£2 billion electrification framework contracts awarded
Network Rail has named the four suppliers who will deliver a £2 billion programme of electrification works over the next seven years.
Balfour Beatty, AmeyInabensa, CarillionPowerlines and ABC Electrification will complete a range of projects across six geographical regions, covering 2,000 miles of railway.
The framework contracts break down as follows:
- Southern region: AmeyInabensa
- Central (London North Western, South) region: ABC
- Central (East Midlands) region: CarillionPowerlines
- Central (London North Western, North) region: Balfour Beatty
- Scotland & North East region: CarillionPowerlines
- Western & Wales region: ABC
Some of the more significant schemes include the electrification of the Great Western and Midland main lines, Liverpool to Manchester and Preston, the Valley lines in south Wales and the ‘electric spine’ from Southampton docks to the West Midlands and Yorkshire.
Simon Kirby, managing director of Network Rail’s infrastructure projects division, said: “Our work to electrify two thousand track miles represents the biggest programme of rail electrification in a generation and will provide faster, quieter and more reliable journeys for millions of passengers every week while cutting the cost of the railway.”
Jeremy Candfield, director general of the Railway Industry Association, commented: “This is a major and very welcome step in the transformation of the railway. It will encourage suppliers to invest in the training and equipment needed for the growing national electrification programme and pave the way for suppliers’ greater involvement to maximise the efficient delivery of the projects.”