Great Western railway electrification, UK: the key role of building information modelling

Abstract

Building information modelling (BIM) transformed the delivery of Network Rail’s Greater West programme, which included electrification of the Great Western railway between London and south Wales in 2019. This paper provides an insight into how BIM was developed and implemented on this £5 billion multi-disciplinary railway programme. In addition to significant cost and time savings, the 5 year programme’s exemplary safety record can also be attributed to virtual design and construction, three-dimensional signal-sighting reviews and design reviews, all facilitated by BIM techniques and best practice.