HS2 has released its shortlist of bidders for two contracts – Track Systems and Tunnel and Lineside Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) systems.
The successful bidders will share the responsibility for designing and delivering around 280km of high-speed track and infrastructure for England’s new high-speed line from London to Birmingham and Crewe, where HS2 trains will join the existing West Coast main line.
The winners of the Track Systems contracts will also take a lead role in managing and coordinating the complex interfaces between the track and other elements of the rail systems.
Track Systems
The organisations that will be invited to tender for Track Systems contracts, and the approximate values of the contracts they will be bidding for (including the cost of switches and crossings and pre-cast slab track), are:
Lot 1 – Phase One (Urban – London and Birmingham) – £434 million
- Lot 1 – Phase One (Urban – London and Birmingham) – £434 million
- BBVT Joint Venture (Balfour Beatty Group, Vinci ETF and TSO);
- Ferrovial-BAM Joint Venture (Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall);
- Colas Rail;
- Strabag Rhomberg Sersa Joint Venture (Strabag and Rhomberg Sersa).
Lot 2 – Phase One (Open Route – Central) – £526 million
- BBVT Joint Venture (Balfour Beatty Group, Vinci ETF and TSO);
- Ferrovial-BAM Joint Venture (Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall);
- Colas Rail;
- Strabag Rhomberg Sersa Joint Venture (Strabag and Rhomberg Sersa).
Lot 3 – Phase One (Open Route – North) – £566 million
- BBVT Joint Venture (Balfour Beatty Group, Vinci ETF and TSO);
- Ferrovial-BAM Joint Venture (Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall);
- Colas Rail.
Lot 4 – Phase 2a (Track) – £431 million
- BBVT Joint Venture (Balfour Beatty Group, Vinci ETF and TSO);
- Ferrovial-BAM Joint Venture (Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall);
- Colas Rail;
- Strabag Rhomberg Sersa Joint Venture (Strabag and Rhomberg Sersa).
The track systems components (rail, switches and crossings and pre-cast slab track) will be delivered by separate suppliers under their own contracts – for example, Porr has already been awarded the open route slab track contract, prospective S&C suppliers are being shortlisted and negotiations are underway with Network Rail for the supply of rail in long lengths. However, the Track Systems contractor will coordinate design, logistics and installation.
The winning Track Systems contractors will oversee the design and construction of plain line track, switches and crossings, an infrastructure maintenance depot, managing construction logistics and supporting the testing and commissioning phase. They will also act as Construction Design and Management (CDM) principal contractor for the track and be responsible for logistics and consents co-ordination.
The winning bidders are set to commence work on site once the tunnels, bridges, viaducts and earthworks are complete.
Tunnel and Lineside M&E
The winner of the Tunnel and Lineside M&E package, estimated to be worth £498 million, will deliver the design, supply, manufacture, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance (until handover) of the Phase One and Phase 2a Tunnel and Lineside M&E systems.
This will include tunnel services within the shafts, tunnels and cross-passages, as well as low-voltage power services and distribution in the open route. The contractor will also design, supply, install, test and commission the tunnel ventilation systems.
The organisations that will be invited to tender for Tunnel and Lineside M&E are:
- Alstom Transport UK;
- BBB JV (Balfour Beatty and NG Bailey Joint Venture);
- Costain Group.
David Poole, HS2’s procurement and commercial director, said: “Rail systems are some of the most important parts of the HS2 project – the high-tech equipment and systems that will allow our trains to deliver an unparalleled service in terms of speed, frequency and reliability.
“The appointment of the Track Systems and M&E suppliers will be an important milestone for the project, and a significant opportunity for the industry and the wider supply chain. At the peak of construction, HS2 will support around 30,000 jobs and contracts like this will provide a real boost for employers across the supply chain, helping to boost skills and provide opportunities for years to come.”
The contracts for Track Systems and Tunnels and Lineside M&E are expected to be awarded in 2022.
Five more rail systems contracts have also yet to be awarded, covering signalling, the overhead catenary, high voltage power supplies, communications systems and the depot and control centre at Washwood Heath in Birmingham.
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