infrastructure in the partnership alongside the University of Birmingham, which focuses on digital systems, and the University of Huddersfield, which will approach rolling stock.
Professor William Powrie , who leads the Infrastructure Centre of Excellence at the University of Southampton, says: “Rail is the most efficient form of mechanised land transport in terms of capacity and energy use, making a strong contribution to the UK’s zero carbon targets.
“We are delighted to work with HS2 and its partners to enable them to construct, operate and maintain an affordable, reliable, high-capacity railway and minimise carbon committed in construction.”
Engineers at Southampton are leading experts in the measurement and monitoring of track performance, including experience of HS1 to ensure designs from HS2 learn from the UK’s only existing high speed line.
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