Shortlisted suppliers hoping to secure project management, detailed design and environmental assessment work on the second phase of High Speed 2 have been announced.

 

Three companies are bidding to become the development partner for two separate routes of the railway – between Crewe and Manchester and from Birmingham to Leeds – to provide management services.

 

The three companies are Bechtel; CH2M; and a joint venture of Mace and Turner & Townsend.

 

In addition there are four shortlisted bidders hoping to secure three packages of civils design and environmental services.

 

The four shortlisted bidders are: Arup; a joint venture of AECOM, Capita Property & Infrastructure and Ingenieria y Economia del Transporte; a joint venture of Atkins and Arcadis; and a joint venture of Mott MacDonald and WSP (UK).

 

Shortlisted companies are expected to move towards an Invitation to Tender shortly. Contracts will be awarded after the Government makes a decision on the route of phase two, which is expected this autumn.

 

High Speed 2 chief executive Simon Kirby said: “Phase Two will significantly increase capacity, enhance connectivity and improve journeys for millions of people travelling between London, the Midlands and the major cities of the north.

 

“HS2 will be Britain’s largest infrastructure development, and has the potential to change the way the UK designs and builds projects of national significance. 

 

“That is why it is so important that we get the right team on board to help us develop the design and environmental assessment that supports obtaining the hybrid Bill powers. This process needs to start now so that we are able to open all the way to Manchester and Leeds on time.”

 

High Speed 2’s second phase will begin operating trains in 2033.

 

(Image: Capita)