Abacus was engaged by Signalling Solutions Ltd (SSL) to work on the Swindon Area Signalling Renewal (SASR) Project – part of the Great Western route modernisation between April 2013 and 2016.

The scale

Commercial services on SSL’s £36m contract with Network Rail.

The challenge

The renewal of existing signalling equipment. Modernisation required the electrification project control of approximately 80 route miles of signalling, installing a new Alstom Smartlock signalling system, controlled by a new workstation out of Thames Valley Signalling Centre.

Delivery

Abacus provided commercial services to SSL from the start of the project to completion.

Despite the collaborative work of the Abacus team (within Signalling Solutions’ wider project team), the project was delayed.

The Abacus team were central to the preparation and presentation of information that helped facilitate a resolution by both parties, avoiding a formal dispute.

“Abacus has a strong team of staff with good experience of working in the rail industry and understand the contractual requirements in a tough commercial environment.”
Head of Project Management – Alstom

Our work included

• Post-contract administration
• Supply chain and subcontract management
• Internal project cost reporting
• Work package cost monitoring
• Commercial representation at client’s progress meetings
• Change control and final account settlement