.jpg)
Transport for London (TfL), the government body responsible for London's transportation network, has recently made a significant announcement that has far-reaching implications for the capital city's infrastructure. Transport For London has awarded five contracts worth a staggering £800 million to renowned firms including:
· Costain
These contracts are part of Transport For London's Surface Transport Infrastructure Construction Framework, a comprehensive plan aimed at improving and expanding cycling and walking schemes across London while also carrying out essential renewal work on bridges, road tunnels, and river assets.
Spanning a period of six years, from April 2021 to March 2027, this framework will be utilized by Transport For London, London boroughs, and other authorities whose developments impact Transport For London's extensive road network. The goal is to ensure that the infrastructure assets on London's roads are safe, well-maintained, and up-to-date for many years to come, benefitting both residents and visitors alike.
Nick Fairholme, Transport For London's Director of Project and Programme Delivery, has emphasised the significance of these contracts, stating that they will play a pivotal role in delivering crucial infrastructure assets, as well as walking and cycling schemes throughout London. He further added that this contract framework will solidify Transport For London's unwavering commitment to sustainable modes of transport and guarantee that the city's road network remains efficient and reliable.
It's worth noting that this new contract framework comes on the heels of Kier securing another Transport For London maintenance contract worth £200 million for road tunnels and pumping stations. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to the suspension of new contract awards in certain sectors, the Red Route Framework is not impacted, as it replaces a previous framework that was already in place.
Interestingly, Transport For London recently issued guidance encouraging construction workers to walk or cycle to sites, in response to images shared on social media of packed tube trains and stations during the latest lockdown. This further underscores Transport for London's unwavering commitment to improving sustainable modes of transport in the capital. The award of this contract framework is another significant step towards achieving Transport for London’s ambitious goal of creating a more sustainable and efficient transport system that will benefit all Londoners for years to come. Through the expansion of cycling and walking schemes and the renewal of its infrastructure, Transport For London is laying the groundwork for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for the city.