AtkinsRéalis has been awarded a contract worth approximately £98 million by Network Rail to upgrade signalling and telecommunications infrastructure across the Wessex route in the south of England.
The three-year programme will see the company act as principal contractor and designer, delivering full end-to-end design, project management and construction services across 43 kilometres of railway near Portsmouth.
The work will focus on replacing ageing systems to improve reliability and performance, with the aim of significantly reducing signalling-related delays.
Ian L. Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer, AtkinsRéalis, said:
“Reliable rail infrastructure is fundamental to supporting connectivity and economic growth across regions. This project will significantly improve network performance, benefiting passengers and freight operators while supporting the modernization of England’s rail infrastructure. The scale of this award reflects Network Rail’s confidence in our capability to deliver.”
The project forms part of wider investment in the Wessex route, which connects London with key coastal cities including Portsmouth and Southampton. The route plays a vital role in both passenger travel and freight movements linked to major ports.
As part of the upgrade, the scheme will include the relock and recontrol of the Havant Area Signalling Centre to the Basingstoke Regional Operating Centre, covering 11 stations, 10 interlockings, four level crossings, and associated signalling power and telecommunications systems.
Chris Ball, President, United Kingdom and Ireland, AtkinsRéalis, said:
“AtkinsRéalis brings deep expertise in rail signalling, covering both conventional and digital technologies, which positions us to meet Network Rail’s infrastructure modernization needs.
“Our track record in the region, combined with our commitment to working collaboratively with the supply chain including SMEs, will support successful delivery of this complex program, improving reliability for communities and businesses across the region.”
The upgrade will make use of AtkinsRéalis’ Advanced Signalling Method (ASM), a system integration product that has received formal approval from Network Rail.
The contract has been awarded through Network Rail’s £4 billion Train Control Systems Framework, which AtkinsRéalis joined in September 2024.
Work on the project is now underway, with engineering, procurement and construction activities progressing on site.
