Modernisation of historic Glasgow Subway boosted by new five-year contract

A five-year contract has been awarded as part of the modernisation of Glasgow’s subway system.

The five-year contract will see the firm deliver specialist works including the infilling of voids, leak sealing and water management to both the inner and outer circles of the Glasgow Subway, which is one of the world’s oldest underground railway systems, dating back to 1896.

Freyssinet has been awarded the deal by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to carry out tunnel lining improvements.

The five-year contract will see the firm deliver specialist works including the infilling of voids, leak sealing and water management to both the inner and outer circles of the subway, which is one of the world’s oldest underground railway systems, dating back to 1896.

The ongoing enhancements to the infrastructure will protect the integrity of the system and ensure “state of-the-art service” for the 40,000 passengers who use the subway every day in normal times.

Freyssinet said it had extensive experience in tunnelling works and was previously engaged by SPT to rehabilitate tunnel linings on the subway from 2015 to 2018, during the initial stage of the modernisation programme. The value of the contract has not been disclosed.

Subway director Antony Smith said: “Maintaining the health of our tunnels is vital to the safe and reliable operation of the subway.

“Freyssinet has previously carried out an extensive programme of works to improve the lining in various sections of the tunnels, and that programme of works will now be extended to other sections of the 19th century tunnel network, as we continue the rollout of the subway modernisation programme.”

Pascal Mercier, managing director for Freyssinet, added: “The Glasgow Subway is a significant part of the city transport and we are honoured to play a role in its development. This success is a credit to the hard work and excellence of all people at Freyssinet.”

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