Railtrack awards pounds 200m contract
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A JOINT VENTURE between the contractors Balfour Beatty and Tarmac and the French engineer Alstom yesterday won a pounds 200m deal to renew overhead cables on the West Coast Main Line, writes Francesco Guerrera.
The work is part of a pounds 2.2bn modernisation programme by Railtrack to slash journey times on the London-Glasgow route and end the misery of millions of travellers.
The line, which is operated by Richard Branson's Virgin Trains, has got one of the worst punctuality records in the country, with around one in five trains arriving late.
The three companies will replace and strengthen the overhead cables to enable train to travel on the line at up ot 140 miles an hour.
The work, which is set to be completed in 2005, will enable passengers to travel between London and Glasgow in just under four hours instead of the five hours and twenty minutes taken by trains at present.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments