Network Rail have awarded Colas Rail a £250m contract to undertake track renewals utilising High Output plant technology.

This UK-wide five year contract is extendable to seven years, with the potential for additional volumes over this period. Colas Rail, in joint venture with Amey is the largest track renewal provider in the country, cementing an already strong partnership with Network Rail. Currently Colas Rail provides conventional track renewals for Network Rail in the Western and London North Western regions. This new contract, together with the Track Enhancement Framework contract awarded in 2009, provides the opportunity to deliver on a national scale.

The High Output Track Renewal contract is a means of delivering increased renewals capacity, greater efficiency and improved track quality in limited time slots. By providing both High Output and conventional track renewal services Colas Rail has generated greater efficiencies for Network Rail through a “one track solution”.

Charles-Albert Giral, CEO of Colas Rail Ltd comments on the award “This is a massive vote of confidence by Network Rail in our capability to deliver track renewals throughout the UK. We are delighted to contribute to Network Rail’s vision of providing Britain with a safe, reliable and efficient railway fit for the 21st century"

The introduction of High Output rail contracts has transformed the way Britain’s railways are maintained. Not only is this method a large technological step, it will also enable time efficiencies for Network Rail and the train operating companies. Ultimately this work will have a positive impact on the reliability of journey times for users of the rail network.