TRANSPORT for London (TfL) has activated a two-year contract extension with British Steel for the supply of rails to London Underground, which will include the supply of two new rail types.

Since being awarded a framework agreement in 2012, British Steel has supplied over 42,000 tonnes of rail for use on the track infrastructure, more than 85% of TfL’s annual rail requirements.
The framework extension will see British Steel supply London Underground with around 4000 tonnes of rail per year, which for the first time will include the HP335 and Zinoco rails.

HP335 is designed to reduce wear, plastic flow and rolling contact fatigue, reducing the need to carry out repairs while Zinoco is a coated rail which provides protection in harsh and corrosive conditions, extending track life and reducing the frequency at which rails must be repaired or replaced.

Both rails have been given formal product approval by London Underground.

“We’re delighted to be extending our partnership with TfL and helping ensure the world’s most famous rail network continues to meet the demands of millions of passengers,” says Mr Peter Smith, British Steel’s managing director rail. “By working closely together we’re able to develop and install new and unique products that maximise track availability and allow trains to run faster, thus providing major benefits for operators and their customers.”