Passengers will reap the benefits as Network Rail continues its investment in high-tech track renewals technology. Disruption will be significantly reduced using high-output technology which can carry out track renewals quicker than conventional methods.

Today, Network Rail announced AmeyColas as its preferred bidder for a new contract to operate and maintain its fleet of high-tech, high-output track renewal systems. Over the next few years, Network Rail is increasingly moving towards carrying out more work at night, reducing disruption and making the network more available for passengers.

The contract, worth around £250m, will see more than 1,600 miles of track – nearly 30% of Network Rail’s total renewals workload - renewed and replaced over the next four years, with £85m in cost savings identified.

Network Rail’s director of infrastructure investment, Simon Kirby, said: “We are committed to delivering a high-performance railway for passengers and freight users. Technological innovation combined with commercial rigour is key to securing this.”

Through modern machinery and efficient automation methods, Network Rail’s high-output systems can replace between 400-600 metres of track and ballast within eight hours, significantly reducing costs and disruption to passengers and freight users.