Parsons Brinckerhoff awarded design contract for phase two of Network Rail’s East West Rail scheme

Network Rail’s East West Rail scheme has taken a step forward with the award of a design contract to global engineering consultant, Parsons Brinckerhoff.

The project will re-establish a passenger and freight rail link between Oxford and Bedford, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury for the first time in more than 40 years. It involves upgrading and reconstructing underused and disused sections of railway.

Parsons Brinckerhoff has been awarded a contract of up to £8 million for the second phase of the scheme.  The work includes timetable modelling, the design and alignment of track, civil engineering works to bridges and embankments, geotechnical investigation and survey works, studies on how the reinstated railway will impact on level crossings, station design, consents, ecology and environmental works.

Andy Milne, Network Rail senior programme manager, said: “This contract award marks a significant milestone for the East West Rail scheme. The work Parsons Brinckerhoff will be carrying out will enable the project to be developed to the point where we can then award contracts for detailed design and construction.”

The first phase of the scheme is already underway with the construction and doubling of track for more than 18km of railway to increase line speeds to 100mph along with a variety of other works. These include the construction of new overbridges, underbridges and footbridges, closure of 37 level crossings, construction of a new station at Oxford Parkway and work to upgrade Bicester Town and Islip stations along with a new signalling system.

Darren Reed, Parsons Brinckerhoff’s Director of Rail UK/Europe, said “We are delighted to be working with Network Rail and the East West Consortium to facilitate the development of this major complex rail programme which will enable essential east west rail connectivity. We look forward to developing this visionary strategic transport scheme, which in turn will encourage economic growth and promote sustainable transport solutions.”

The East West Rail will deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits to Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and beyond.