Early Stage Specification Process
Step 4: The Transition to Infrastructure
This step marks the transition from identifying capability needs to developing specific infrastructure options. This involve shaping the early concepts into viable, scope solutions that funders can assess for maturity, uncertainty and value for money. At this stage, a high number of unknowns remain, and it is important that these are clear to funders in order for them to understand the assumptions and confidence level for each option.
Once the decision has been made to progress with infrastructure changes, specific Infrastructure Concept Solutions need to be devloped. The aim is to size and scope appropriate solutions, based on outputs from modelling, ITSS development and earlier planning work, to meet the required capability.
Each solution should bring together the funder’s service requirements, the surrounding conditions and strategic application to achieve value for money.
The Infrastructure Concept Solutions need to provide sufficient detail to:
- Confirm the scope of the proposal
- Produce high-level order-of-magnitude cost estimates
- Identify key engineering, operational and environmental constraints
- Support early assessment of value for money.
Once the funder has selected an option to go into development, the concept solution can be moved forward into a greater depth. The aim is to refine and mature the design without repeating work already completed.
Tasks to be completed before the project progresses to development:
1
Viability and feasibility assessments
High-level evaluation of the project plan needs to take place to assess whether the idea is deliverable, affordable and aligned with strategic objectives. This includes operational practicality and funding considerations.
2
Whole-life impact evaluation
Test the impact of the concept, ITSS, analysis and modelling to understand how the option affects the wider network and train operations over its lifespan, assessing potential trade-offs.
3
Consolidated risk and assumptions logs
Develop a comprehensive record of all assumptions (see Assumptions Assessment and Significance Tool), uncertainties, dependencies and early risks. This ensures funders have clear visibility of areas where further work may be required.
4
Preliminary engineering checks
Check the concept solutions are technically credible by reviewing standards, constructibility, environmental considerations and existing assets.