Client: WSP
Solution Used: HTZ Communications
Scope: GSM-R Network Modelling, Compliance, Environmental Assessments, Futureproofing for FRMCS
Project Overview
As a core delivery partner for a major infrastructure project, WSP was tasked with ensuring GSM-R radio coverage across a key rail corridor whilst meeting strict EIRENE specifications. With projects of this scale, maintaining reliable railway communication while accommodating constant design iterations and environmental constraints demanded a powerful, flexible modelling environment. HTZ Communications provided that capability.
GSM-R Cell Plan Validation to avoid costly redesign
HTZ was engaged to independently validate Network Rail’s GSM-R cell plan. Using high-resolution Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), WSP verified coverage predictions and identified geographic and topographic gaps impacting signal reliability. This early-stage validation avoided costly redesigns later in the project lifecycle.
Coverage Prediction & Compliance
Civil works and engineering changes regularly impacted antenna locations and parameters. HTZ modelled these variations in real time, enabling WSP to provide updated baseline GSM-R coverage maps. Multiple threshold levels were applied in accordance with EIRENE specifications, providing a compliant and forward-defensible dataset for regulatory submissions.
Failure Mode Analysis
WSP simulated degraded-mode scenarios, including single and multi-site failures. HTZ modelling ensured network resilience without the need to introduce new sites, which is critically important in terms of cost and the environment. Bespoke analytical tools were developed alongside HTZ outputs to compare Received Signal Level (RSL) against route chainage, highlighting operational risk zones and mitigation needs.
Environmental Impact Assessments
HTZ was used to assess the effect of vegetation growth and planned planting near compounds and infrastructure. WSP used HTZ to assess and provide route-wide planting guidelines to mitigate radio coverage degradation. Proposed landscape modifications were remodelled iteratively to assess compliance risk and inform planning consent responses.
Futureproofing for FRMCS
WSP used HTZ to conduct proof-of-concept modelling for FRMCS at 1900 MHz using existing GSM-R sites. This strategic foresight ensured the project’s communications infrastructure could be efficiently adapted for future rollouts and aligned with evolving European railway standards.
Outcome
Through HTZ Communications, WSP delivered robust, repeatable, and compliant radio coverage models across one of Europe’s most complex transport infrastructure projects. From environmental modelling to future-readiness, HTZ enabled engineering certainty in a dynamically evolving design environment.
