What is in a Single Track Kilometre (STK)?

What is in a single-track kilometre (STK)?

As we look towards ways of achieving greater efficiency across rail projects going into Control Period 7 (CP7). Clients are looking at benchmarks, how we can better deliver against what we already know and have achieved.

What is a benchmark? . It is a standard or point of reference against which things may be compared.

Single track kilometres sound like a simple, straight forward measure of what is on our railways.

Above is a basic illustration of a twin track set up.

Unfortunately, as with most simple sounding things what is required is detailed and complex.

There are many things to consider when looking at what can impact the cost build up a STK.

The following list is an indicator of what to consider within your kilometre length of track.

1. Total Track length - is it a single track, twin track or even a four-track set up.

2. Are there any switches and crosses, what type and junctions’ size, are sidings considered.

3. Is here a station within your benchmark? Stations are categorised from Stations category A (the largest) to Station F (the smallest).

4. Is here a depot within your benchmark? Depots are either small, medium, or large.

5. Lineside buildings - Signal boxes?

6. Other buildings to consider are , Maintenance Delivery Units, National Delivery Service buildings, Office property etc.

7. As we push towards electrification where possible, on top of standard power for signalling systems, we have to consider the power supply grid. Transformers and sub stations etc.

8. Most rail infrastructure sits with a rural setting, so the way the track is configured can be in and embankment, rock cutting or soil cutting. These scenarios bring their own challenges and cost

9. Bridges and structures on your route can vary even within a one-kilometre stretch. Under bridges, overbridges and footbridges can vary across sizes and categories.

10. If you live near the town of Dawlish on the south coast you will know and see the impact of the coastal defence required on a rail network. Coastal defences are challenging, expensive and will be more commonplace on our rail network with the changing environment.

These are just a small sample of what to consider when trying to put together a single-track kilometre cost.

Within each element there are layers of cost benchmarks that must be completed first, for example the cost for a station, cost for any structures etc. Lots to consider!

We would always recommend using the Rail Method of Measurement when producing any cost, benchmark, or tenders. Also, for consistency agreeing the unit of measure and the categories of your chosen asset.

On top of this we must consider time related costs, risk, and inflation. All three of these have a huge impact on cost and on infrastructure in general over the last few years.

Using benchmarks is important for several reasons:

1. Performance Comparison: Benchmarks allow us to compare the performance of different systems, tools, or processes. By setting a standard benchmark, we can objectively evaluate and compare the performance of various solutions, regions and projects.

2. Quality Assurance: Benchmarks help in quality assurance by providing a standard to measure the quality and consistency on our railway. This ensures that the end result meets a certain level of performance and reliability.

3. Decision Making: Benchmarks provide valuable data for making informed decisions about investments, process improvements, and resource allocations. They help in identifying areas for improvement and making strategic choices based on performance metrics. We must take our time and get this right! With clean cost data, continuous improvement, and meticulous checks we can make the right decision and get the best for our industry.

4. Optimisation: Benchmarks aid in the optimisation of systems and processes by highlighting areas that are performing below the desired standard. This allows for targeted improvements and can enhance overall performance.

5. Performance Monitoring: Benchmarks serve as a reference point for ongoing performance monitoring. By regularly comparing actual performance against benchmark standards, we can identify performance trends and take proactive measures to maintain or improve performance.

Overall, benchmarks such as the Single Track Kilometre (STK) play a critical role in setting standards, measuring performance, and driving continuous improvement across all rail disciplines.

If you need any further information on benchmarking in general or Single Track Kilometre (STK) then please get in touch.

justask@keyestimating.co.uk