Network Rail is to bring its national high output track renewals programme in house once its operating contract with AmeyCOLAS expires next year.
By delivering the programme itself, Network Rail believes it will create a “less complex organisation with greater stability”.
Network Rail also announced that it had awarded the conventional plain line track renewals contract and Switches and crossings (S&C) renewals contract for CP5.
Babcock, Carillion and Colas has successfully tendered for plain line track works across seven geographical lots worth £375 million. Amey Sersa and Colas URS will carry out the S&C renewals under two separate alliance models worth up to £400 million over the next 10 years.
Steve Featherstone said: “Our full-time, professional high output track renewals workforce is fundamental to delivering a safe, reliable railway. By creating a single team within Network Rail we can make step changes in training and development in order to further improve safety and productivity within this key part of the industry.”
He added: “Today, there are a million more trains on our network than a decade ago and that number increases every year.
“Working with our delivery partners, we will deliver a massive programme of work to maintain, renew and enhance thousands of miles of track over the next five years, with the goal of providing a more reliable railway for passengers and freight.”
Network Rail has said that half of the 1,200 people currently working on the high output programme will be affected by the announcement.
Excellent news. For us Track maintenance operatives, already applied for Gateshead Track job fingers crossed and future for us with drive and determination will certainly benefit from this news. Well done Network Rail once again changes are being welcomed for us and things rapidly changing just as our times are too both socially and technically maybe last two years of hard work may pay of soon and career path I have choose could soon be on the up.