Look beyond the position of the crane
The railway interface can extend well beyond the machine’s footprint. The CPA’s November 2025 guide considers the compound collapse radius of the crane and its load in relation to the railway asset or property boundary.
The 4 m consideration concerns potential collapse reach. It is not simply a requirement to park a machine 4 m from the fence.
Coordinate the right specialists
Mirello helps the developer bring the crane supplier, lifting team, temporary works designers and railway interface team into the same discussion. The aim is a coordinated submission, with clear ownership of the technical inputs.
- Establish the proposed plant, location, configuration and programme.
- Coordinate plans and information prepared by the appointed specialists.
- Track Network Rail comments and the team’s responses.
- Manage interface actions when the proposal changes.
Make the enquiry useful from the outset
A site layout, crane information, proposed lifting activities and target dates provide a starting point. Include details of existing ASPRO engagement and any restrictions already identified by the project team.
Keep the whole operation in view
The current CPA guide considers erection, use and dismantling as well as relevant out-of-service arrangements. The applicable controls and acceptance route need to be established for the particular proposal.
Related railway interfaces
Piling rigs and other plant can create a separate interface. See our piling support page for how we coordinate those project inputs.
Technical reference: CPA CIG/TCIG 2503, Cranes Alongside Railways, November 2025, linked to NR/L3/CIV/0063 Issue 2. Reviewed 15 October 2026. This overview is not a lifting plan or a plant approval.