Abacus is proud to be providing lead quantity surveying commercial support to Alstom Transport UK for its £14m pioneer project: the installation of ETCS on the Western Mainline. ETCS (European Train Control System) is a signalling, control and train protection system to replace the many incompatible systems currently in use.

The scale

Abacus staff are supporting Alstom’s Commercial Team on its four contracts totalling £29m. We are currently working on Alstom’s contract for the 0-12 miles route from Paddington and Heathrow tunnel area, where ETCS is being overlaid to the existing infrastructure.

The challenge

Network Rail is rolling out ETCS across the UK rail infrastructure. ETCS is part of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), the new form of rail signalling in the UK.

ETCS will allow lineside information to be passed to the driver electronically, removing the need for lineside signals that, at high speed, can be almost impossible to see.

The ETCS programme includes the design and installation of new trackside infrastructure and retrofitting rolling stock with on-board signalling systems.

Delivery

Work on this project is still in progress. Alstom’s commercial team is being supported by Abacus on three contracts totalling £7.4m. Scope includes installation of ETCS equipment on the Class 180, Class 313 and Class 365 first in class trains operated by Angel Trains, Network Rail and Eversholt Rail.

The last of these contracts is scheduled to be completed in September 2018. Abacus is delighted to be part of ETCS which has been described as: “The future of signalling.”

“The contractual environment within the rail industry can be complex and confrontational. Abacus has the experience and expertise to deal with fractious scenarios. Abacus’ skill and professionalism has helped mitigate situations where disputes have arisen, ensuring things can move forward pragmatically.”
Lead Project Manager – Signalling Solutions

Our work so far includes

• Post contract administration
• Subcontract management
• Cost and value reconciliation
• Change control
• Applications for payment