Network Rail has started searching for firms and suppliers to deliver up to £5 billion of railway track works over the next 10 years.

A Contract Notice has been issued in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), signalling the start of the tender process for contracts in line with Network Rail's Control Period 6 (2019-2024) and Control Period 7 (2024-2029).

Starting in 2019, three new geographically-focused alliances will be introduced between Network Rail, designers and construction suppliers. These alliances are North Alliance (Scotland Route); Central Alliance (London North West, London North East and East Midland routes); South Alliance; (Anglia, South East, Wessex, Western and Wales routes).


The alliances combine the development, design and delivery of plain line track and switches and crossings, as well as associated infrastructure works for each area. Overall, the result will see plain line and switches & crosses brought together operationally and commercially as a means of delivering infrastructure works more efficiently and effectively for customers.

Steve Featherstone, Network Rail's Director for Track, said: "Combining our plain line expertise with that of switches & 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."

For full details on the tender and information of where suppliers can register their interest, visit here.

(LM/MH)