Colas Rail UK Freight Retains Network Rail Seasonal Treatment Contract

*Pictured: Two Colas Rail UK Class 37 trains operating the York Rail Head Treatment Train Set*

Colas Rail UK Freight division has been awarded a five-year contract by Network Rail (NR) to operate and maintain 11 Rail Head Treatment Trains (RHTT) nationwide, and over the autumn period. In addition, we have also been awarded the nationwide winter seasonal snow clearance operations and its associated fleet maintenance.

The five-year contract also allows for optional yearly extensions of up to three years.

The contract comes into effect from August 2025 when our Locomotive fleet will haul RHTTs across the UK rail network through the autumn season.

Our Freight team will also be responsible for hauling snow clearance services, including NR’s fleet of snow ploughs and snow blowers.

*Pictured: Colas Rail UK’s Class 56 Locomotive ready to haul and operate the Individual Snow Plough*

Speaking about the contract award win, Freight Director, Simon Ball said “Keeping the UK Rail Network clear of leaves and snow throughout the year is a crucial part of delivering safe and on time operations of all passenger and freight trains.

“We are delighted to have been awarded these major and safety critical contracts by Network Rail. It is a testament to the hard work of our staff in Colas Rail UK’s Freight team and reflects our excellent performance in delivering seasonal treatment trains over the past 10 years”.

First published: 13th June 2025

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