On 23 February 2017, HS2 took a major step forward as the Bill gained Royal Assent paving way for new rail line that will increase capacity on Britain’s railway network. Construction will begin on schedule in the spring.
“Achieving Royal Assent for Phase One of HS2 between Birmingham and London with such significant parliamentary support, is a monumental step in transforming rail travel in Britain. We have a long journey ahead of us to build the railway and secure permission for Phase Two to make sure that the full benefits of HS2 are realised,” David Higgins, Chairman of HS2 said.
The High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) hybrid Bill, essentially the planning application for HS2, received support from MPs. In the Bill’s third reading in the Commons MPs voted 399 to 42 in favour. In the Lords, the figures were 386 to 26 in support of the Bill passing.
We remind that on 20 January, the UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has launched the process for the acquisition of high speed trains for HS2 network. The value of the contract is £2.75 billion (€3.17 billion) and the successful bidder will have to design, build and maintain the fleet at the dedicated rolling stock depot planned for Washwood Heath in Birmingham.
UK Government confirmed that will award CH2M, Arup, an AECOM / Capita / INECO joint venture and a Mott MacDonald / WSP joint venture the contracts on Manchester – Leeds design, as part of the second phase of HS2 rail project.
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