Rail improvements

Network Rail has outlined its plans to provide a cost effective and efficient roll-out of its £4bn track renewals programme.

Over the next five years, the company plans to keep investment at high levels with total output to remain as previously planned. However, the company said that less work would take place in the first year in order for new, efficient ways of working to take effect.

Simon Kirby, director of infrastructure investment at Network Rail, said: ‘We are committed to continue to invest in our railway to deliver higher levels of reliability for the passenger and freight users. But we must deliver value for money for this work and it makes sense to take advantage of new, more efficient methods of working in our future planned work.’

Work available in the field of track enhancements has increased significantly and currently totals around £800m. Following a recent tender exercise, Network Rail has announced the names of seven contractors (Amey Colas, Babcock Rail, Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Grant Rail, Jarvis and Trackwork) that will take part in its track enhancement programme.

Kirby added: ‘With smarter and more mechanised ways of carrying out track renewals coming on stream in a few years time, reducing volumes next year and ramping up in the years that follow will help to deliver the savings we need if we're to meet Office of Rail Regulation output targets.’