Network Rail recruiting for £3.5bn framework

Network Rail has launched a search for contractors to carry out £3.5bn of infrastructure and capital works in its Eastern Region.

Tender documents have been published for the Eastern Routes Partnership (ERP) by Network Rail Infrastructure. The framework is initially due to run for five years, with a two-month mobilisation period. However, it may be extended by Network Rail for a further five years.

The tender has been split into four lots, with the largest – worth over £1bn – covering buildings and civils. Other high-value lots include £852m for signals and a £497m lot for distribution and plant. Lots have also been split into generalist contact works and specialist works.

According to Network Rail, the ERP is part of an “ecosystem across the Eastern Region” which may include arrangements for small schemes as well as reactive works and alternative options for standalone multidisciplinary enhancements and/or major projects or programmes.

Network Rail has also included a “pain-gain incentive mechanism” in the tender, which means that those engaged to work on the projects will be rewarded if they complete works at a lower cost than the project’s target costs.

The £852m general signalling and telecoms lot covers the main bulk of signalling work, which includes works such as interlocking & NX panels works, re-wire and life extension, alteration to solid state interlockings for any new trackside works, level crossing works, transmission works, intelligent infrastructure installations and alterations to signalling power supplies. A second specialist signalling lot is valued at £88m.

The £362m generalist contact systems lot includes structure renewal and refurbishment, AC/DC contact systems works overhead Line Equipment (OLE) campaign changes (rectification of known issues) as well as mid-life refurbishment, re-wiring, survey and drone works and tunnel renewals.

When it comes to distribution and plant, the £497m lot includes works for HV traction distribution works, substation renewals, signalling power works, lighting and LV distribution works, operational, yard and tunnel lighting.

Lot 1A – Generalist Buildings & Civils: £1bn+
Lot 1B – Specialist Structures: £72m
Lot 1C – Specialist Geotechnical: £64m
Lot 2A – Generalist Signalling and Telecoms: £852m
Lot 2B – Specialist Signalling: £88m
Lot 2C – Specialist Telecoms: £70m
Lot 3A – Generalist Contact Systems: £362m
Lot 3B – Specialist Contact Systems: £70m
Lot 4A – Generalist Distribution & Plant: £497m
Lot 4B – Specialist Distribution & Plant: £88m

Interested parties have until 10 June to apply.