Kier wins landmark early works contract on second stage of HS2

HS2 Ltd has confirmed that Kier Construction Limited will be appointed to deliver a major programme of highways and utility work on Phase 2a of the project, which will take the UK’s new high speed railway north of the West Midlands.

Phase 2a will carry trains bound for destinations such as Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and the north west, speeding up overall end-to-end journey times and freeing up space on the existing network.

Known as ‘Enabling Civils Works – Package 2’ (ECW2), the £50m programme will be awarded in two stages and includes a range of early works designed to reduce disruption during the main build stage of the project.

This includes major highways works and associated utility diversions as well as a range of environmental and other surveys along the 36 mile stretch of route. The second stage of the work will be awarded in 2022.

Today’s contract award also follows the start of procurement for the Design and Delivery Partner for 2a earlier last month and the award of the Early Environmental Works contract earlier this year. Together, they underline how extending HS2 to Crewe will help secure jobs and help the UK to build back better from the pandemic.

More than 16,000 jobs and 650 apprenticeships are already being supported by the project, which is set to transform transport links between Britain’s major cities, free up space on the rail network for more freight and local services and support the UK’s transition to net zero carbon emissions.

HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Supply Chain Director, Andrew Cubitt said:
“Kier will play a vital role in delivering the next stage of Britain’s new high speed railway, taking the route north from Birmingham to Crewe and I’m really pleased to welcome them to the team.

“HS2’s Phase 2a represents a massive opportunity for businesses in the north of England and across the UK in the short term, and in the longer term it will speed up journeys for trains bound for places like Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and the North West, and release much-needed extra capacity on the existing mainline.”

Mark Pengelly, Group managing director at Kier Infrastructure, said:
“Being appointed to deliver this early works package allows us to build on our existing relationship with HS2 Ltd and implement lessons learned from Phase 1. We already deliver a range of projects in the area and our work on Phase 2a will provide increased employment opportunities for both local people and our local supply chain partners.”

The ECW2 package was awarded via the government’s existing Crown Commercial Services Construction Works and Associated Services framework, streamlining the procurement process and benefitting HS2 Ltd and potential bidders.

www.hs2.com

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