HS2 announces Phase One Engineering Delivery Partner

HS2 concept train

HS2 Ltd. has appointed a group consisting of H2M, Atkins and SENER as its Phase One Engineering Delivery Partner.

On the 18 March 2016, HS2 Ltd. appointed a team consisting of CH2M, Atkins and SENER as its Phase One Engineering Delivery Partner over a 10-year period.

With construction due to begin next year, the CH2M/Atkins/SENER group will be fully integrated within HS2 Ltd in order to drive long term efficiencies across the design and build process. Their role will focus on providing expert engineering and construction management support as well as assisting with preparation for the procurement of the main civils contracts for the London to Birmingham stage of the route.

HS2 Phase One Engineering Delivery Partner will provide expert engineering and construction management support

All three companies have experience in delivering complex rail projects, with CH2M and Atkins involved in London’s Crossrail project, and SENER bringing recent experience from Spain’s extensive high speed rail network.

The ten year contract covers the whole of Phase One construction, with the team focusing on a number of key functions, including:

• Supporting preparation for, and procurement of, the main civils contracts and subsequent work packages, including stations and railway systems
• Managing support of the design stage and construction stages of the works
• Providing project engineering and construction management
• Providing technical assurance of design

Welcoming the news, HS2 Ltd Managing Director – Construction, Jim Crawford, said: “Today’s contract award marks an important milestone as we continue to move towards the start of construction in 2017. It is vital that we constantly challenge our suppliers to ensure we deliver long-term value for money for the taxpayer as well as a world-class railway for all our passengers, stakeholders and communities along the line.

“That’s why I’m pleased to welcome CH2M/Atkins/SENER to the team, and look forward to seeing HS2 benefiting from their considerable skills and experience of delivering world-class infrastructure on time and on budget.”

Commenting on the appointment, Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: The Engineering Delivery Partner will play a key role in bringing HS2 to fruition and CH2M/Atkins/SENER bring clear expertise. Today’s announcement means we are one step closer to getting spades in the ground next year for this transformational project.

HS2 Phase One bill passes third reading in House of Commons

On the evening of 23^rd March 2016, HS2 Phase One Bill passed the third reading in House of Commons paving the way for HS2 construction.

The hybrid Bill for Phase One of the scheme between London and Birmingham successfully passed its third reading in the Commons with MPs voting 399 to 42 in favour of the Bill. The Bill will now pass to the House of Lords. Subject to completing its parliamentary passage, construction will begin next year (2017).

Commenting on the vote, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Once again Parliament has backed HS2 and brought this vital new railway one step closer to reality. British contractors are now bidding to build the line, British apprentices are waiting to work on it and British cities are waiting to benefit from it.

“We expect HS2 to begin construction next year. As we enter this new phase I make 3 pledges: we will work closely with those communities affected by the HS2 route, we will keep a firm grip on costs and we will drive maximum value for money from this new railway.”