Network Rail has revealed it is to take direct control of its national high output track renewals programme by insourcing its principal contracting team when the existing contract expires in March 2015.

Bringing the high output team, currently employed by AmeyColas, in house will create a less complex organisation with greater stability, according to the rail operator. Around 65% of all track replaced on the network is completed by the high output team.

High output track renewals allow Network Rail to replace more track while allowing trains to run safely on adjacent lines, minimising disruption to services.

Network Rail track programme director Steve Featherstone said: "By creating a single team within Network Rail we can make step changes in training and development in order to further improve safety and productivity within this key part of the industry.”

This week also saw the announcement of Network Rail’s preferred bidders for an £800M conventional track renewals and enhancements programme during its 2014-2019 investment period.

Network Rail said it will renew more than 7000km of track, adding that more frequent maintenance and renewals are needed because of heavier, faster and more numerous trains than ever before.

Babcock, Carillion and Colas have been announced as preferred bidders for the conventional plain line track works stream, worth £375M collectively across seven geographic lots. Two contracts to renew switches and crossings, worth up to £400M each over the next ten years, have been awarded to AmeySersa in the north and Colas URS in the south.

(Photo: Network Rail)

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