Network Rail invites 70 firms to bid for £425m Reading job

Network Rail has asked 70 engineering firms to put forward their ideas for the delivery of the £425m Reading remodelling scheme.

The project will be split into 25 individual work packages with values ranging from £1m to £80m.

Companies will be selected for their skills in:

• Civil engineering, including the construction of a rail viaduct and bridge widening and replacement
• Signalling and telecoms, including signalling equipment at Reading
• Track renewal and construction
• Station and depot works including building new platforms, pedestrian footbridge and the northern entrance to the station

Successful bidders will go through a three-stage process to qualify for the final selection, which will begin in early 2009. The first set of work packages will be awarded by summer 2009 for preliminary work to start by the end of next year.

The larger contracts for the main programme of work, which include the construction of the elevated railway and track renewals, will be awarded from the end of 2009.

Rupert Walker, project sponsor for Network Rail said:

"This is one of the most prestigious, high-profile schemes in the country and it will provide national benefit to Britain’s railways. We owe it to the millions of rail users coming through the Reading area each year to secure the best talent available for this vital project.

“The selection process will be rigorous and competition will be tough so we can draw on the best people to deliver the job. Every successful bidder will have an excellent opportunity to showcase their expertise and ability to deliver.”