30.03.16
Contract for Ordsall Chord construction partnership signed
Manchester’s Ordsall Chord is set to go ahead after the contract for the new partnership was signed.
Network Rail formed an official construction partnership with Amey, Skanska, Siemens and BAM Nuttall to build the chord, which will link Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria for the first time.
The Chord is free to go ahead after a legal appeal, following the dismissal of a challenge to the process for granting permission, was dismissed last week.
The alliance will be managed by Mike Heywood, from Network Rail, who said: “This is an exciting time for passengers, businesses and the rail industry in the north of England. A better railway supports jobs, housing and economic growth and the new Ordsall Chord has a massive role to play in opening up new and faster journeys.
“Within this alliance of organisations, we have a wide range of skills and experience to make this vital new stretch of railway a reality and deliver the service all rail passengers deserve.”
Alan Cox, sector director at BAM Nuttall, said: “This alliance continues a long association we have had with the railway in the north west and we are delighted to be creating such an important new link with an iconic structure that will enrich the railway heritage and passenger experience in the whole region.”
James Richardson, managing director at Skanska, said: “This is a significant part of Network Rail’s plan to stimulate economic growth in the north of England and Skanska is delighted to be part of the alliance delivery team helping to achieve this goal.”
Siemens, who recently introduced a new Zone Controller System at London Bridge, will be lead contractor on signalling, power and communications, including installing more than 300 signalling equivalent units.
RTM interviewed Mark Carne, CEO of Network Rail, about the Ordsall Chord last year. We also talked to Martyn Angus, LNW route senior programme sponsor at Network Rail, about how work is progressing on the Chord ahead of a major block of work at Easter.