Chris Day, Intelligent Infrastructure Technician, Network Rail
I’ve been on the railway for about seven years, having previously worked in the electrical industry. I fancied a new challenge, which led me to Network Rail. I am the third generation of my family to join the railway, following the footsteps of my dad and grandad, who both had successful careers in signal engineering and ops. I haven’t looked back since and thoroughly enjoy the role I am in today and the satisfaction it gives me.
I started as a Signal and Telecommunications operative at Feltham Depot, where I gained my first railway experience. From there, I progressed to technician and team leader level at Waterloo, having learned quickly from my colleagues and by doing Network Rail’s training courses. I now work as an intelligent infrastructure technician for the Wessex Route at Basingstoke ROC.
Intelligent infrastructure is a digital transformation programme focused on improving asset management and helping maintenance become proactive, rather than reactive. We use technology to turn data into intelligent information so frontline and supporting teams can work safely, smarter and seamlessly. Generally, we can work out if a fault is on the track or within the interlocking itself. This cuts the need to put boots on ballast when it’s not necessary to do so, keeping everyone safer.
Turning data into intelligent information helps maintenance teams move toward more proactive ways of working, allowing them to plan work when the network is quieter and fix faults before they happen. If faults don’t materialise, they don’t delay trains and services are more reliable.
We are currently in an important phase within our role, what with it being autumn. It is a critical period, due to the high-level risk of railhead contamination and wrong-side failures, which can affect the visibility of trains and brake applications. These risks must be mitigated, and we work closely with the autumn controllers to monitor current levels and real-time event logging on track circuits within the route. We also pick up on any assets that require railhead treatment with multi-purpose vehicles.
