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Balfour Beatty Rail Projects Limited, the leading international rail engineering, design and construction business of Balfour Beatty plc, has been awarded the implementation works contract for the Gretna to Annan Redoubling Scheme in Dumfriesshire, Scotland.
The multi-disciplinary contract, awarded by Network Rail Major Projects & Investments (Enhancements), is worth approximately £13 million and involves redoubling the single line section of the eight-mile route between Gretna station and Annan.
Keith Hampson, Managing Director (Interim), Balfour Beatty Rail Projects, said:
“As the works will mainly be carried out during short weekend possessions, we are required to provide a high output solution. To achieve the required production we will utilise a New Track Construction machine and our proven project management skills to successfully deliver the project for our client, Network Rail. The rail infrastructure market in Scotland is buoyant with many exciting opportunities and our team is looking forward to undertaking this project as well as other future Scottish projects.”
Balfour Beatty Rail Projects is responsible for the construction of the permanent way and the replacement of four bridge decks, together with the design and construction of the signalling and telecommunications, the earthworks and a new station platform at Gretna.
Scheduled for completion in summer 2008, the scheme will remove the worst bottleneck on the Glasgow & South Western line (G&SW). It will also provide increased capacity for freight movements of coal from Scotland to English power stations as well as enabling better timetabling and performance of passenger services.
Enquiries to:
Marjorie Hooper
Balfour Beatty plc
020 7216 6883
www.balfourbeatty.com
Notes to Editors
1. Balfour Beatty Rail Projects Limited’s core skills include track, overhead line equipment, power supply, signalling & telecommunications, with contracts being undertaken on both multi-disciplinary and single discipline projects. It is currently delivering key projects for major infrastructure providers both overseas and in the UK including Network Rail, Transport for London, BAA, Metronet Rail and Union Railways.
2. Balfour Beatty is a world-class engineering, construction, services and investment business, well positioned in infrastructure markets which offer significant long-term growth. We work in partnership with sophisticated customers who value the highest levels of quality, safety and technical expertise. Our skills are applied in appropriate combinations to meet individual customer needs. Its financial position, with significant net cash and with strong operating cash flows, offers continuing flexibility to add additional capacity and expertise to the business mix and to make appropriate investments in PPP and other long-term growth opportunities.
3. Network Rail has already carried out enabling works on its £35 million project.
The eight-mile stretch between Gretna and Annan is an important passenger route from Carlisle via Dumfries to Ayrshire and on to Glasgow Central. It is also the main route for the transportation of coal from the freight terminal at Hunterston in North Ayrshire and the opencast sites in South Ayrshire to power stations in England. Increased line capacity will allow peak time freight transport to be accommodated with greater ease. In addition, the double-tracked line will provide a new diversionary route for trains on the Glasgow & South Western route as well as Virgin Pendolino trains travelling up the West Coast Main Line. |