Nexus and Network Rail introduce new approach to managing infrastructure interfaces
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
As part of the ongoing work to develop a closer working relationship between Nexus Tyne & Wear Metro and Network Rail Operations & Maintenance, Nexus have become the first organisation to implement a joint ‘Operational Interface Management Methodology’ (OIMM) document with Network Rail.
The requirement for the methodology arose following a Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) recommendation resulting from a derailment at Wimbledon in 2016, concerning improved processes for defining and managing operational and maintenance boundaries.
Five years of development work followed, with Nexus and local Network Rail stakeholders working together to agree specific process requirements. Several challenges had to be overcome during development, including local site and geographic characteristics affecting accessibility, alongside national process limitations affecting safe work planning and staff protection.
Following the close of formal consultation in October 2025, the OIMM document was published and the process formally implemented in March 2026. It now provides a clearly defined single point of reference for managing access at interfaces between Nexus and Network Rail infrastructure. The document includes a suite of easy-to-interpret overview diagrams for use during site briefings, as well as details of special arrangements for supporting activities such as isolation access.
Alex Dodds, Project Operations Interface Specialist at Network Rail commented:
“We have come an incredibly long way in the last 5 years in developing operational and maintenance interfaces with our light rail stakeholders. The output is a testament to the efforts of those involved and has promoted the concept for further development locally, as well as for implementation on other interfaces across the region. I look forward to working with colleagues across both heavy and light rail disciplines, to develop additional collaborative processes, based on the Nexus interface template.”
The new process gives Nexus greater flexibility when accessing infrastructure at its three boundaries with Network Rail. This enables teams to inspect and maintain interfacing infrastructure assets on a regular cyclic basis, rather than relying on irregular Network Rail possession access windows.
There are benefits for Network Rail too. The local Network Rail Delivery Unit now has formal visibility of interfacing Nexus work, helping teams plan internal work banks and identify potential clashes before they arise.
Network Rail staff also benefit from reciprocal access to interfacing Nexus infrastructure, which was not previously available. A formal close-out event was held at Metro System Control in South Gosforth on 7th August 2026, recognising the significance of the pilot implementation and the contribution of those involved.
A special presentation was made to Alex Dodds, former Network Rail Light Rail Manager and now Project Operations Interface Specialist, recognising his efforts to sustain consultation between stakeholders throughout the five-year development period.
The event was attended by Nexus Tyne & Wear Metro representatives Dean Hatton and Peter Stout, Service Delivery Managers, and Chris Breheny, Head of Service Delivery, alongside Alex Dodds.
Simon Coulthard, Head of Light Rail at Network Rail and UKTram Board Member, said:
“This is a great example of what can be achieved when light rail and Network Rail work closely together to address shared challenges. It has taken considerable work and collaboration to reach this point, and I’d like to congratulate everyone at Nexus and Network Rail who has helped develop and implement this new approach.”
The successful implementation provides an example of how close collaboration between organisations can help address complex operational interfaces, improve access arrangements and support the safe and effective maintenance of light rail infrastructure.
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