29.04.19
Network Rail awards £750m of major signalling contracts for CP6
Network Rail has announced the winners of six major signalling and telecoms contracts worth a total of £750m across Control Period 6.
The signalling and telecoms (S&T) frameworks have been split into six geographical lots, and are the first contracts awarded in a three-tier approach to signalling delivery for CP6.
VolkerRail, Atkins and Linbrooke have won the framework contracts for London North West, Anglia and Wessex, and London North East respectively, whilst Colas Rail, Siemens Mobility and Babcock Rail have won the Wales, Scotland and Western contracts.
The two tiers, minor and major signalling, will complete the three-tier strategy for CP6 signalling delivery when they are awarded in June 2019 and January 2020.
The minor signalling tier is targeted towards simple component replacement, whilst major signalling is focused on major re-signalling and re-control.
Martin Robinson, commercial director for signalling, said: “The awards have gone to signalling suppliers that between them, have many years of signalling experience on our railway and will help Network Rail facilitate key signalling renewals over the coming years.
“The framework’s approach using fewer contractors will help bring them closer to Network Rail and the Routes/Regions and make further progress in working more collaboratively.
“We will continue to build on the successful relationships we already have with our suppliers and look forward to working with them all going forward.”
Network Rail said the frameworks will deliver projects of varying value including stand-alone level crossings, stand-alone major telecoms and related civils works.
It said it was one of the most substantial of Network Rail’s CP6 contracts to be let following the ORR’s final approval of the company’s £42bn investment in improving the railway network.
Kevin Robertshaw, programme director signalling, said: “Our strategy for delivering signalling works in CP6 focuses on bringing the supplier closer to the client and facilitating a more integrated way of working.
“This is the first of three framework tiers to be awarded and part of a strategy enabling Network Rail and the signalling supply chain to be more innovative, collaborative and effective.
“I look forward to working with the successful suppliers and making a success of the opportunity ahead of us.”
Network Rail recently announced a major structural reorganisation which placed devolution and regional responsibility at the front of its new operation model after it acknowledged that “radical change is needed.”
The new model is formed of 13 routes and supported by five Network Rail regions, and aims to ensure it is more aligned to passengers and train operators, creating a more cohesive and joined