Alstom JV Signalling Solutions chosen as a preferred bidder in Network Rail’s major signalling framework agreement

Rail infrastructure owner Network Rail has selected Signalling Solutions Ltd, the Alstom Transport and Balfour Beatty Rail joint venture company as a preferred bidder to deliver signalling projects in a new seven-year framework agreement.

Network Rail estimates that the entire spending on signalling modernisation and maintenance across the UK in the seven year period of the frameworks will be approximately £1.5Bn.

Signalling Solutions Ltd (SSL) will be responsible for providing signalling renewals and enhancements as primary supplier in three of eight geographical  regions; Central East, Great Western Inner and Great Western Outer and will be the secondary supplier in four geographical regions; Scotland, Central West, Wales and Western and Kent and Anglia.

The agreement, which is due to commence on 2 April, will operate for the remaining two years of the current control period 4 and can be renewed to cover control period 5 (2014-19).

The new framework forms the backbone of Network Rail’s programme to modernise and maintain Britain’s railway signalling systems and is designed to deliver the 16% efficiency savings required across the company’s signalling work bank over the next seven years through further reductions in unit costs.

The agreement represents a significant increase in market share for SSL, following the successful implementation of the Alstom Smartlock 400 interlocking platform in a series of key projects delivered for Network Rail since the company was launched in 2007.

About Signalling Solutions Ltd

Signalling Solutions Ltd is a 50-50 joint venture company formed by Alstom Transport and Balfour Beatty Rail. It is the UK and Ireland’s sole channel for signalling products and systems previously supplied by the parent companies. Signalling Solutions’ collective in-house expertise offers a complete range of capabilities including planning, design, product supply, installation, testing and commissioning for all types of railways.