"Strong track record": Amey brought on board to improve Sheffield to Leeds railway services
Infrastucture consultancy giant Amey is to play a part in efforts to improve rail services between Sheffield and Leeds, it has been announced.
Amey has secured a new contract with Network Rail to deliver multi-disciplinary railway consultancy services for the Leeds to Sheffield corridor, as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme.
The first phase of Northern Powerhouse Rail includes the electrification of the Sheffield to Leeds line, delivering up to four fast trains an hour.
A spokesperson for Amey said: “Secured under Network Rail’s Development and Design Partnership Framework (DDPF), the new contract will see Amey provide multi-disciplinary railway consultancy services to support connectivity between Sheffield and Leeds, enabling increased capacity on the network through additional train services, and faster journey times across key northern routes.
“As part of the contract, Amey will work in close partnership with Network Rail to design and develop engineering solutions for the key route in the Leeds to Sheffield scheme.
"Leveraging its experience of designing, operating and maintaining complex rail networks, the company will provide provisional design solutions to enhance performance, minimise disruption, and deliver resilient outcomes for both passengers and freight.”
Colin Wood, Managing Director of Amey, said: “We are pleased to have secured this contract as part of the Network Rail Development and Design Partnership Framework.
"This new contract award reflects our strong track record in delivering complex rail solutions and our commitment to supporting improved connectivity across the North of England as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme.
"We look forward to working closely with Network Rail to deliver solutions that improve performance and resilience across the wider rail network.”
An Amey spokesperson added: “Amey’s systems thinking approach will be key to supporting the delivery of end-to-end engineering services on the scheme, underpinned by close collaboration with delivery partners to ensure a transparent and valued-driven approach throughout the scheme delivery.
"This will also be complemented by Amey's digital-led application of data and analytics to inform optioneering, including assessing station dwell times and their impact on wider network performance, particularly at Sheffield station.
“The contract award further highlights Amey’s growing relationship with Network Rail and reinforces the company’s role as a trusted partner in supporting the delivery of infrastructure that connects people, businesses and communities across the North of England.”
Amey has previously been awarded £800m in works as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade West Alliance project.