VolkerRail set to continue signalling structure renewals across the North West
VolkerRail has been awarded the Tranche 6 contract to renewal signalling structures across the North West of England.
This is a continuation of the Tranche 5 contract, were VolkerRail delivered an extensive programme of signalling asset renewals across the West Coast Mainline and Cumbrian Coast, including the commissioning of five major signalling gantries. This programme was critical in addressing significant operational and safety risks posed by ageing and deteriorating infrastructure, ensuring long-term reliability and resilience of the railway.
Tranche 6 forms part of the North West and Central Framework. This £19.9m contract comprises of three packages and will see VolkerRail replace up to 60 structures, including 10 signalling gantries and 100 signals. The three packages include:
- Tranche 6A: Renewal of 24 structures and two gantries from Carlisle to the Cumbrian coast, Chester and Liverpool.
- Tranche 6B: Renewal of 28 structures and six gantries on the West Coast Mainline, north of Warrington.
- Tranche 6C: Early development and design for a series of Semaphore signal renewals.
Throughout the contract, VolkerRail will also undertake early design works as well as piling and ground investigations for new signal bases, lineside civils, telecoms, and overhead line works, along with full testing and commissioning. Readypower Rail Services and AJMS consultants will also support the project.
Commenting, Niall McCreanor, director of specialist businesses, said: “We are proud to continue delivering major enhances in the North West. With a new approach to delivery, ensuring we are ‘one team’ with shared goals, our first aim is to meticulously plan the full scope of works and complete all early design and construction phases activities.
“We are also taking lessons learned from Tranche 5, along with our strong supply chain relationships, to ensure we drive continuous improvement in design efficiency, construction methodologies, and collaborative working practices, to ensure greater programme resilience, enhanced safety, and optimised delivery performance.”
Since 2019, VolkerRail has been working with Network Rail to undertake an extensive programme of enhancements and renewals across the North West and Central (NW&C) region as part of its Signalling and Telecoms Framework, completing over 90 contracts.
Work on Tranche 6 is expected to be completed by July 2027, with the first commissioning scheduled for January 2026.
