UK: Network Rail has invited expressions of interest in its ‘next generation’ of track works contracts, which will run for 10 years from 2019.
The contracts worth up to £5bn in total would cover both plain line and switches and crossings, unlike the current contracts where these are contracted separately.
The contracts are to be based on three geographically-focused alliances between the infrastructure manager, track designers and construction contractors. The North Alliance would cover the Scotland Route, the Central Alliance the London North West, London North East and East Midland routes, and the South Alliance the Anglia, South East, Wessex, Western and Wales routes.
‘Combining our plain line expertise with that of switches and crossings will bring huge benefits to both our route customers and the wider supply chain’, said Steve Featherstone, Network Rail director for Track, on June 19. ‘The proven alliance model offers a flexible and cost effective solution with a greater focus on each route’s specific requirements and needs.’