CTRL trackwork and M&E tenders invited

The next phase of tendering on the £3 billion Channel Tunnel Rail Link is about to get underway with Railtrack preparing the way for the trackwork and mechanical and electrical contracts.

Railtrack is inviting contractors to prequalify for inclusion on a qualified list of contractors to undertake the track and mechanical and electrical work.

Railtrack will later invite contractors or joint ventures, from the approved list, to tender for the design, procurement, manufacture, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of the following: 1) all trackwork for high-speed railways and chords; 2) overhead line equipment; 3) mechanical and electrical systems, including fire detection and protection, drainage and pumping stations; 4) electrical systems for auxiliary lighting and low-voltage distribution; 5) definition, implementation, management and coordination of the overall logistics for the supply and transportation of the work areas of plant and materials, including the construction and management of a railhead.

The total cost of the above five areas of work is estimated to be around £90 million for Section 1 of the link (from the Channel Tunnel portal at Saltwood in Kent to the existing Victoria to Medway Towns line at Fawkham Junction near Swanley in Kent). The second section, which involves considerable lengths of tunnel, into central London is due to be built at a later date.

The first contracts are likely to go out to tender in spring 1999. Tenders for £220 million worth of civil and structural engineer works are already awarded or are currently being priced by contractors.