A joint venture between Amey and Sersa has been named as preferred bidder for a contract to renew Switches and Crossings (S&C) across two thirds of Britain’s rail network. The scope of the contract includes Scotland, the north of Wales, East Midlands, London North East, and London North West.
Network Rail’s S&C Northern Alliance contract will be delivered by AmeySersa, marking a transformation in the way that track works are delivered. The core contract is worth up to £400m over 10 years. Pioneers at AmeySersa plan to provide a step- change in the industry by bringing the most efficient, sustainable and innovative track renewal methods from Continental Europe.
Teams at AmeySersa will combine this with British engineering excellence and network knowledge. This new approach – which will see S&C renewals delivered in only eight hours and with far fewer workers on-site – significantly reduces risk and the duration of network possessions. As a result AmeySersa will minimise disruption and deliver unprecedented savings.
Says Amey’s chief executive, Mel Ewell, ‘We are delighted that Network Rail has selected AmeySersa as preferred bidder for this significant contract. By working in alliance with Network Rail and our partners we can tailor European best practice to suit the UK’s rail network. Working collaboratively and introducing innovation we will provide a safer, more efficient and reliable rail network.’
As well as traditional rail industry professionalism, the partnership will draw on the dynamism and enthusiasm of the next generation of rail workers through a dedicated Apprenticeship Scheme. A minimum of 3% of the workforce will be apprentices, drawing in young people who are currently not in employment, education or training.
Says Hubert Rhomberg, chief executive of Austria’s Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group, ‘For several years we have successfully delivered Switches & Crossing renewals in an innovative and revolutionary way throughout Europe. Therefore, we are extremely happy to implement this core competency in alliance with Network Rail and our partner Amey in the UK, which allows us to sustainably contribute to increased efficiency.’
