Balfour Beatty, one the UK’s largest contractors has secured a two-year contract extension with London Underground. The deal has an estimated value of some £170m and will allow the firm to maintain its Track Partnership with the London rail network provider.

The international firm has been in business for over 100 years and has accumulated a wealth of experience working across major public infrastructure projects across the road, rail, facilities and new development industry sectors. With such pronounced expertise in infrastructure development, maintenance and consultation, Balfour Beatty continues to attract the attention of major organisations at home and overseas – regularly working in the US, Canada, the Middle East, Asia as well as the UK.

Balfour Beatty was originally appointed back by London Underground back in 2010, favoured for its robust method statement and high calibre workmanship amongst unrivalled experience in infrastructure development. Following the extension of the Track Partnership, the company will continue to carry out critical track renewal schemes across the entire underground network. As a result, Balfour Beatty will not only be responsible for project delivery but will, too, undertake the design, procurement, surveying, supervision and management of all works.

London Underground has big aspirations following the firm’s re-appointment, and the scale of the renovation work will arguably rival what is to be a major overhaul of the UK’s rail network with the development of Crossrail 2. Balfour Beatty will, over the next two years, repair and upgrade points and crossings, conduct significant ballasted track renewal installation, as well as undertaking all associated facilities improvements (i.e. drainage, power, conduction and signalling works).

Leo Quinn, Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty was confident in the firm’s ability to deliver for London’s biggest rail provider, describing the contractor’s expertise in track, electrification and power supply renovation as world-class. He continued to reiterate that Balfour Beatty had enjoyed a partnership with the underground rail operator for the last 13 years, and that the contract extension therefore plays witness to the firm’s success.

The contract will now run until the end of March 2018 and, despite necessitating much of the same in terms of repair and renewal works, will also see greater emphasis on enhancing efficiencies during works. As part of the new drive, project managers are expected to given great responsibility over cost control measures as well as remaining accountable for best practice health and safety management.

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