Major rail projects

While ONRSR does not have a strict definition of a major project, they will typically involve a significant technical or operational change, particularly involving novel or innovative approaches, the introduction of new rolling stock or railway infrastructure or will be associated with high level of complexity due to intricate, multi-party organisational or contractual structures.

If the intended railway operations fall into these definitions then early engagement with ONRSR, well ahead of any formal application considerations, is encouraged in order to promote the safe and timely delivery of rail infrastructure and rolling stock assets through major projects.

In cases where the intended railway operations may be considered a major project, which typically involve an application for accreditation or variation to accreditation, ONRSR has developed further guidance setting out the expectations on operators for planning, management and safety assurance of such projects in its Major Project Guideline to:

• provide guidance to duty holders about their duties and related obligations under the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL), and
• explain ONRSR’s minimum expectations when reviewing the processes and associated evidence used to demonstrate that safe outcomes are being planned and, ultimately, have been achieved by major projects.

The Major Projects Guideline describes the minimum processes to be followed, from the onset of a major project, in order to support accreditation applications.