Murphy and Siemens join forces for Rail Electrification

J. Murphy & Sons Limited and Siemens Smart Grid, Rail Electrification, have secured the North West Electrification Phase 1 Traction Power Supply contract with Network Rail, worth over £5 million.

The partner companies will focus on the installation of two new substations at the Newton Le Willows and Ordsall Lane Junctions. The 77-week contract covers the construction of two substation compounds, trackside, as well as, associated civil engineering works. The works aim to accommodate the installation of power distribution equipment provided by Siemens under a separate supply-only contract to Network Rail.

Murphy and Siemens see the joint venture as a one-stop shop solution for the rail and underground sectors for power upgrade projects.

The joint venture contract forms a part of Phase One of the North West project to electrify the railway between Manchester Victoria and Liverpool Lime Street stations. The 32-mile long double-track route runs via Huyton and Newton-le-Willows.

The project is another milestone in the long-standing partnership between Murphy and Siemens, who have previously jointly completed a project for London Underground and another with Network Rail for Wessex Substations, worth £3 million.