Mott MacDonald has secured a new framework agreement with Transport for Wales (TfW). The company will provide engineering consultancy services during the procurement of the next Wales and Borders franchise, as well as during the development and delivery of the South Wales Metro.
In 2015 the Welsh Government established TfW to support their transport aspirations for the country. Over the next two years TfW will help the government procure the next Wales and Borders franchise and develop their South Wales Metro vision. Potential work includes Metro enhancements such as new stations and upgrades, capacity and speed improvements, increased service frequency and the potential for the core Valleys lines to be converted to light rail. The framework will also include improvements to intermodal facilities and bus corridors.
The scope of services Mott MacDonald will offer TfW include multidisciplinary rail, infrastructure and station engineering, environmental, regeneration and transportation consultancy, business planning, urban design, branding and architecture.
Paul Maliphant, Mott MacDonald’s engineering manager, said: “South Wales Metro has the potential to significantly change Wales for the better. It will improve connections between labour markets and residential communities, creating new opportunities for regional tourism and recreation assets.”
Mott MacDonald’s commission is due to finish at the end of the first quarter of 2018, with potential for a one-year extension. The new Wales and Borders franchise will be secured towards the end of 2018 and will include the delivery of South Wales Metro.