Network Rail Awards £4.1m Rail Structures Inspection Contracts Across Wales and Western Region

Ground Control and Inspire (Structures) have secured specialist contracts to inspect bridges, tunnels and other critical railway assets, supporting the safe operation of infrastructure across the Wales and Western network.

Network Rail has confirmed the first contract awards under its Wales and Western Civils Examination Framework Agreement (CEFA), appointing Ground Control and Inspire (Structures) to deliver more than £4.1 million of structural inspection services.

The appointments will support the routine examination of key railway assets, helping identify deterioration before it develops into operational or safety risks.

Both contracts were awarded through direct call-off arrangements under the existing framework and are due to commence in mid-August.

Ground Control Takes Wales Structures Programme

The largest award has gone to Ground Control, which has secured a £3.66 million contract to undertake structural examinations across Wales.

The programme covers a wide range of railway assets and forms part of Network Rail's ongoing asset management strategy to maintain the safety and reliability of the network.

The contract is scheduled to run until 31 March 2027.

Tunnel Inspections Across Three Regions

Inspire (Structures) has been appointed to deliver specialist tunnel examinations under a separate £450,000 contract.

Its work will extend across Wales, South West England and London, supporting inspections of some of the most technically challenging assets within the Wales and Western route.

Tunnel examinations play a vital role in monitoring structural condition, identifying defects and informing future maintenance programmes.

Protecting Critical Railway Infrastructure

The CEFA framework covers inspections across a diverse portfolio of civil engineering assets, including:

• Railway bridges

• Tunnels

• Culverts

• Retaining walls

• Coastal and estuary defences

• Underwater structures

Regular examinations provide engineers with detailed information on structural condition, enabling maintenance teams to prioritise repairs, manage asset deterioration and reduce the risk of unplanned failures.

The inspections also help extend the operational life of ageing infrastructure while supporting the safe movement of passengers and freight across the railway.

Framework Speeds Up Delivery

The contracts were awarded without a further competition, as both suppliers had already been appointed to the Wales and Western Civils Examination Framework Agreement.

Using direct call-off arrangements enables Network Rail to mobilise work more quickly while maintaining continuity across its inspection programme.

The agreements are expected to be formally signed on 10 August, with work beginning 13 August.

The latest appointments reinforce the importance of proactive asset management as Network Rail continues to invest in the inspection and maintenance of thousands of structures across its network, ensuring critical infrastructure remains safe, resilient and fit for future rail operations.