£220 million contract for revamping H&C & Central Line awarded

London Underground has awarded a £220 million five year contract, to carry out track renewal work, to Balfour Beatty.

The works will include the replacement of ballasted track, points and crossings including all ancillary signalling and drainage works on two thirds of the Tube network – Bakerloo, Circle, Central, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines.

David Waboso, Capitals Programme Director, said: “It is vital that these works are carried out not only to maintain the continued safe operation of the Tube but also to modernise it. With the introduction of a new fleet of 191 air-conditioned trains and a new signalling system on the Metropolitan, District and H&C lines the track has to be ready for an increase in usage of up to 40 per cent.
“Combining both track renewal and drainage works will mean that the work will be carried out more efficiently. Balfour Beatty tendered detailed proposals for reducing costs and we will work closely with them to achieve efficiencies and drive down costs.”
Works are expected to start in spring 2011. So stand by for more line closures as they frantically try and complete before the Olympics.