Parsons Brinckerhoff Awarded Design Contract For Phase Two Of Network Rail's East West Rail Scheme

London, United Kingdom - Network Rail’s East West Rail scheme awarded a design contract to global engineering consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff.

The project will re-establish a passenger and freight rail link between Oxford and Bedford, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury for the first time in more than 40 years. It involves upgrading and reconstructing underused and disused sections of railway.

Parsons Brinckerhoff has been awarded a contract for the second phase of the scheme. The work includes timetable modelling, design and alignment of track, civil engineering works to bridges and embankments, geotechnical investigation and survey work, studies on how the reinstated railway will impact on level crossings, station design, permitting, ecology, and environmental works.

Andy Milne, Network Rail Senior Program Manager, said: “This contract award marks a significant milestone for the East West Rail scheme. The work Parsons Brinckerhoff will be carrying out will enable the project to be developed to the point where we can then award contracts for detailed design and construction.”

The first phase of the scheme is already underway with the construction and doubling of track for more than 11 miles (18km) of railway to increase line speeds to 100mph, along with a variety of other work. This includes construction of new overbridges, underbridges, and footbridges; closure of 37 level crossings; construction of a new station at Oxford Parkway; work to upgrade Bicester Town and Islip stations; and a new signaling system.

Darren Reed, Parsons Brinckerhoff’s Director of Rail UK/Europe, said: “We are delighted to be working with Network Rail and the East West Consortium to facilitate the development of this major complex rail program which will enable essential east west rail connectivity. We look forward to developing this visionary strategic transport scheme, which in turn will encourage economic growth and promote sustainable transport solutions. ”Parsons Brinckerhoff Awarded Design Contract For Phase Two Of Network Rail’s East West Rail Scheme

About Parsons Brinckerhoff
Parsons Brinckerhoff is a leader in developing and operating infrastructure around the world, with approximately 14,000 employees dedicated to meeting the needs of clients and communities in the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia-Pacific regions. The firm offers skills and resources in strategic consulting, planning, engineering, program/construction management, and operations for transportation, power, mining, water/wastewater, and community development projects. For more information, visit www.pbworld.com.