Summary

OCID:

Published by:

Tyne and Wear PTE (t/a Nexus)

Authority ID:

AA20592

Publication date:

14 May 2021

Deadline date:

-

Notice type:

Contract Award Notice

Has documents:

No

Has SPD:

No

Has Carbon Reduction Plan:

No

Abstract

Nexus operate and maintain the Metro Network which serves a Tyne and Wear population of 1 130 000. The area includes key employment areas of Newcastle and Gateshead and Sunderland city centre hosting major retail, healthcare and higher education clusters. These locations are clusters of agglomeration for the region where much of its economic activity is concentrated and are a focus for commuting and leisure journeys. The Metro currently operates on two routes:

(i) the Airport to South Hylton (green line); and

(ii) St James to South Shields (yellow line).

Both lines have a twelve (12) minute daytime frequency with additional peak-time services.

These frequencies are the highest that can be delivered within the constraints imposed by existing infrastructure and rolling stock. Poor frequencies, longer journey times and over-crowding deter non-users from trying the Metro, so change is necessary to prepare for the future. To enable more frequent services to operate and to extend the network, a step-change in network resilience and capacity is required. These three themes define the Metro Flow Programme.

The procurement of the Metro Flow Programme is being conducted using the negotiated procedure in accordance with the provisions of the UCR as a single stage NEC4 Option C (Target Cost with Activity Schedule) design and construct contract.

This procurement will allow the award of a contract to design and construct twin track from Pelaw to Bede, utilising, and upgrading the divested Network Rail track that runs parallel. The successful bidder will provide all the infrastructure and services, testing and commissioning that are required to bring the dual track into Nexus operation. The scope of this agreement will be generally as follows:

• review, develop and re-submit the Form A outline design and subsequent Form B detailed design for the works for approval by Nexus and Network Rail where appropriate;

• all structures to support W6a gauging and RA10 route availability;

• plain line infills will be installed between too the join the link the divested Network Rail line with the existing Metro lines;

• refurbishment of existing track;

• the third track which currently loops around the rear of both Hebburn and Jarrow station will be decommissioned and removed;

• all switches and crossings between Pelaw junction and Bede will be replaced to accommodate the new alignment;

• track drainage reviewed and replaced/updated as necessary;

• all underbridges will need to be strengthened to meet a rating capable of supporting Route Availability 10;

• the platforms at Jarrow and Hebburn Stations will need to be lowered to allow sufficient clearances to adjacent overbridges and new OLE clearances;

• troughing will be refurbished or installed to support the revised signalling installations;

• all existing overhead line will need to be raised to support W6a Gauging;

• overhead line will need to be installed over the Network Rail alignment which is being retained;

• the track will need to be re-signalled from Pelaw junction through to Bede to support the joint running of light and heavy rail; and

• Nexus’ RTMS system will require updating to reflect the transfer of the Network Rail line to Nexus ownership.