HS2 shortlists enabling works contractors

Nine companies and joint ventures have been shortlisted by High Speed 2 for a share of £900 million of enabling works, ahead of the start of major civil engineering on Phase 1 of the project (London-Birmingham).

The enabling works include utility diversions, ecology surveys, archaeology, establishing site compounds, site clearance and demolition. They also cover ground remediation, watercourse activities, highways realignments, monitoring and instrumentation, structural reinforcements and drainage.

The works have been split into three packages covering the northern, central and southern sections of the route (see panel). The shortlisted bidders are due to be invited to tender in the spring, with the contracts awarded later in 2016. Work is expected to start in 2017.

“The shortlist marks an important milestone as we move towards the start of construction in 2017, and a real boost for the UK construction industry,” said HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Simon Kirkby.