As tipped by the Enquirer Vinci won the job ahead of rival bidders Balfour Beatty Rail and Costain.

As a consolation Balfour Beatty has clinched the £64m deal to upgrade overhead line equipment along the route.

The stations contract covers significant improvements to stations from Acton Main Line to Maidenhead. Many of the stations on the route are being refurbished or partially rebuilt in preparation for Crossrail.

Proposed improvements along the line include new station buildings and ticket halls, new lifts to deliver step free access and longer platforms.

The detailed design phase will start at the end of this year and main works will take place between mid-2014 and 2018.

The contract awarded to Balfour Beatty involves the installation of electric overhead line equipment between Airport Junction and Maidenhead across all tracks facilitating the delivery of Crossrail services as well as new high speed Intercity Express trains on the Great Western route.

The remainder of the Great Western route to Swansea is being electrified as part of a wider programme that will see electric services operate from late 2016.

Matt White, Crossrail’s Surface Director said: “With work at stations set to begin next year, the programme is well on course to deliver significant benefits to passengers.”

“The work on the western stations will help create improved facilities for passengers travelling on the Great Western Main Line. We are moving forward with formally presenting our plans to the local authorities and look forward to getting on site at some of the stations as soon as summer next year.”