Balfour Beatty has been selected by Network Rail to deliver a contract to electrify a 40-mile train route as part of The Great Western Mainline upgrade. 

Network Rail admitted 18 months ago that its plans to electrify the London to Cardiff route would cost around £2.8bn instead of the £874m projected for the scheme in 2013 and since then Network Rail has been working with contractors to get a better handle on the exact engineering costs. The contract award follows successful collaboration with Network Rail during the four month ‘Early Contractor Involvement’ phase to achieve an agreed level of scope, programme and cost.                                                         

Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the remainder of the electrification on the Great Western Mainline route section 6P, 8 and 9 between Cardiff and Bristol Parkway and will utilise the latest technology and innovations in design, construction and rail plant to drive efficiencies and improve safety.

Mark Bullock, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s UK rail business, said: “Our selection to deliver this important upgrade to the UK rail network builds on our partnership with Network Rail and recognises Balfour Beatty’s capability and expertise. 

“Balfour Beatty and Network Rail have successfully delivered the Crossrail West Outer Electrification Programme to schedule and I look forward to passengers seeing the benefits which will come when this new section of electrification is complete.” 

Main works are scheduled to commence this month with completion expected towards the end of 2018. During peak construction, the project will provide employment for over 300 people.