transport contracts

The tender is designed to promote and continue the public transport links in Sunderland, offering a service to the staff and students attending the University of Sunderland, as well as the general public.

Nexus will be tendering for the detailed design and associated works to refurbish three battery locomotives, bespoke to the Nexus Metro network, which have become unreliable and not fit for purpose. The locomotives were originally supplied by Hunslet-GMT in the early 1990's and are a key asset in the emergency recovery of Nexus rolling stock and movement of the rail head treatment train across the Metro railway. Currently network operates from a 1500V DC overhead line system, the battery locos are approved to operate on Network Rail assets, although is not necessarily required to maintain this approval. The refurbishment will encompass: Traction and Solid‑State Power Systems Modernisation of the traction equipment (motor alternator and motor generator set) using solid‑state power technology and power electronics. Mechanical Systems & Running Gear Overhaul of structural components, suspension, wheelsets, and key mechanical assemblies. Electrical & Control Systems Renewal of high voltage and auxiliary electrical systems upgraded control equipment, and readiness for future signalling integration. Braking Systems Refurbishment and commissioning of brake discs and brake system. Cab and Operator Environment Improvements to the cab environment (sealing, comfort, ergonomics) and general enhancements Potential suppliers will be given an opportunity to view the vehicles as part of the market engagement exercise, prior to a formal procurement. Design Requirements The design requirements for the battery locomotives are: - Maximum speed 55kph - Pantograph height above rail when lowered - 3555mm - Pantograph height when fully raised - 5666mm - Vehicle width - 2600mm - Wheel diameter - 838mm - Cab height above rail - 3160mm - Wheelbase - 2500mm - Length over buffers - 7500mm - Length over extended coupler - 9000mm - Tare / gross weight - 26.25t - Couplers are Bergische Stahl Industrie (BSI) with a standard screw coupling - Wheel arrangement is 0-4-0 - Continuous power rating of 180hp - High voltage circuit - supply from 1500V DC overhead line system - Indusi track brake equipment - Lead Acid traction battery - 540V, 116kWh at 5-hour discharge - Low voltage circuits, - 110V, 24V - Traction motor (one) - 180hp, 540V DC force ventilated. Estimated value: £1,000,000 - £2,000,000

Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive t/a Nexus are seeking to appoint a Principal Contractor to carry out and complete the Airport Route Upgrade works between Newcastle International Airport station and Longbenton (Tyne and Wear). The upgrade works consists of the replacement and renewal of permanent way assets and overhead line equipment. This will include renewal of specified areas of track, which have reached the end of their serviceable life, tamping to achieve a new through alignment, offloading ballast and stressing along with replacing an existing fixed tension overhead line system with a new automatically tensioned system. Certain civil engineering and signalling activities may also form part of the overall scope.

The Contracting Authority intends to procure a Principal Contractor to deliver Switches and Crossings (S&C) renewal works at: • Chillingham Road S&C - 3014A/B points, and • Gateshead S&C - 7001A/B points (pending internal approval). This notice is issued for advance market awareness only and does not commence a call for competition. The works will comprise the full renewal of life expired S&C assets originally installed in the early 1980s using 113 lb/yd flat bottom rail on timber bearers. Recent inspections confirm the assets have reached end of serviceable life. Key elements are expected to include: • Removal of existing timber S&C layouts and associated components. • Installation of modern modular S&C comprising: - Concrete bearers with under bearer pads. - Shallow depth switches to suit existing formation constraints. - Cast manganese monoblock crossings. • Upgrade to 56 kg/m flat bottom rail (EN 13674 1 compliant). • Continuous welded rail (CWR) on closure and approach tracks. • Associated signalling and OHL disconnections, reconnections and testing necessary to deliver the works. The stated completion date is subject to change as line closure dates for Gateshead have not yet been confirmed. For the purpose of this notice, should Nexus proceed with the Gateshead works, it is assumed works will take place during a February 2027 closure with follow-up works in March 2027. Exact details will be confirmed within the tender documents when released. Chillingham Road works will be undertaken during a 54-hour line closure between 24 and 26 October 2026. The tender will be released via the OPEN eProcurement portal www.open-uk.org Interested suppliers should ensure they are registered on the portal and that their contact details and notification preferences are up to date to ensure they do not miss this opportunity upon release. Nexus are aiming to release this tender on 20 May 2026.