NEX26/08 S&C Renewals - Chillingham Road and Gateshead

The Contracting Authority intends to procure a Principal Contractor to deliver Switches and Crossings (S&C) renewal works at: • Chillingham Road S&C - 3014A/B points, and • Gateshead S&C - 7001A/B points (pending internal approval). This notice is issued for advance market awareness only and does not commence a call for competition.

The works will comprise the full renewal of life expired S&C assets originally installed in the early 1980s using 113 lb/yd flat bottom rail on timber bearers. Recent inspections confirm the assets have reached end of serviceable life.

Key elements are expected to include: • Removal of existing timber S&C layouts and associated components. • Installation of modern modular S&C comprising: - Concrete bearers with under bearer pads. - Shallow depth switches to suit existing formation constraints. - Cast manganese monoblock crossings. • Upgrade to 56 kg/m flat bottom rail (EN 13674 1 compliant). • Continuous welded rail (CWR) on closure and approach tracks. • Associated signalling and OHL disconnections, reconnections and testing necessary to deliver the works. The stated completion date is subject to change as line closure dates for Gateshead have not yet been confirmed.

For the purpose of this notice, should Nexus proceed with the Gateshead works, it is assumed works will take place during a February 2027 closure with follow-up works in March 2027. Exact details will be confirmed within the tender documents when released.

Chillingham Road works will be undertaken during a 54-hour line closure between 24 and 26 October 2026. Nexus are aiming to release this tender on 20 May 2026.