Network Rail has appointed four firms to deliver £490m of construction works over the next five years.
The national infrastructure operator selected the contractors for its North West and Central Region Control Period 7 Framework A.
The deal will cover large projects across that part of the country between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2029.
Skanska and Kier were named for Lot A1, which will deliver individual jobs up to £200m.
Octavius Infrastructure and Story Contracting make up Lot A2, covering projects up to £50m.
The minimum anticipated value of any scheme going through the framework is £7m.
Tasks to be delivered through the framework include civil engineering such as earthworks and roadworks; new-build and refurbishment of buildings such as stations and depots; and signalling, switches and related jobs.
Contractors will deliver feasibility studies, surveys, demolition, construction, commissioning and maintenance.
Rail project starts were 128 per cent higher this winter than a year earlier, according to recent data from Glenigan.
