East West Rail - Further Critical Works

The requirement consists of a combination of design services and construction works which are needed to increase the rail network’s operational capacity for progressive delivery of benefits from early 2030s and to support the rail networks’ early operational response to a new theme park which is set to open in 2031.

The indicative high-level scope relating to this transparency notice refers only to the Marston Vale Line between Bletchley and Stewartby, and on the OXD line between Oxford Parkway and Bletchley, and Milton Keynes Central Station design services and works (subject to funding and any other required internal and external approvals):

• Undertaking the design for critical rail systems upgrade and required station packages on the Martson Vale and OXD lines to support a higher capacity railway as far as Stewartby.
• Re-signalling works, track upgrades including double tracking between Bletchley and Fenny Stratford and a new layout at Stewartby, passing loops, electrification, level crossing closures, bridge and underpass works, station works at Winslow, Bletchley and Stewartby, earthworks and drainage resilience.
• Discharge of new planning consents under the EWRco Development Consent Order (DCO) and integration with TWAO conditions and commitments in support of the delivery of the Marston Vale Line Core Works (MVLCW).
• Delivery of enabling works such as site clearance, compound set up, Flood Storage Areas (CFSA), Environmental Compensation Sites (ECS) and utility diversions
• Integration of timetabling modelling between MVLCW and this scope. This includes both service outcomes and temporary arrangements including possession planning.

It is currently anticipated, based on the current information, that the estimated final costs of these works and services will amount to a maximum of £650m (excluding VAT).

This scope of this Transparency Notice does not include several of the final station arrangements on the Martson Vale signalling area, or the option for a train maintenance depot on the OXD lines. The requirements for this will be procured separately. Information on the wider East West Rail project can be found at East West Rail | Project overview.

The in scope design services and works will require significant coordination and integration with the ongoing works currently being delivered by the East West Rail Alliance (EWRA) on the Marston Vale Line, referred to as the Marston Vale Line Core Works (MVLCW). This includes design integration, as well as the management and delivery of the works on the same site, at the same time and, on the same rail systems, therefore Network Rail consider this an extension of existing work.

An overview of the existing MVLCW scope includes

• Multiple level crossing closures and bridge work (including BF01) on the Marston Vale Line
• Signalling and control system alterations associated with level crossing works and associated track works
• Other coordinated bridge works
• Timetable development works
• Options for safety enhancements at stations including tactile edges, extension of existing station lighting, announcement, wayfinding and customer information systems if required
• Resilience infrastructure works including track, drainage and earthworks