Costain has won a £400 million contract to deliver tunnel and lineside mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems for HS2.
Work will start in Q1 2025 for a seven-year period, with the option for additional contract extensions.
The contractor will deliver the design, supply, manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning of HS2’s Tunnel and Lineside M&E systems during construction.
The M&E systems installation include:
- Services within the tunnels
- Cross-passages
- Low voltage power services
- Distribution on the open part of the route.
- Design, supply, install, test and commission the tunnel ventilation systems
Costain is set to provide complex project and programme delivery, systems engineering, integration, and supply chain collaboration.
The contractor has previous M&E systems in road, rail and water projects including Crossrail and London Power Tunnels.
It has recently been trialling new AI robotics technology to automate and improve the efficiency and safety of tunnel M&E installation.
It has since developed the trials further to incorporate real-time digital assurance at the point of installation to significantly improve the cost and efficiency of tunnel-fit outs.
Alex Vaughan, CEO, Costain, said: “Costain has a long-standing involvement with the UK’s largest strategic infrastructure programme and this new award is testament to the strength of our collaborative and successful relationship with HS2.
“Our teams will draw on their experience and expertise in delivering world-class M&E systems, for example on Crossrail, and will use the latest technology to drive efficiency.
“HS2 will be transformational for UK connectivity, freeing up capacity on the existing rail network and alleviating road traffic and congestion.”
The news follows the announcement that HS2 has begun assembling two giant tunnelling machines that will dig the final 4.5 miles of underground high-speed railway to London Euston.
In the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that HS2 would be extended to London Euston with the 5.4-mile tunnel drive from Old Oak Common expected to cost around £1 billion.
HS2 also expects the arrival of the line into Euston to trigger a transport-led regeneration of the area – unlocking new homes and jobs.
Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture (SCS JV) is currently close to completing the earthworks for tunnels and embankments it is building for HS2 between the London and the new Curzon Street Station in Birmingham.
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