VolkerRail has been awarded the Tranche 6 contract to renew signalling structures across the North West of England, as part of Network Rail's ongoing efforts to modernise ageing railway infrastructure in the region.

This latest contract, valued at £19.9 million, builds on the success of the previous Tranche 5 programme, which saw VolkerRail deliver major signalling asset renewals across the West Coast Main Line and Cumbrian Coast. That phase included the commissioning of five major signalling gantries and addressed key operational and safety concerns linked to deteriorating infrastructure.

Under Tranche 6, which forms part of the North West and Central Framework, VolkerRail will replace up to 60 structures—including 10 signalling gantries—and install around 100 new signals. The contract is divided into three key packages:

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• Tranche 6A: Replacement of 24 structures and two gantries between Carlisle and the Cumbrian coast, Chester, and Liverpool.

• Tranche 6B: Replacement of 28 structures and six gantries on the West Coast Main Line north of Warrington.

• Tranche 6C: Early development and design for a series of Semaphore signal renewals.

In addition to structure replacements, VolkerRail will carry out early design work, piling, and ground investigations for new signal bases. The scope also includes lineside civil engineering, telecoms, overhead line equipment work, and full testing and commissioning. Readypower Rail Services and AJMS Consultants will provide further support on the project.

VolkerRail has been working with Network Rail since 2019 as part of the Signalling and Telecoms Framework for the North West and Central region, delivering over 90 projects to date.

Work on Tranche 6 is scheduled for completion by July 2027, with the first commissioning expected in January 2026.