04.02.14
Four suppliers win big on £2bn electrification framework contracts
Network Rail has appointed four suppliers for its £2bn electrification programme.
Balfour Beatty, AmeyInabensa, CarillionPowerlines and ABC Electrification have been awarded six geographic framework contracts. The programme will include electrification of the Great Western and Midland main lines, Liverpool to Manchester and Preston, the Valley lines in South Wales and the ‘electric spine’.
The joint venture between Amey and Inabensa has won a five-year framework across the Southern section, anticipated to be worth £190m. Work will begin in April, with electrification of over 250km of track, covering routes from Basingstoke to Southampton, and Basingstoke to Reading.
Mel Ewell, Amey’s chief executive, said: “Working collaboratively we will create a partnership that brings innovation and new ways of working to the UK industry, delivering high quality and efficient electrification services to Network Rail.”
Balfour Beatty has won a £75m, seven-year framework for the Central (LNW North) region of the National Electrification Programme. The company will design and install all electrification equipment for the Northern Hub project between Manchester-Preston-Blackpool, and Manchester-Stalybridge.
Chief executive Andrew McNaughton said: “We remain committed to working within the UK rail market and Network Rail on core projects such as these in the UK. This builds on our well established relationship and allows continuing collaboration with the Network Rail team and our supply chain to deliver the biggest programme of rail electrification in a generation.
The Carillion and Powerlines partnership has been awarded the Central (East Midlands) and Scotland and North East region contracts.
Carillion chief executive, Richard Howson said: “I believe this reflects the investment we have made, and continue to make, in creating the skills and resources necessary to deliver programmes of this kind and our absolute focus on safety and quality.”
Simon Kirby, managing director of Network Rail’s infrastructure projects division, said: “Our work to electrify 2,000 track miles represents the biggest programme of rail electrification in a generation and will provide faster, quieter and more reliable journeys for millions of passengers every week while cutting the cost of the railway.
“Thanks to a firm commitment from government to invest in electrification schemes across the country, we are transforming the railway and providing Britain with a sustainable, world-class transport system that is fit for the future. To deliver this work in the safest and most efficient way possible, we need to make the most of the huge potential within our supply chain.
“With billions of pounds set to be invested in electrification schemes over the next decade, and with many projects at different stages of development, it is absolutely vital that the supply market gets a clear, consistent message from Network Rail about what the company needs from its supply partners, where and when.
“The framework approach chosen by Network Rail gives suppliers a greater degree of certainty about the company’s pipeline of work and means suppliers can target investment so they have the right people with the right skills in the right parts of the country to deliver schemes which will improve our railway and boost economic growth.”
Jeremy Candfield, director general of the Railway Industry Association, commented: “This is a major and very welcome step in the transformation of the railway. It will encourage suppliers to invest in the training and equipment needed for the growing national electrification programme and pave the way for suppliers’ greater involvement to maximise the efficient delivery of the projects.”
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