WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nigel Astell joined WSP, a leading engineering, environment and professional services consultancy, as intercity rail and strategy practice leader for national transit and rail.
In this senior vice president role, Astell is responsible for the delivery of major projects, strategic client engagement and strategy development across all transit and rail markets. These include systems and signals, bus rapid transit, zero emission initiatives, intercity passenger rail and other markets, which are seeing unprecedented federal and state-level investments resulting from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This position is closely tied to the FRA’s Corridor Identification and Development Program, a comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development initiative that guides intercity passenger rail development across the U.S.
“Nigel leads strategies that position WSP as the right partner for clients, including commuter railroads, intercity passenger rail operators and transit agencies, to advance critical and complex transportation projects that connect communities and strengthen local economies,” said Jannet Walker-Ford, WSP senior vice president and national transit and rail market leader. “He’s a talented professional with a wealth of international knowledge.”
Astell, based in Washington, D.C., coordinates closely with WSP’s global rail network as well. He has a wide-ranging background in business development, transportation planning, project delivery and performance improvement, having led complex projects, planning studies and operational reviews for some of the largest transportation agencies in the U.S.
Astell previously worked for a U.S.-based global engineering firm as a vice president for transportation project management and business development. He began his career in the UK as an operations manager with the London Underground. He also led the development of business cases for major rail and bus rapid transit projects in that country and has managed or supported multiple communications-based train control projects in the U.S. and UK. Astell contributed to planning studies and performance reviews, across all rail modes, in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
He is a graduate of Durham University in the UK with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and London University with a diploma in transport.
About WSP in the U.S.
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering, environment and professional services firms. Recognized in 2023 on TIME’s list of the world’s best companies and Fortune’s Change the World list, WSP is driving social impact and commitment to ESG. WSP in the U.S. brings together engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals who are dedicated to collaborate in the best interests of serving local communities. WSP designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With approximately 14,000 employees in 300 offices across the U.S., WSP partners with its clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com
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