Balfour Beatty Rail will continue to be responsible for plain line and switches and crossings renewals across the South East, under existing contractual arrangements, which run to April 2009.  Balfour Beatty has been responsible for these activities since April 2004 under a contract worth approximately £90 million per annum.

Commenting on the Network Rail decision, Balfour Beatty chief executive Ian Tyler said:
"We are delighted to have our position as one of Network Rail's long-term renewals contractors confirmed.  We look forward to working with Network Rail in delivering value for money and a top quality product in creating a world-class UK rail network."

Network Rail Group Infrastructure director, Peter Henderson added:
"Longer-term security for the successful contractors coupled with improvements in our ability to define and plan the work will enable us to create an environment whereby we can all plan with confidence, promote innovation and invest in equipment and people."