Balfour Beatty has secured a new £115 million maintenance contract with Network Rail.

The seven-year deal will see the company carry out the supply, operation and maintenance of 13 track maintenance vehicles, known as 'On Track Machines' or 'Tampers'.

The machines carry out maintenance, renewals and upgrade work to ensure the track is expertly aligned to enable smooth, efficient and safe journeys for passengers. Tampers maintain the track by hydraulically lifting the track and packing ballast underneath the sleepers to fill voids and realign the tracks.

-- Advertisement --

Overall, Balfour Beatty will be responsible for delivering tamping shifts across Anglia and South-East routes, which are amongst the most heavily utilised parts of the UK rail network.

The company will also introduce at least two New Tampers under the contract, the first of which is expected to be delivered by 2021.

Mark Bullock, Managing Director at Balfour Beatty's rail business, said: "This award from Network Rail is further evidence of Balfour Beatty's skills and expertise in rail plant operations.

"The contract is an important one for both Balfour Beatty and Network Rail as it will ensure the smooth and safe operation of some of the busiest sections of the railway. By operating both Tampers and Stoneblowers for Network Rail, Balfour Beatty is uniquely positioned to offer an integrated track geometry service to the Routes."

(LM/MH)