Harsco has won a four-year $50m contract extension from Network Rail in the UK for maintenance work.

The contract is to provide switch grinding across the UK rail system, according to Railway Technology.

Rail grinding re-profiles railhead contours for extended rail life and smoother operation, helping reduce fuel consumption, operating costs and noise as well as correcting surface damage that could lead to rail fractures.

Under the contract, Harsco Rail will operate and maintain five switch grinding units.

Harsco has been providing railway track maintenance services to Network Rail and its predecessor Railtrack since 1997.