Introduction
The UK railway is one of the busiest in Europe, with thousands of services running every day. To keep trains moving, engineering works often take place next to live operational lines rather than under full possession or line blockage. This is known as Any Line Open (ALO) working.
ALO isn’t new it has been used since the days of British Rail and Railtrack, but its use has increased in recent years as Network Rail seeks to maximise train paths and deliver more infrastructure projects.
In simple terms, ALO working applies whenever plant, machinery, or equipment could potentially foul an open line without proper controls. It is one of the most high-risk environments in railway construction, demanding careful planning, strong assurance, and competent delivery teams.
Why Assurance Matters
Working on or near live railway lines leaves no room for error. The consequences of poor planning or inadequate assurance can include:
- Safety incidents involving the workforce or the travelling public.
- Disruption to train services, causing delays and reputational damage.
- Financial penalties from non-compliance with standards and contractual obligations.
Effective ALO assurance provides confidence and peace of mind. It reassures project sponsors, delivery teams, and regulators that risks are understood, managed, and controlled. At Harcon, our role is to provide that assurance independently, ensuring projects are delivered both safely and successfully.
At Harcon Solutions, we provide a fully integrated and independent railway interface planning service that includes ALO planning, management, and coordination. Our role is to make sure your projects are safe, compliant, and deliverable protecting people, assets, and operations at every stage.
Operational Risk Management and Assurance
ALO working introduces specific hazards and risks, from plant encroaching the operational railway, to materials being displaced onto live lines. Managing these risks requires a structured and robust assurance process.
At Harcon, we support the operational risk management and assurance process by developing:
- Risk assessments and method statements that evidence compliance with Network Rail standards and industry best practice.
- Work Package Plans that set out safe systems of work.
- Construction methodologies that detail how plant and equipment will be used safely in ALO conditions.
Our assurance process is more than just paperwork. It provides the confidence that projects are planned with safety embedded from the outset, that control measures are proportionate and effective, and that delivery teams understand exactly how to work safely in ALO conditions.
Safety First: Principles of Prevention
Working with railway lines open to traffic should always be treated as a last resort. Where possible, projects should be designed and programmed to avoid ALO working conditions altogether.
ALO working should only be used when no safer alternative exists. The Principles of Prevention (from the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999) guide every decision we make:
- Avoid risks wherever possible.
- Assess what cannot be avoided and understand the hazards.
- Control risks at source through design and planning.
- Adapt methods to the work and workforce.
- Prioritise collective protection (barriers, controls) over individual measures.
At Harcon Solutions, we apply these principles to every project, ensuring risks are reduced so far as is reasonably practicable and ALO is only used under strict, multi-layer-controlled conditions. This not only satisfies compliance requirements but also protects workers and the travelling public.
Delivering ALO Projects with Confidence
At Harcon Solutions, we combine technical expertise with hands-on experience to support clients in planning, managing, and delivering ALO works. Whether you are developing a work package plan, seeking independent assurance, or looking for support in coordinating with Network Rail, our team can provide the guidance and oversight you need.
We have supported multiple third-party civil engineering projects where works interface directly with Network Rail’s ASPRO function and the operational railway. These projects often involve unique challenges, balancing the requirements of developers and contractors with the strict safety and assurance obligations of working adjacent to live railway lines.
Our role has included:
- Developing and reviewing ALO risk assessments and work plans to meet Network Rail standards.
- Supporting design teams to identify and eliminate railway interface risks at the earliest stages.
- Coordinating with ASPRO and other stakeholders to achieve timely approvals.
- Providing independent assurance that enables projects to progress without unnecessary delays.
This experience means we understand both the technical demands of railway safety and the commercial pressures faced by third-party developers. By bridging the gap, we help clients deliver their projects confidently, while safeguarding the railway and those who work on it.
Competent and Experienced ALO Planners and Coordinators
One of the key success factors for ALO working is the competence and capability of those preparing and reviewing plans. At Harcon, our ALO Planners and Coordinators bring:
- Demonstrable competence and capability in carrying out ALO risk assessments.
- Extensive experience in developing ALO work plans for a variety of project types, from station upgrades, bridge works, piling to track renewals.
- A collaborative approach, working with the client, design teams, contractors, Network Rail and Local Authorities.
This competence ensures that every aspect of a project is thoroughly evaluated, planned, and delivered safely. It also helps avoid costly delays and redesigns caused by insufficient ALO planning at earlier stages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Any Line Open (ALO) Working
ALO working considers any railway lines open to traffic could, without controls, be foreseeably fouled by any plant, attachment or the loads associated with them.
How Harcon supports: We provide independent ALO planning, management, and assurance, ensuring your project is compliant, safe, and deliverable.
ALO working is high risk because trains are still operating on adjacent lines, exposing workers, plant, and equipment to potential hazards. The consequences of poor planning can include serious safety incidents and disruption to train services.
How Harcon supports: Our team develops Work Package Plans, ALO risk assessments, and construction methodologies that manage risks and satisfy Network Rail’s assurance requirements.
Key reference documents include:
How Harcon supports: We apply these standards directly into your project planning, we ensure that your project is not only compliant but also aligned with industry best practices and expectations.
If you’re assessing and planning works that have any ALO interface and would like independent advice or support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
An ALO Planner is responsible for assessing risks, preparing ALO work plans, and coordinating with Network Rail and project teams. Their expertise ensures works can be delivered safely while minimising disruption.
How Harcon supports: Our competent and experienced ALO planners provide independent planning and assurance, ensuring your project stands up to scrutiny. All our planners hold as a minimum rail Sentinel competence OTP 04 Control of Any Line Open.
Where possible, ALO working should be avoided by planning possessions or redesigning methodologies. However, in many cases it is unavoidable due to operational demands on the railway.
How Harcon supports: We help you to risk assess construction plant activities, applying the Principles of Prevention and reducing risk so far as is reasonably practicable. This ensures that ALO is only used where absolutely necessary and always under strict multi-layer controls.
Many providers focus on compliance alone. At Harcon, we go further, offering independent assurance, occupational health and safety expertise, and integrated railway interface planning that ensures both safety and project efficiency.
Our approach: We combine deep technical knowledge with hands-on experience, meaning your projects are planned and delivered by people who understand the reality of working on the railway.
Ready to Strengthen Your Projects ALO Planning and Assurance?
Any Line Open (ALO) working can be extremely challenging when delivering construction projects that interface with the railway. Getting it right requires the right expertise, robust assurance, and a clear focus on safety. At Harcon Solutions, that’s exactly what we deliver.
Whether you need support developing ALO risk assessments and work plans, independent assurance reviews, or guidance on meeting Network Rail standards, our team is here to help. With proven experience across the UK rail industry, we provide practical solutions that protect your people, safeguard operations, and keep your projects moving.
Contact Harcon Solutions to discuss your upcoming works. Let’s work together to make sure your project is delivered safely, compliantly, and with confidence.
