The UK rail industry is gearing up
to deliver a significant boost to the infrastructure sector over the next 12
months.
Glenigan’s
latest analysis has pinpointed 71 rail schemes with detailed planning
permission, all set to start within the year but still awaiting contractor
appointments.
From the ongoing High Speed 2 (HS2) to a range of other critical projects at
various procurement stages, these developments present a valuable opportunity
for construction firms to secure major contracts and drive growth.
Schemes coming up include a £750 million reactive and minor works framework
for the Wales & Western railway region, which is due to begin next summer
(Project ID: 23356961).
Image: HS2 Chiltern tunnel
Plans from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfM) for a £500 million heavy
railway station at Golborne in Wigan are also speeding up (Project ID:
21516212). Glenigan’s construction industry research shows that TfM will issue
invitations to tender by the end of October 2024. A final business case is
expected to be submitted to central government in early January 2025 and
construction could start later next year if the outcome is positive.
Work on the HS2 tunnel between Old Oak Common and Euston was paused last
year by the previous government due to rising costs and other factors (Project
ID: 17142792).
Glenigan economics director Allan Wilén says: “HS2 will remain a significant
contributor, with Phase 1 work continuing. An early decision from the new
government is needed to restart tunnelling work from Old Oak Common to Euston.”
The new Labour administration could kick-start the plans in the October 30
budget, which would be a major boost for the construction industry.
Other major rail projects have continued unhindered, such as the £2 billion
TransPennine rail upgrade to improve train travel between Manchester,
Huddersfield, Leeds, and York which is continuing apace (Project ID: 24264556).
Packages of work continue to be awarded on this upgrade with the TRU West
Alliance comprising Amey, Royal BAM, and Arup on board for the latest stage to
deliver upgrades to six stations between Huddersfield and Leeds and build nine
new bridges and a viaduct.
England is the beneficiary of much of the planned investment but there is
also spending on rail construction work coming up in the devolved countries of
the UK.
A £1.3 billion investment in Scotland’s railways is due to start in November
with several contractors signed up for the work (Project ID: 23213005).
In Northern Ireland, Translink has received expressions of interest in
contractors wanting to work on the £150 million FW122 Permanent Way major
projects framework (Project ID: 24249192). The first packages of work on the
framework should be released early in the New Year.
While the Budget will undoubtedly have some impact on spending plans, the
rail sector has plenty of projects ready to roll.
