Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, with joint venture (JV) partners TYPSA and TUC Rail, and supported by RPS, has been appointed by Irish Rail to provide multi-disciplinary services for the 20km expansion of the DART network’s Kildare Line.

The upgrade forms part of the DART Expansion Programme, which aims to improve train frequency and increase customer capacity for Dublin and the surrounding metropolitan area. The JV will develop the project from concept through to Railway Order stage, providing multi-disciplinary consultancy services including project management, preliminary design of the 20km line upgrade and preparation of the Railway Order.

For the Kildare Line, the upgrade will include:

• Widening the railway from two to four tracks from Park West Station to Heuston and associated structural works to bridges supporting the track
• Electrification and re-signalling from Hazelhatch to Heuston and through the Phoenix Park Tunnel to Glasnevin Junction
• Realignment works to accommodate segregation of DART and Intercity services.

Tony Mortimer, Director of Highways and Transportation, Ireland, Atkins, said: “The Kildare Line is a key commuter service from Kildare to Dublin and an important part of the DART expansion programme. We’re excited to work closely with our JV partners and Irish Rail, drawing on our local and global expertise and the latest digital innovations to provide significant capacity enhancements for passengers.”

Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), said: “The DART Expansion project will ensure the communities we serve – both on the Kildare Line and nationally – will gain from better rail services, and a more sustainable future.”

Atkins is a leader in rail engineering and systems design, working on projects across the world – from Denmark and Sweden’s first high-speed railway lines to the Tung Chung line extension in Hong Kong and Australia’s Inland Rail Programme. In the UK, Atkins is also supporting the East Coast Digital Railway Programme.