Frequently asked questions

No. We do not replace ASPRO and we cannot give approvals on their behalf.

We act as the interface between your project and ASPRO. We help you understand what ASPRO will expect, prepare the right information, and manage submissions and queries so that the process is smoother and faster for everyone involved.

Yes. Network Rail and ASPRO must still be formally involved where their requirements apply.

What we do is help you engage with them in the right way, at the right time, with the right information. In many cases we will prepare and manage the ASPRO submissions with you and on your behalf, but the formal approvals and permissions will always come from Network Rail.

As early as possible.

If we can review your scheme at concept or early design stage, we can:

• Confirm whether ASPRO involvement is required and at what level
• Highlight likely constraints, risks and information requirements
• Build realistic ASPRO and access milestones into your programme and budget

We can still add value later on, but early involvement usually means fewer surprises and less rework.

We support a wide range of works on or near Network Rail infrastructure, including:

• New developments close to the railway boundary
• Highway and bridge schemes over, under or alongside the railway
• Retaining walls, embankment and cutting works
• Utility diversions and new services crossing railway land
• Level crossing improvements and adjacent road schemes
• Inspections, surveys and minor works that require access near the line

If your works are near the railway and you are unsure whether ASPRO is required, we can review your plans and advise.

No. Only Network Rail can grant approvals and permissions.

What we can do is significantly improve the quality, completeness and timing of the information that goes to ASPRO. This reduces the number of queries, resubmissions and late changes, and gives your scheme a much better chance of moving through the process without unnecessary delay.

Timescales depend on:

• The complexity and risk level of the works
• How close you are to the operational railway and key assets
• Whether possessions, line blockages or isolations are required
• The quality and completeness of the information submitted

ASPRO’s technical reviews often work to defined periods, and access (possessions and isolations) can need significant lead time. Part of our role is to explain what is realistic for your specific scheme and build those milestones into your programme from the start.

This varies by scheme, but typically includes:

• Clear drawings showing the works in relation to the railway and its assets
• Design information and calculations, often following specific Network Rail standards
• Risk assessments, method statements and a construction phase plan that consider railway-specific risks
• Details of plant, cranes, piling or other methods that could affect the railway
• Proposals for access, possessions, line blockages or isolations if required

We help you identify what will be needed for your scheme, then prepare and quality-check it before submission.

A BAPA (Basic Asset Protection Agreement) is a formal agreement with Network Rail that sets out how ASPRO will be involved in your project and how their costs will be recovered.

Many third-party schemes that interface with the railway will require a BAPA or similar agreement. We can advise whether this is likely to apply to your project and help you understand what it means for timescales and cost.

Yes. Access planning is a core part of what we do.

We help you:

• Understand the difference between possessions, line blockages and other access types
• Identify what kind of access your works require
• Build realistic access lead times into your programme
• Prepare the information and work plans needed to support access requests

Our access planning experience means we know how access decisions impact deliverability, risk and cost on site.

This depends on the nature of the works, the location and the agreed method of access.

Some activities may require staff with Personal Track Safety (PTS) certification, while others can be carried out under supervision or escort arrangements. We can help you understand the likely requirements for your scheme and discuss them with ASPRO as part of the planning process.

We do not replace your designers or contractors. We work alongside them.

Our role is to:

• Make sure the design and construction proposals take railway constraints and requirements into account
• Coordinate the information needed from each party for ASPRO submissions
• Help everyone understand what is required for safe, compliant delivery next to the railway

In many cases, our involvement actually makes life easier for your designers and contractors by giving them clearer direction on what ASPRO and Network Rail expect.

No. We support both major schemes and smaller projects, including minor works and inspections that still need ASPRO input.

Even small jobs near the railway can cause disproportionate delay if the interface is not managed properly. We tailor our level of involvement to the scale and complexity of your scheme.

We typically work on either:

• A defined scope and fixed fee for a clearly bounded piece of work, or
• An agreed day or hourly rate for ongoing support where the scope is more fluid

We will always explain our proposed scope, deliverables and fee structure up front so you can see how it fits within your project budget.

The easiest way to start is to send us:

• A brief description of your proposed works
• Any available drawings or plans
• Your current programme or key dates

We will review the information, outline the likely ASPRO involvement and key risks, and propose how we can support you.

You can contact us via the website form, email or phone, or book an initial call with our team.