Both contracts comprise of GRIP stages 5 - 8 of Network Rail's management and control process including; detailed design, construction, test and commission, scheme hand back and project close out.

The works in Peterborough require the renewal of lineside equipment and will involve signalling, minor civils, permanent way, telecoms and M&EE (Mechanical & Electrical Engineering) elements.

Integrated multidisciplinary works are also required in North Staffordshire with the renewal of Egginton AHB (Automatic Half Barrier) level crossing; and associated signalling, civils, permanent way, telecoms and M&EE infrastructure.

Work on both projects, contracts previously held by Jarvis Rail, commence in September 2010 and are due for completion by September 2011.

Steve Sorby, General Manager of the Signalling, Power and Communications (SPC) division of VolkerRail, said: "We are pleased to be working with Network Rail on these renewals. This sort of multi-disciplinary contract continues to be a core part of our business, enabling us to utilise a wide variety of our specialist in-house skills, as well as project manage the work as a whole. "