HS2 Begins Search for Signalling Contractors

HS2 Ltd has begun its search for the specialist contractor to provide the signalling and control systems for the UK’s new high-speed railway line.

The contract opportunities cover the design and build of the signalling systems that will control trains running at speeds of up to 360km/h between London, Birmingham and Crewe. They also cover up to 25 years of technical support.

ETCS level 2

| licence

The signalling for HS2 will be based on ERTMS. The in-cab signalling is necessary to address visibility issues of lineside signals for trains travelling at such high speeds. Such signalling also allows smaller headways.

This is the second set of rail systems contracts HS2 has formally started the procurement for. The first one was for track systems.

David Poole, Procurement and Commercial Director, HS2 Ltd, said:
Our state-of-the-art Command and Control Systems and Traffic Management systems will allow HS2 to offer fast, frequent and reliable low carbon journeys for millions of people every year.

I look forward to our team working with the suppliers who come forward and together ensuring that we deliver best quality and value for the project.

HS2 Ltd has specified using the European Train Control System (ETCS) level 2 as its signalling standard.

The Control, Command, Signalling (CCS) and Traffic Management (TM) systems (ETCS) contracts will require the winning bidder to do the work with a combined value of 540m GBP. The contracts involve:

the design, manufacture, supply, installation, supervision, inspection, safety authorisation, testing, commissioning and maintenance until handover to trial operations of Phase 1 and Phase 2a CCS & TM systems
the potential extension of Phase 1 / Phase 2a system to cover Phase 2b
the CCS & TM works required for the Phase 2b alterations at Euston station
the provision of technical support services for the CCS & TM systems for up to 25 years

The shortlists should be announced in 2021 with contracts likely awarded in 2022.