Network Rail has awarded two major contracts worth over £60 million to engineering design consultancy Atkins. It includes work linked to the London 2012 transport plan on the Thameslink line, and a second contract which is part of the Newport area signalling upgrade.

David Tonkin, managing director for rail at Atkins, said: “It is further evidence of the economic health of the rail sector, with plenty of work out there for companies with the necessary skills. One key area for us and Network Rail is signalling and as Atkins is the biggest signalling design house in the UK – with 300 fully licensed engineers – it gives us technical expertise that is in real demand.”

Simon Kirby, Network Rail’s director infrastructure investment, said: “Network Rail continues to invest in the rail infrastructure seeking to deliver a bigger, better railway for passengers and freight users. These contracts are important milestones in the continuing drive to add capacity and improve train performance and punctuality.”

The Thameslink programme award, which is part of Network Rail’s London 2012 commitments, will see Atkins’ engineers involved in further work on this strategically vital route renewal. The contract covers the design, installation, and commissioning of communications assets at Farringdon, City Thameslink, and Blackfriars stations. Work began at the end of 2008 and is scheduled for completion in 2012.

The second major win is part of the Newport area signalling upgrade where Atkins has signed a contract for the principal contractor role. The work involves designing, installing, testing, and commissioning of 400 signalling units along 35 miles of track between Bristol and Cardiff. The work is due for completion in 2011, and aims to boost service performance in South Wales.