Network Rail hires contractor to improve overground rail links to Stratford ahead of 2012

Contractor Carillion has won a £90m contract to upgrade parts of London's overground rail network.

Network Rail has appointed the firm to revamp the line between South Acton in the west of the city and Stratford/Barking.

The project includes improving connections with the East London Railway in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics.

John McDonough
McDonough: "a key part of the programme to upgrade the London rail network"

Carillion's role includes design and construction of the track, overhead line and power supply aspects of the scheme, which forms part of the £1.4bn upgrade of the UK capital's overground rail lines.

Chief executive John McDonough said: "This project is a key part of the programme to upgrade the London rail network and we are delighted to be working with Network Rail to deliver this project ahead of the 2012 Olympics."

Atkins has also won a Network Rail deal to work on the revamp of the overground network. The firm will design and install a new signalling system in a project worth £40m.

Managing director of Atkins’ rail business David Tonkin said: “As one of the key rail routes into the Olympic park area in Stratford, the London overground will be extremely important in the summer of 2012.

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