Network Rail Names GrantRail as a Preferred Bidder for Five Year Track Renewals Contracts

01 Sep 2003

Network Rail has announced GrantRail as one of the preferred bidders for a series of five-year track renewal contracts for the rail infrastructure.

Gren Edwards, Managing Director of GrantRail said,
"We are delighted with this news, which is a major part of our strategic growth plan. It allows us to plan better for the future to deliver an excellent service and value to our leading customer, Network Rail"

The multi-million pound contracts represent a key element of Network Rail's cost reduction strategy and will deliver significant improvements in value for money.  In addition, the contracts are an integral part of Network Rail’s drive to improve the condition of its assets and catch up on the backlog of track renewals resulting from years of under investment.

The 11 geographically based contracts have a combined value estimated at £500M a year.  The contracts will incorporate new methods of working to ensure more efficient delivery of renewals through improved specification, optimising of job lengths, better utilisation of track access and resources, competitive pricing and benchmarking unit rates for standardised work types.
     
Network Rail Chief Executive John Armitt said: "The award of these contracts is a significant step toward our goal of reducing and controlling costs, whilst delivering a safe and efficient railway.  Renewals work and reducing the average age of the assets is fundamental to improving the tolerance of a fragile network following years of under investment"

Final contract award is subject to successful negotiations of detailed contract terms and conditions. The preferred bidders are:
Plain Line Track Renewals

Network Rail Region         
Scotland - First Engineering
North West - First Engineering
London North Eastern - Jarvis
Midlands - GrantRail & Carillion
Great Western - AmeySECO
Anglia - Balfour Beatty
Southern - GrantRail & Balfour Beatty

Switch & Crossing Installation Contracts

Network Rail Region     
Scotland / London North Eastern / Anglia - Balfour Beatty & Jarvis
Midlands / North West - Carillion & GrantRail
Great Western - Carillion & Jarvis
Southern - Balfour Beatty & GrantRail