HS2 Hunt for Track and Precast Contractors

HS2 high-speed rail project has begun the search for specialist contractors to design and build 280km of high-speed slab track between London, Birmingham and Crewe. Successful contractors will also get the opportunity to take a lead role in managing and coordinating the complex interfaces between the track and other elements of the rail system.

Contracts which will cover rail, switches and crossing, and pre-cast slab track systems will be awarded separately, with the track system suppliers coordinating on design and installation. Winning bidders will arrive on site once tunnels, bridges, viaducts and earthworks are complete.

Six more sets of rail systems contracts are set to be launched later this year, and will cover signalling, the overhead catenary that will provide power to trains, mechanical and electrical systems, high voltage power supplies, communication systems and the depot and control centre at Washwood Heath in Birmingham.

Four separate track packages are to be awarded:

• Lot 1 – Phase One (Urban – London and Birmingham) – £434 million
• Lot 2 – Phase One (Open Route – Central) – £526 million
• Lot 3 – Phase One (Open Route – North) – £566 million
• Lot 4 – Track – Phase 2a – £43m

To reduce any long-term costs and improve performance, the track is to be set onto concrete slabs instead of the ballast commonly used on the UK rail network. This approach is most commonly used on metro systems, along with some international high-speed rail lines.

Winning bidders will also be responsible for design, installation and testing of switches and crossing, managing construction logistics and coordination, and supporting the testing and commissioning phase. They will also act as Construction Design and Management (CM) Principal Contract for the track and be responsible for logistics and consents co-ordination.

Shortlists for the track are expected toward the end of the year, with contract awards in 2022.

HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole, 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 launch of this new procurement contest is 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.”

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