Charlotte Fernández
UKIMEA Press Office,Leeds
Arup has been appointed by Network Rail to undertake the outline design for Phase 1 of the MetroWest project in Bristol.
Phase 1 forms an integral role in the West of England’s economic growth agenda and this first step marks the beginning of £100m investment in the area's rail infrastructure.
A new station will be built at Portishead as a part of the project, and Pill station and 5km of previously disused railway line will be re-opened. The line will restore the rail link between Portishead and Bristol city centre. Enhancement works at Bathampton and Avonmouth complete the scope.
Arup will provide multi-disciplinary railway design services including track, drainage, civils, structures, telecoms, signalling power, points heating, OLE, M&E and Geotechnical engineering, plus environmental consulting. The project will be subject to the DCO (Development Consent Order) process, with design input to be provided by Arup.
"We are pleased to enter into a contract with Arup for the design development of this prestigious project to reopen the rail line to Portishead." Simon Snell, Project Manager, MetroWest Phase 1 for Network Rail
"We look forward to working with Arup to move this important project forwards and reopen the rail line to Portishead." James Willcock, Project Manager, MetroWest Phase 1
"This project will greatly enhance the area’s transport links and play a key role in the continued economic growth of the area. It is a real privilege to be involved at a key stage of the project and to be undertaking the multi-disciplinary design for Network Rail." ,
Phil Harrison, Project Director, Arup
Overseen by the West of England Joint Transport Board, the aim of Phase 1 of the MetroWest project is to reopen the Portishead line to passenger train services, deliver half hour services on the Severn Beach Line and improve services to local stations to Bath Spa by May 2019.
Please visit the West of England travel website to find out more about the project.