Atkins wins £40m overground signalling deal

W.S. Atkins has clinched a £40m deal to upgrade signalling on London Overground in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics.

Atkins will act as the signalling works contractor taking the project from detailed design to final close. The work will boost capacity on the line in time for the London 2012 Olympics.

David Tonkin, Atkin's rail business managing director said: "We have a proven track record of delivering complex projects under pressure and we believe that is why we have been chosen to lead this work. As one of the key rail routes in to the Olympic Park area in Stratford the London Overground will be extemely important in the summer of 2012."

Network rail will oversee the contract which is one of the London 2012 Transport commitments.

Atkins will face a number of challenges, working in a very thin corridor in a highly congested area and having to join the new signalling to existing infrastructure at a significant number of sites.

Work will start on the project next month with the project due for completion in 2011.