Atkins, Laing O'Rourke and VolkerRail have secured a contract to develop the East West Rail Phase 2 (EWR2) scheme for Network Rail.

The alliance is tasked with continuing the development of the outline design and construction programme of the project.

The EWR2 project involves upgrading and reconstructing underused and mothballed sections of the railway linking the Great Western, Chiltern, West Coast and Midland main lines north of London.

Plans include building a new station at Winslow, two new platforms at Bletchley, developing 18 new footbridges and 22 new footbridges/subways.

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In addition, changes will be made to 97 railway crossings.

After developing the design and contract programme, the EWR2 partners will consult with the Department for Transport for the final design scope, construction timetable and costs.

Andy Milne, Network Rail's senior programme manager and alliance manager, said: "We are an alliance of four equal parts working as one team. Never before on a rail project of this size has an alliance been convened this early. By scoping all aspects of the project now we will see potential problems early and be able to mitigate them. The earlier we do this work the greater value for taxpayers' money we can deliver."

Graeme Castle, rail sector leader for Laing O'Rourke, speaking on behalf of all the EWR2 partners, added: "Our early involvement in the East West Rail Phase 2 project will guarantee an efficient and constructible design that is at the forefront of innovation built on digital engineering and offsite manufacture."

(LM/CD)