Nexus has awarded framework agreements to five major construction companies to deliver its £385m ($618.6m) asset-renewal programme for the Tyne and Wear Metro system in the UK.
The light rail system, used by 41 million passengers a year, will be modernised over the next 11 years with new tracks, power lines, signalling, stations and trains.
The five companies that secured framework agreements are Balfour Beatty Rail, BAM Nuttall, May Gurney, Serco and Morgan Sindall.
Nexus intends to deliver the bulk of modernisation projects that form part of the all-change programme for the Metro system.
The company revealed plans to spend £38m ($61m) on modernisation projects this year including the renewal of a 10km rail track between Tynemouth and Byker.
The Tyne and Wear Metro is a 74km network with 60 stations, between the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland as well as the surrounding communities.
In June 2010, the UK Government announced a £350m ($562m) contribution to the Metro all-change programme over the next 11 years, with the rest of the cost of the programme funded by local investment.
