Network Rail intends to award up to £650m of East West Rail upgrade work to the alliance of AtkinsRéalis, Laing O’Rourke and VolkerRail without a competitive tender.
A notice published on 14 October sets out plans to extend the alliance’s existing core works contract. The proposed package would increase capacity on the Marston Vale Line between Bletchley and Stewartby, as well as on the route between Oxford Parkway and Bletchley.
Scope of proposed works
Network Rail said the works would include re-signalling, track upgrades, electrification, level-crossing closures and station improvements. Track interventions are expected to include double-tracking between Bletchley and Fenny Stratford, a revised layout at Stewartby and additional passing loops.
The package would also cover bridges and underpasses, earthworks, drainage, utility diversions, site clearance and construction compounds. Station works are planned at Winslow, Bletchley and Stewartby, alongside flood-storage areas and environmental compensation sites.
AtkinsRéalis is the alliance’s engineering and design partner, Laing O’Rourke is the main construction partner and VolkerRail is responsible for infrastructure and track delivery. The existing core works contract is valued at £402m, according to Glenigan.
Contract subject to approvals
Network Rail has estimated the proposed package at up to £780m including VAT. The contract is intended to run from 9 November 2026 to 24 November 2036, subject to funding and other approvals. Network Rail expects to sign it no earlier than 4 November.
The client said appointing a different contractor could create technical difficulties because the proposed upgrades overlap with works already being delivered by the alliance. These interfaces include level-crossing closures, bridge construction, signalling changes, station safety improvements and drainage infrastructure.
The works are also intended to support rail services ahead of the planned opening of the Universal Studios theme park near Bedford in 2031. East West Rail said in April that it wanted to accelerate delivery of the Oxford-to-Cambridge railway by opening sections as they are completed.
Its proposals include rebuilding four Marston Vale Line stations at Woburn Sands, Ridgmont, Lidlington and Stewartby, alongside electrification to enable more frequent services. East West Rail said the upgraded railway would support four trains between Oxford and Stewartby, including connections to the planned theme park development.