Jarvis faces further questions
Rail maintenance contractor Jarvis is facing a fresh investigation by Network Rail over claims that the firm submitted falsified documents about track work on the West Coast Main Line.
Jarvis has admitted laying some track incorrectly, leading to a need for speed restrictions, but insists that no documentation had been faked.
“We would refute any allegations that documentation had been falsified,” said a Jarvis spokeswoman.
“Any Jarvis employee found to have deliberately falsified documentation could expect to be dismissed and possibly prosecuted.”
She admitted that “incorrect stressing methods had been used”, but said that official certification relating to quality and other checks had not yet been submitted.
The investigation concerns a 40-mile section of track between Macclesfield and Stoke, areas of which have recently been found to have been laid incorrectly – not stretched to the right degree.
Network Rail has had to introduce 20 temporary speed restrictions, leading to slower trains and longer delays.
The incorrectly laid track is at risk of cracking in cold night-time conditions.
A statement from Network Rail read: “These are serious allegations and Network Rail is treating them accordingly.”
“There is a full investigation underway being led by the director of projects and engineering and the chief engineer and when they have established the full facts then the executive directors of company will decide what action needs to be taken.”
Jarvis already faces an investigation over its part in the Potter’s Bar derailment last year and has already abandoned rail maintenance work because of fears of damage to profits and its reputation.
