About us
We are Fast Track Rail, a specialist consultancy that sits between organisations wanting to work on or near the railway and Network Rail’s Asset Protection and Optimisation (ASPRO) teams.
Our role is simple but powerful: we help project teams understand what ASPRO need, when they need it, and in what format, so that approvals move quickly and safely through the system.
We bring together hands-on rail construction experience, deep knowledge of railway planning rules, and a practical understanding of how to de-risk schemes that interface with the operational railway.
Our story
Fast Track Rail was created after years of seeing good projects stall because nobody on the client side truly “owned” the ASPRO interface. Drawings were nearly right, but not quite. RAMS were generic rather than railway-specific. Access plans did not reflect the realities of possessions, line blockages and isolation planning.
Each of these issues on its own looks minor; together, they add months of delay, redesign and extra cost. We set up Fast Track Rail to close that gap – providing a dedicated, experienced interface that speaks the language of both project teams and ASPRO, and keeps schemes moving.
Our team
Darryl Carrick – Chartered Construction Manager
Darryl is a Chartered Construction Manager with over a decade of rail construction experience. He has led and supported projects that interface directly with Network Rail infrastructure, giving him a clear understanding of how design, temporary works, sequencing and site logistics must adapt when the railway is involved.
Darryl’s strength lies in translating high-level ASPRO and Network Rail requirements into practical, buildable solutions on site. He understands what construction teams need to see in programmes, RAMS and method statements, and what ASPRO will expect in terms of technical assurance, so he can bridge that gap effectively.
Samir Jaouane – Access Planning Specialist
Samir is an access planning specialist with years of experience in railway access planning rules and requirements. He has worked extensively with possessions, line blockages and isolations, and understands how Rules of the Route, access negotiation and late changes can make or break a programme.
Samir focuses on building realistic access strategies into projects from the outset. He knows how long different types of access take to secure, what information planners and ASPRO will require, and how to align site activities with the available windows so that work banks are deliverable and safe.
Said Verdon – Railway-Adjacent Compliance and Risk Specialist
Said is an expert in de-risking and achieving compliance for railway-adjacent construction projects. His experience covers developments close to the boundary, highway and bridge schemes, utilities, and other third-party works where the consequences of getting it wrong are significant for both the client and the railway.
Said’s focus is on identifying and managing the specific risks that arise when working next to the operational railway: ground movement, boundary security, plant collapse radius, drainage, buried services, level crossings and interface with Network Rail standards. He works with design and construction teams to address these issues early so that ASPRO can be confident in the proposals presented.
How we work
We do not try to replace ASPRO or shortcut the process. Instead, we:
Early ASPRO readiness
Start early, reviewing schemes against relevant Network Rail expectations before formal submissions are made
Realistic programme and budget planning
Build ASPRO milestones, reviews and access constraints into realistic programmes and budgets
ASPRO-compliant documentation
Prepare and quality-check the documentation ASPRO expect to see, from design submissions to RAMS and access plans
Clear ongoing liaison with ASPRO
Maintain clear, structured communication between the project team and ASPRO throughout design and construction
Our approach is collaborative and pragmatic. We are honest about what is and is not achievable within the railway environment, and we work with all parties to find solutions that protect both the project and the operational railway.
Our values
Safety first
We never lose sight of the fact that the railway is a high-risk environment. Our work is built on protecting people, assets and operations.
Clarity and realism
We believe in clear, straightforward advice. If timescales or expectations are unrealistic, we say so and help adjust the plan.
Right-first-time mindset
We focus on improving the quality and completeness of information that reaches ASPRO, reducing queries and rework.
Collaboration
We see ourselves as part of a wider team including our client, ASPRO and Network Rail stakeholders. Our role is to make that team work more smoothly.
Why it matters
For our clients, this means fewer surprises, fewer missed assumptions about the railway, and a far more predictable journey from concept to construction. For ASPRO and Network Rail, it means better-prepared submissions, clearer risk management and projects that respect the constraints of an operational railway.
If you are planning works on or near Network Rail infrastructure and want a team that understands both your pressures and ASPRO’s requirements, we would be happy to talk.
