Today, 15 April, the Department for Transport (DfT) has given HS2 Ltd the authorisation it needs to issue Notice to Proceed to the four main works civil contractors (MWCC) involved the the high-speed line.
The contractors are SCS Railways, Align JV, EKFB JV, and BBV JV. They can now begin the full detailed design and construction of Phase One, which will take the line from London to the West Midlands. This follows the publication of the Oakervee Review and the government’s decision in February to move ahead with the infrastructure project.
Up until now, the contracts between HS2 Ltd and the MWCC have centred around scheme design and site preparation, such as determining costs, for the civil works. The Notice to Proceed therefore marks the next stage of the project.
“In these difficult times, today's announcement represents both an immediate boost to the construction industry – and the many millions of UK jobs that the industry supports – and an important investment in Britain's future: levelling up the country, improving out transport network and changing the way we travel to help bring down carbon emissions and improve air quality for the next generation.”
Work to Begin Immediately
The main works civils contractors will begin work immediately. They will move ahead with detailed designs, site preparation and putting into place key sub-contractors. All HS2 Ltd contractors are continuously reviewing their ability to work within Public Health England guidelines to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of both the workforce and the communities in which they are present.
Once operational, HS2 will serve more than 25 stations and free up vital capacity on the West Coast Main Line, the East Coast Main Line and the Midlands Main Line, giving the country the step change it needs in sustainable transport.
Also read:
