By Mark Lamb, Head of Client Development
April 2019 marked the launch of Network Rail’s Control Period 6. Often referred to as CP6, the strategic business plan outlines all rail projects, works and improvements to be delivered between 2019 and 2024.
The number of rail journeys taken per year has doubled in the last 20 years, and it’s anticipated that passenger numbers will increase by 40% by 2040. Although this substantial growth is great news for Britain and its economy, it’s imperative that work is done to accommodate the increase in demand.
Network Rail awarded more CP6 contracts in January 2019 and BAM Nuttall, AMCO, Osborne and QTS are amongst the companies chosen to complete the renewals and enhancements.
What’s Happening in Network Rail’s CP6?
Network Rail’s CP6 plan covers the whole of the UK and focuses on four key responsibilities – to run a safe, reliable, efficient and growing railway. Some of the headline numbers of the CP6 plan include 7,000 new carriages by 2021 that will provide over 6,400 new services.
With this, Network Rail have targeted a 15% decrease in delays and improvement works to 178 stations that combined will result in a much better experience for passengers. The high-level summary of the plan says:
“The new carriages will mean the retirement of some of the oldest trains on the network with rolling stock that has more seats, Wifi, power points, improved accessibility, and air-conditioning. As well as a smoother, quieter ride, there will be technology on the new carriages that can detect potential faults on the railway, meaning we can fix problems before they cause disruption to passengers.”
The new and improved rolling stock will be provided by 11 train operating companies including Govia Thameslink Railway, ScotRail, Northern Rail and South Western.
It’s estimated that £47bn will be spent during CP6 and in February Network Rail revealed more information on the funding plans for specific routes. The London North Western route is receiving the greatest proportion of funding, with £5.8bn planned for maintenance and renewals in the next 5 years to prepare for increased demand in London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester following HS2.
The CP6 Frameworks are split between structures and building and enhancement. Structural improvements planned include over and under bridge renewals, coastal defences, tunnel works, and footbridge renewals. Building and enhancements are to include new stations, platform works, level crossing works and new depots. All of this work is designed to create a more reliable and sustainable railway and ultimately improve passenger experience.
CP6 Jobs and Jobs in Rail
Looking for a new rail job? Ganymede is a rail recruitment agency, working closely with tier 1 contractors to recruit for CP6 across civil engineering and commercial. Roles available include Project Managers, Site Agents, Senior Engineers, Commercial Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and many others.
To see a full list of our current rail jobs, click the button below.