A contract has been awarded by Network Rail for work to begin on the final stage of the signalling system that will control trains between Reading and Paddington to Alstom.

There is another document that has been awarded to be able to build resilient power supplies to Amey and the contracts are collectively worth £90 million.

Such upgrades are crucial to the successful operation of Elizabeth line services and the modernisation of the Great Western Main Line.

The contracts cover the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of a state-of-the-art train control system.

Matthew Steele, Crossrail programme director at Network Rail, said: "This is a vital step in the delivery of a bigger, better, more reliable railway for London and the south-east.

"To deliver this work in the safest and most efficient way possible, we need to make the most of the huge potential within our supply chain, so we look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Alstom and Amey."

By working with these partners, Network Rail will be able to successfully deliver the elements that are needed to make the upgrades.