Network Rail has started searching for firms to help deliver up to £5 billion of track works across the UK over the next 10 years.

The company will launch a pre-qualification period for the tender in May to let the next generation of track infrastructure contracts. Three alliances will cover the following areas;

• Alliance 1: North (Scotland Route)

• Alliance 2: Central (London North West, and London North East & East Midland Routes)

• Alliance 3: South (Anglia, Southeast, Wessex, Western, and Wales Routes)

During the next five-year funding period (2019 – 2024), own as Control Period 6 (CP6), Network Rail will undertake a significant infrastructure investment programme and is inviting bids from a from a wide range of suppliers who can illustrate relevant expertise.

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Overall, the contracts will cover the development, design and delivery of plain line and  switches & crossings, as well as associated infrastructure works. Three alliances will be formed between Network Rail and consortia comprising a minimum of one construction contractor and one designer.

Given the large scale and long-term nature of the contracts, Network Rail said it will be essential for prospective bidders to exhibit their commitment to delivering value through the 'relentless pursuit of excellence', 'highly innovative approaches', and a 'demonstrable track record of success in collaborative environments'.

Steve Featherstone, Network Rail’s director for track said: "This tender represents a major milestone in the development of our strategy for our track infrastructure investment programme.

"It also represents a significant commitment by Network Rail to the rail industry and we are expecting high levels of interest in these contracts from the supply chain. In return, we will be looking for clear and firm commitments from the supply chain to deliver value for Network Rail."

A supplier engagement briefing for interested suppliers is scheduled to take place at an unnamed venue on Monday, 23 April.

(LM/MH)