Network Rail has signalled one of its most significant upcoming infrastructure procurements with the publication of a new pipeline notice for a sweeping Rail Track‑Focused Railway Systems Contract, valued at up to £6 billion including VAT. The opportunity—covering an 11‑year period from 2028 to 2039—marks the next evolution of the long‑running Rail Systems Alliances, which are due to expire in 2029.
The notice, published on 30 January 2026 on the Find a Tender service, confirms that Network Rail is seeking suppliers capable of delivering large‑scale design and construction of track works, alongside a wide range of associated systems and civils activity.
At the heart of the contract is what Network Rail describes as “the design and construction of track works on plain line track and switches and crossings (points).” This will include survey, site investigation, formation, ballast, sleeper and rail works, as well as traction power, signalling integration and smaller civil engineering tasks such as level crossings, platform works and cable troughing.
The procurement also positions itself as a foundation for the next two Control Periods. “Network Rail is seeking to appoint suitable supplier(s) to continue the delivery of Rail Systems and associated work for the Control Period (CP) 8 and 9 programmes,” the notice states. Mobilisation is expected in mid‑2028, with full go‑live in mid‑2029.
Extensive Scope Reflecting the Industry’s Next Decade of Renewals
The scope categories outlined in the notice will be familiar to suppliers currently engaged in the existing Rail Systems Alliances. The proposed workbank includes:
- “Track renewals and upgrades across designated routes”
- “Integration with signalling and electrification works”
- “Provision of specialist plant and equipment”
- “Compliance with GBR transition requirements and sustainability objectives”
While full commercial and technical specifications will only be released at the tender phase, the size and duration of the contract indicate that Network Rail is approaching CP8 with a desire to maintain continuity while also incorporating Great British Railways transition planning and net‑zero‑aligned approaches.
Market Engagement: Encouraging Supplier Participation
In an indication of its intention to shape the procurement collaboratively, Network Rail emphasises its commitment to early dialogue. According to the notice, “Network Rail are keen to engage the market throughout this procurement activity, and further information will be provided through contract notices.”
Organisations interested in the programme are urged to register on the Network Rail Sourcing Platform Bravo and submit expressions of interest to [email protected].
The timing suggests that detailed engagement will ramp up from 2026 into 2027, with an estimated tender publication date of 4 May 2027.
A Major Opportunity for SMEs and VCSEs
Notably, the notice highlights that the procurement is “particularly suitable” for SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs). This is in line with broader government and industry objectives to grow supply chain diversity and improve regional economic contributions.
Given the scale of the work, SMEs are most likely to participate through alliance structures or consortium models, but the explicit encouragement hints at opportunities within specialist functions, design packages or local delivery roles tied to sustainability and community‑driven outcomes.
Contract Structure and Duration
The proposed contract will run from 1 August 2028 to 31 July 2039, with a total term of 11 years. If unchanged at tender stage, this structure would provide the successful supplier(s) with a stable planning horizon covering two full Control Periods—an attractive proposition for long‑term investment in plant, skills and innovation.
The procurement will use a “Competitive flexible procedure” under the Utilities regime, sitting above the threshold values of the Procurement Act 2023.
Strategic Importance for UK Rail
The Rail Systems Alliances have been central to Network Rail’s track‑renewal strategy in recent years, fostering collaborative delivery and greater regional alignment. As these arrangements approach their end dates in May and June 2029, the new contract signals continuity but also renewal—particularly with the incorporation of digital signalling alignment, decarbonisation objectives and the industry’s ongoing structural transition.
With a total estimated value of £5,000,000,000 excluding VAT (and £6,000,000,000 including VAT), this is one of the most financially significant future procurements currently on the horizon for the UK rail supply chain.
Suppliers across track, civils, signalling, traction power and engineering design will be watching closely—not only for the substantial delivery opportunities but also for the chance to help shape the next era of railway systems delivery across Britain.
Image credit: iStock
