UK: Colas Rail UK has been awarded further contracts for the expansion of the West Midlands Metro light rail network, through its longstanding position as principal contractor within the Midland Metro Alliance.
The latest contracts cover:
- Birmingham Eastside Extension Phase 2, from the interim terminus at Millennium Point to the future Curzon Street High Speed 2 station;
- Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Extension Phase 2, continuing the route from Dudley to Merry Hill shopping centre. This involves complex civil engineering works including a viaduct and sensitive remediation of historic infrastructure including the award-winning restoration of the Parkhead Viaduct designed by Brunel;
- Increasing stabling capacity at the existing Wednesbury depot to meet the demands of the growing fleet, including internal modifications to the operational maintenance control building and a new control room.
‘These awards ensure continuity of work through to 2028 – a significant endorsement of our dedicated, highly skilled, and passionate team’, said Colas Rail Urban Managing Director, Iain Anderson on January 15. ‘We look forward to continuing this journey, driving forward the successful delivery of projects that will continue to positively shape the lives and the futures of the people of the West Midlands.’
The Midland Metro Alliance comprises the West Midlands Combined Authority, which owns West Midlands Metro, and a consortium of Egis, Tony Gee and Pell Frischmann and construction contractor Colas Rail, with Colas’ sub-alliance partners Colas Ltd, Barhale, Bouygues UK and Auctus Management Group.