HS2 Prepares for a Landmark Year with £5 Billion in Contract Awards

2024 is set to be a pivotal year for High Speed 2 (HS2), the UK's largest infrastructure project, as it gears up to award contracts worth around £5 billion. This momentous phase not only signifies the project's transition into peak construction but also opens a plethora of opportunities for the UK's construction, engineering, and rail sectors.

Key Developments in the Pipeline

Among the significant advancements, the early part of the year is marked by the commencement of work on the new Curzon Street station in Birmingham and a major milestone in the Chilterns tunnel - the longest on the HS2 route at 10 miles. The breakthrough of the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in this section is eagerly anticipated.

Contract Opportunities and Innovations

HS2's procurement strategy involves around eleven contracts that are currently out to tender, slated for awarding in 2024. These contracts encompass critical aspects of the project, including the design, logistics, and installation of the track system, which is designed to support trains traveling at speeds up to 225mph.

One of the contracts focuses on a state-of-the-art signalling system, which will feed information directly into train cabs. This innovative approach, replacing traditional lineside signals, aims to enable faster and more frequent services, optimizing the line's capacity.

Furthermore, another contract involves the development of the high-voltage power system, which will ensure the provision of zero-carbon electricity from the National Grid to the line.

The HS2 Nerve Centre

A highlight of these contracts is the construction of HS2’s £275 million 'nerve centre' at Washwood Heath, Birmingham. This project will house the project’s rolling stock maintenance depot and network control centre. Vinci/Keltbray and VolkerFitzpatrick/VolkerRail are in the race for this single-stage design and build contract for the 30-hectare site.

The Role of Find A Start

In this grand scheme of things, platforms like Find A Start (www.findastart.co.uk) emerge as invaluable resources. As HS2 transitions into its most active phase, the demand for skilled tradespeople will surge. Find A Start can facilitate the swift assembly of proficient teams for these substantial tasks. By bridging the gap between contractors and tradespeople, the platform offers a streamlined process for contractors to find the right workforce, and for tradespeople to access a steady stream of job opportunities in significant projects like HS2.

Looking Ahead

As HS2 moves into the physical construction phase along its route, expected to begin around 2026/27, the project will reach new heights of activity. The culmination of the main civil engineering work will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the UK's rail history, with HS2 playing a central role. Collaborative efforts between the public sector, private enterprises, and platforms like Find A Start will be crucial in driving the project towards successful completion.

For more information on how Find A Start is supporting significant projects like HS2, visit www.findastart.co.uk.