Network Rail has announced that BAM Nuttall and QTS Group have won framework contracts to deliver a range of rail projects across Scotland over the next five years.

BAM Nuttall has been awarded a renewals and enhancements framework covering Scotland and North East England valued at £320m.

The framework will see BAM Nuttall, currently the main contractor delivering the Aberdeen-Inverness Improvement Project, complete a wide range of schemes including replacing and refurbishing structures  and delivering improvements at stations across the Scotland route.

Lanarkshire-based QTS, already a key provider of specialist engineers and plant working to maintain earthworks and structures across the Scottish rail network, has been awarded a geotech framework contract valued at £100m.

The contracts have been awarded as Network Rail Scotland prepares to invest over £4bn in the country’s infrastructure during the next railway control period (CP6) between 2019 and 2024.

Kris Kinnear, director of Network Rail Infrastructure Projects Scotland, said: “Work to renew our infrastructure is important to improving reliability for our passengers.

“Making sure we have the right suppliers to deliver those improvements is paramount and we look forward to continuing to work closely with QTS and BAM Nuttall to maintain and enhance Scotland’s railway.”

Huw Jones, BAM Nuttall rail director, said: “BAM Nuttall is proud to be awarded this framework, which gives us the opportunity to strengthen our partnership with Network Rail and our fellow CP6 framework contractors. We look forward to establishing an integrated “One Team” approach with our partners to deliver exceptional business and safety performance, driving sustainable growth across Scotland and LNE, whilst enhancing passenger experience and the communities where we work.”

Alan McLeish, QTS managing director, said: “We are exceptionally proud of the collaborative work QTS has carried out during the last control period, with some outstanding geotechnical projects delivered across Scotland. It is a testament to the hard work of our team during the CP5 contract, and the strong relationship that we have built with Network Rail, that has allowed us to be successful in this CP6 tender process.

“Our expertise and commitment to finding further efficiencies for Network Rail by using innovative plant and methods, stands us in excellent stead to continue providing a high standard of work over the next five years.”