Balfour Beatty partners with Transport for London to upgrade London Underground

Transport for London has appointed Balfour Beatty to upgrade the London Underground track under a new £220M contract.

Under the new contract, the 1,047 km London Underground track will be replaced or upgraded to ensure its future resilience. Work will be done on drainage, signalling, traction power, and rail conductor works, as well as the renewal of 13 km of ballasted track.

The company was previously awarded the contract for track renewals in 2010, which was extended by two years in 2016. The new work will begin in April this year with an aim to be completed by 2023.

The work will also introduce new technology including remote surveying systems and viewing software. Work is planned to be carried out with minimal disruption to the public.

London Underground’s Director for Renewals and Enhancements, Caroline Sheridan, said: “Track maintenance and renewal is an essential part of keeping London moving.”

“This contract will help us to continue to provide better, more reliable journeys for our customers while continuing to drive staff safety.”

The company promises that its detailed knowledge of the tube and London Infrastructure, in general, will allow them to ensure the future of the transport system. They emphasise innovation and improving safety both for construction workers and passengers.

At the peak of the project, it is projected 300 people will be employed. This will include apprenticeships and graduate workers.

Balfour Beatty has been involved in a number of high-profile projects around the world. They are currently involved in large projects with Network Rail and have previously worked on the London Olympics Aquatic Centre and the Channel Tunnel.

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