Arup, Arcadis and AECOM among winners to deliver next decade of rail systems

Network Rail has awarded track and rail system work worth an estimated £5bn to Colas Rail and AECOM in the south of England and to Babcock Rail, Arup and Arcadis, in Scotland.

The preferred bidders will deliver the “next generation” of contracts to deliver what is required to make the rail system work, including track, points, overhead lines and signalling.

The 10-year contracts are divided into three new geographically-focused alliances between Network Rail, designers and construction suppliers; North Alliance (Scotland route); Central Alliance (London North West, London North East and East Midlands route) and South Alliance (Anglia, South East, Wessex, Western and Wales routes).

The bidding process for the central region is still underway with a preferred bidder due to be announced in the near future following final verification and internal approvals. The framework award for the next generation rail system contracts will be one of the most substantial of Network Rail’s CP6 contracts.

The deals are subject to contract terms being finalised and agreed, with procurement currently operating a standstill period.

Commenting, Steve Featherstone, Network Rail’s programme director Track, said: “Reaching this important milestone ensures we will have a stable foundation for the delivery of the Great Britain’s core railway infrastructure for the next decade. Our new strategy allows us to better align to the routes and ultimately, deliver for customers.”

Jean-Pierre Bertrand, CEO of Colas Rail Ltd, said: “We are extremely proud of our team being recognised for the quality of the tender submission. We are fully committed to delivering major improvements to the UK railways in the South working together with our partners Aecom and Network Rail over the upcoming 10 years.”

This was echoed by Archie Bethel, Babcock International’s CEO: “Building on our long term relationship with Network Rail, we are delighted to have been selected as preferred bidder for this major programme of railway systems work, with our alliance partners Arcadis and Arup.  We look forward to working with Network Rail in the new alliance.”

Colin Wood, chief executive of Civil Infrastructure, Europe, Middle East and Africa, at AECOM, added: “We’re extremely pleased to be named, along with our partners Colas Rail, as a preferred bidder for the track and rail system alliance. We now look forward to working with Network Rail to deliver vital upgrades to Great Britain’s railway infrastructure over the next 10 years.”