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Mass Transit news articles. ........Date: 9/1/2004

Network Rail awards new, efficient high output track renewal contract

Source:http://www.railtrack.com, Source date:


Network Rail today announced the award of a new, two-year contract for the maintenance and operation of its high output track renewals and ballast cleaning plant.

The two-year, framework contract is anticipated to be worth around £30 million and represents an integral part of the company’s drive to improve the condition of its assets and step up its track renewals activity, needed following years of under-investment.

It will deliver cost reductions and significant improvements in value for money through: -

  • more integrated methods of working
  • optimisation of job lengths
  • better utilisation of track access and resources
Network Rail is constantly looking at new ways to deliver its key role of rebuilding Britain’s railway. This has seen a £39 million-investment in state of the art, high output track relaying and high output ballast cleaning systems, which dramatically increase the company’s track renewals capacity, maximising track access slots and so minimising disruptions to passengers.

The contract that has been awarded to First Swietelsky, a joint venture between First Engineering and Swietelsky of Austria to operate and maintain the new high output track renewal and ballast cleaning equipment currently being introduced by Network Rail to the UK.

Network Rail Projects and Engineering Director Peter Henderson said: “The award of this contract is a significant step toward our goal of controlling costs, whilst delivering a more reliable railway infrastructure and better train performance. The huge task of rebuilding our railway is well underway.”

Notes for editors:

Network Rail is the 'not for dividend' operator of Britain's rail network. Our objective is to provide safe, reliable and efficient rail infrastructure.

We own and maintain the tracks, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, and level crossings. We also own the network’s 2,500 stations, and manage the largest and the busiest. We provide access to the tracks for every passenger and freight train, timetable their journeys, and operate the signaling, which controls their movements.

Network Rail is a company limited by guarantee with members instead of shareholders. It is run as a commercial organisation, but any operating surplus is re-invested in the rail network.

Our core focus is the operation, maintenance, and renewal of existing rail infrastructure, with the Strategic Rail Authority taking the lead on enhancement projects.

We have set clear targets to improve performance and reduce costs, but safety is always at the forefront of our activities as we rebuild Britain's railway.

Details about the Company can be found on the Network Rail web site: www.networkrail.co.uk

For media enquiries please contact the Network Rail press office on 020 7557 8292 / 3