HS2 starts procurement competition for signalling and traffic management systems

High Speed Two Ltd (HS2) has commenced its procurement process to decide which supplier will be asked to install both the in-cab signalling and traffic management systems for Britain’s new railway that will run some of the world’s most frequent and reliable high-speed rail services.

Three new contracts will be awarded to one supplier and will cover the design and build of the signalling systems that will control trains travelling at speeds of up to 360km/h (224mph) between London, Birmingham and Crewe – where HS2 trains will join the existing West Coast main line – along with up to 25 years of technical support.

Signalling and traffic management will form the second set of ‘rail systems’ contracts, following on from the recent launch of the track systems contest and the government’s go ahead for the start of civils work, including tunnels, bridges and viaducts.

Procurement and commercial director for HS2, David Poole, said: “Our state-of-the-art command and control systems and traffic management systems will allow HS2 to offer fast, frequent and reliable low carbon journeys for millions of people every year.

“I look forward to our team working with the suppliers who come forward and together ensuring that we deliver best quality and value for the project.”

The three control/command/signalling (CCS) and traffic management (TM) systems contracts will be worth an estimated £540 million. The three contracts will be:

1. The design, manufacture, supply, installation, supervision, inspection, safety authorisation, testing, commissioning and maintenance until handover to trial operations of the Phase One and Phase 2a CCS & TM systems;
2. The potential extension of the Phase One / 2a TM system to cover Phase 2b along with the CCS and TM works required for the Phase 2b alterations at Euston station;
3. The provision of technical support services for the CCS & TM systems for up to 25 years.

The CCS and TM systems provided on HS2 will utilise European Train Control System (ETCS) signalling and the latest TM technology.

Shortlists are set to be announced next year with contract award around 2022.