Network Rail announces £750 million contract for signalling across UK

The signalling and telecoms (S&T) frameworks, which are split into six geographical lots, have been awarded to VolkerRail Special Businesses Ltd (London North West), Atkins Ltd (Anglia, South East and Wessex), Linbrooke Services Ltd (London North East), Babcock Rail Ltd (Scotland), Colas Rail Ltd (Western) and Siemens Mobility Ltd (Wales).

The frameworks will deliver projects of varying value, including stand-alone level crossings, stand-alone major telecoms and related civil works.

Martin Robinson, Commercial Director, signalling, said: “The S&T framework awards are the first awards in a three-tier approach to signalling delivery for CP6 which aims to recognise the differing signalling work banks we have to deliver. The awards have gone to signalling suppliers that between them, have many years of signalling experience on our railway and will help Network Rail facilitate key signalling renewals over the coming years.

“The framework’s approach using fewer contractors will help bring them closer to Network Rail and the routes/regions and make further progress in working more collaboratively. We will continue to build on the successful relationships we already have with our suppliers and look forward to working with them all going forward.”

The remaining two tiers, minor and major signalling, targeted towards simple component replacement and major re-signalling and re-control respectively, will complete the three-tier strategy for CP6 signalling delivery when they are awarded in June 2019 and January 2020.

Kevin Robertshaw, Programme Director, signalling, said: “Our strategy for delivering signalling works in CP6 focuses on bringing the supplier closer to the client and facilitating a more integrated way of working.

“This is the first of three framework tiers to be awarded and part of a strategy enabling Network Rail and the signalling supply chain to be more innovative, collaborative and effective. I look forward to working with the successful suppliers and making a success of the opportunity ahead of us.”