UK: Infrastructure manager Network Rail has named the preferred bidders for two of its three rail system alliance contracts. Amongst the largest framework contracts to be awarded for Control Period 6 in 2019-24, the contracts have been designed to bring together NR, designers and construction contractors to undertake what NR described as ‘anything needed to make the rail system work including track, points, overhead lines and signalling’.
Babcock Rail, Arup and Arcadis have been selected for the North Alliance contract, which covers NR’s Scotland route. Colas Rail and AECOM have been selected for the South Alliance contract, which covers the Anglia, South East, Wessex, Western and Wales routes.
The two contracts announced on January 30 have a combined value of £5bn, and are to run for an initial five-year period with an option for a further five years. Formal award is subject to a standstill period.
The bidding process is still underway for the Central Alliance contract, which would cover the London North West and London North East & East Midlands routes. Procurement was phased to improve efficiency for NR and the supply chain.
