Media centre

Monday 26 Mar 2012

DESIGN CONTRACT SIGNALS NEXT PHASE IN DELIVERY OF BORDERS LINE

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail has appointed BAM Nuttall to assist in the delivery of the Borders Railway as the project moves another step closer to delivery.

The contract allows Network Rail to continue design and advance works on behalf of Transport Scotland prior to taking on a full project delivery role.

The £2million contract enables BAM Nuttall to further develop designs of the railway route, including bridges, tunnels and stations.

Network Rail will also proceed with ground stabilisation works in the Midlothian section of the route where remediation of former mine works is required.

The contract includes an option to continue into the delivery phase once design is completed. While the preparatory works are under way, Network Rail continues to work with Transport Scotland with a view to taking on the delivery of the project.

David Simpson, route managing director, Network Rail Scotland, commented: “Network Rail is pleased to be involved with the Borders Railway and this contract to deliver the design phase takes us and the Scottish Government one step closer to re-establishing a railway to the Scottish Borders.”

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "The Borders Railway project is a sign of the Scottish Government's commitment to developing rail services and I am extremely pleased to see Network Rail progressing preparatory works with their award of the design contract.

“This is an important project for the region and will help secure jobs and provide opportunities for communities along the route.”

David Belsham, Director, BAM Nuttall, commented: “BAM is delighted to be selected to continue our long association with the Borders Railway project. We have a proud heritage of delivering major infrastructure projects in Scotland and are excited by the prospect of continuing our close collaboration with Network Rail and the local community through this next important phase.”

The Borders Railway will reconnect the heart of the Scottish Borders to the railway network for the first time in over 40 years. Travelling through Midlothian, the project will see seven new stations delivered along the 35 mile route -four in Midlothian and three in the Scottish Borders.