Nugent Laing has been promoted to serve as HDR’s East Region systems lead for rail and transit.

Located in Pittsburgh, Laing will provide leadership in all aspects of planning, design, and implementation of core technical systems needed for rail and transit projects, such as signaling communications, power delivery, traction power, and train control systems. He will also work with other transportation modes that correlate with rail and transit systems, particularly on emerging technology applications. And he will collaborate with other practice leaders within HDR to deliver full life-cycle solutions for our clients’ projects.

Laing also recently stepped up to serve as HDR’s automated people mover practice group lead. Automated people mover technology reduces vehicle traffic congestion and can be easily connected to regional rail or mass transit at strategic points to further improve mobility. Laing and his team will fill a need for independent technical assistance during design, implementation, and operation.

Bringing 29 years of experience on rail projects, Laing has delivered projects nationally in New York and Washington, D.C., as well as globally in the United Kingdom, Spain, Denmark, Australia and South Korea. His primary area of expertise is train control and systems, including moving block communications-based train control and traditional signaling. Laing also possesses hands-on experience working with products from the major suppliers, including Bombardier, Thales, Siemens, and Alstom. He served as the design/test engineer for high-profile projects, including the 67-mile Channel Tunnel Rail Link that speeds trips between the UK and France.