Latest Rail News

14.03.19

Network Rail reveals winner of final track works contract worth £1.5bn

Network Rail has announced Balfour Beatty as the preferred bidder to carry out track upgrades across central England for the next decade in a contract worth an estimated £1.5bn.

The contract covers the delivery of a wide-ranging programme of railway track renewals and upgrades in London north west, London north east and East Midland routes, completing all of Network Rail’s contracts for CP6.

Balfour Beatty has an 80% share in the 10-year alliance, with Atkins and TSO also having a 10% share in the alliance which will be responsible for the development, design, and delivery of track renewals and crossings as well as infrastructural works across the areas.

The companies said the new geographically-focused alliance model will promote greater collaboration between Network Rail and its partners, focusing dedicated attention on region-specific rail requirements and works.

The full contract is expected to be finalised in the second quarter of 2019 with the work due to commence later this year.

Chief executive of Balfour Beatty, Leo Quinn, said: “As one of the UK’s leading rail infrastructure suppliers, Balfour Beatty is proud to be part of the alliance appointed to ensure reliability of the UK’s rail network.

“Our expertise will be focused on driving innovative solutions that deliver sustainable, safer rail infrastructure.

“We believe that industry collaboration is the way to drive higher efficiency and service standards. Network Rail’s new alliance model is a great step forward in rail contract procurement.”

This follows announcements earlier this year confirming Babcock Rail, Arup, and Arcadis as the preferred bidders for work in Scotland and Colas Rail and AECOM for the south.

All three of the geographically-focused alliances have contracts that cover an initial five-year period with the option to extend it to 10 years.

Steve Featherstone, Network Rail’s programme director track, said: “I look forward to working closely with Balfour Beatty, TSO and Atkins to establish our new alliance to deliver great value for the taxpayer and great service for our passengers and freight customers.

“Reaching this important milestone ensures we will have a stable foundation for the delivery of the core railway infrastructure across Great Britain for the next decade.”

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