Network Rail tenders for new £5 billion track alliances

Network Rail is seeking bidders for three new track alliance contracts worth a total of £5 billion over ten years from 2019.

For the first time, the contracts will integrate plain line and switch and crossing work for renewals and enhancements, which is expected to be more efficient than previous arrangements.

Three new track alliances will be formed: North (Scotland Route); Central (London North West, London North East and East Midlands routes); and South (Anglia, South East, Wessex, Western and Wales routes). They will develop, design and deliver plain line track and switches and crossings, as well as associated infrastructure works for each area. These associated works could include realignment, track lifting and lowering, overhead and third-rail electrification, power for points heading and remote condition monitoring, removal or replacement of lineside plant, and standalone items such as track drainage renewal, trackbed stabilisation, and level crossings.

NR intends to appoint three consortia and will limit each to one contract “in order to maintain operational security”. The contracts are expected to start in July or August 2019.

The strategy forms a major part of NR’s Control Period 6 procurement strategy, which is based on working more collaboratively with the supply chain to deliver improvements. NR director for track Steve Featherstone said: “Combining our plain line expertise with that of switches and crossings will bring huge benefits to both our route customers and the wider supply chain. The proven alliance model offers a flexible and cost-effective solution with a greater focus on each route’s specific requirements and needs.”