HS2 seeks track and catenary contractors

HS2 Ltd launched the competition for track and overhead catenary, and mechanical and electrical and tunnel ventilation works for Phase 1 of the route from London to Birmingham on January 30, with a combined value of around £1.88 billion.

The track and overhead catenary system contract is expected to be worth up to £1.55bn, and includes delivering the overhead catenary system and 180 miles of tracks.

Also covered is construction work within stations and tunnels, including provision of engineering trains to link worksites, as well as design integration and co-ordination with other railway systems, civil engineering and station construction contractors.

While the exact specification of the track is to be confirmed, HS2 Ltd is carrying out design work on slab track for the route, which if adopted could offer lower routine maintenance requirements than conventional ballast track.

Spokesman Clive Green told RAIL that if HS2 specifies the slab track, the winning company will be required to deliver the track to that design, either through manufacturing it itself or through a sub-contractor.

The second contract is worth around £330 million and involves the design, installation, testing and commissioning of HS2’s safety equipment, including tunnel ventilation fans, lighting, handrails, fire safety and tunnel alarm systems.

“We’re looking for the smartest, most cost-effective solutions that the industry has to offer through these contracts, which form part of the overall railway system for HS2,” said HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Mark Thurston.

“These two essential contracts are fundamental to HS2 operating safely, reliably and efficiently for the millions of people who will use and come to depend on it.

“Once complete, HS2 will transform rail travel in the UK, providing extra capacity and improved connectivity between our major cities and act as a catalyst for growth across the UK.”