Network Rail award Great Western Mainline upgrade contract

Network Rail has awarded the contract to electrify part of The Great Western Mainline to international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty.

Following a successful collaboration during the four month Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase, Network Rail were delighted to continue the programme with Balfour Beatty, agreeing the level of scope, programme and cost.

Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the 40 mile remaining section of the route, due for electrification on section 6P, 8 and 9 between Cardiff and Bristol Parkway and will utilise the latest technology and innovations in design, construction and rail plant to drive efficiencies and improve safety.

Mark Bullock, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s UK Rail business, said: “Our selection to deliver this important upgrade to the UK rail network builds on our partnership with Network Rail and recognises Balfour Beatty’s capability and expertise.

“Balfour Beatty and Network Rail have successfully delivered the Crossrail West Outer Electrification Programme to schedule and I look forward to passengers seeing the benefits which will come when this new section of electrification is complete.”

Main works are scheduled to commence this month with completion expected towards the end of 2018. During peak construction, the project will provide employment for over 300 people.

Image: Newly installed overhead live wires on the upgraded Great Western mainline at Reading in Berkshire, UK. Soon, new super express class 800 inter city trains will replace 40 year old diesel units.

 

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