Balfour Beatty has an 80% share in the ten-year alliance which will be responsible for the development, design and delivery of track renewals and crossings, as well as associated infrastructure works across the London North West, London North East and East Midland routes.

Atkins has a 10% share and French railway specialist TSO hold a 10% share in the team.

The appointment completes Network Rail’s new alliance line-up for its next-generation rail system contracts.

Under the new regional set-up, a trio of alliances will deliver upgrades to track, points, overhead lines and signalling.

Last month Network Rail revealed the other two successful bid teams to deliver track and rail system renewals and improvements in Scotland and the South of England, worth an estimated £5bn.

Colas Rail and AECOM will work with Network Rail across the south of England, while a three-way joint venture of Babcock Rail, Arup and Arcadis will deliver upgrades in Scotland.

The new geographically-focused alliance model will promote greater collaboration between Network Rail and its partners. Focusing delivery partners’ on specific regions, the model will ensure dedicated attention on regional-specific rail requirements and works.

Full contract award is expected in the second quarter of 2019 with works due to commence later this year.

Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty group chief executive, said: “We believe that industry collaboration is the way to drive higher efficiency and service standards. Network Rail’s new alliance model is a great step forward in rail contract procurement.”