HS2 Ltd launched the searching process to select the supplier to provide switches and crossings for the 280 km of new high-speed track between London, Birmingham and the connection with the existing west coast mainline at Crewe.
The contract has a value of GBP 156 million (EUR 173.2 million) and covers the design, manufacture and delivery of around 180 switches and crossings for the Phase 1 and 2a of the project, with options to extend for further equipment to cover Crewe to Manchester in phase 2b as well as the maintenance depots.
The contract also includes around 77 rail expansion devices for track on viaducts and bridges.
The bidders for the switches and crossings contract are expected to be shortlisted in summer 2021, with the contracts to be awarded in 2022.
The switches and crossings will be an essential component of the HS2 track systems. they will be designed to operate smoothly, reliably and safely at speeds of up to 360 km/h and diverging speeds up to 230 km/h.
The supplier “will play a vital role in delivering the high-tech rail systems that will allow HS2 to run some of the world’s most reliable, fast and efficient high-speed trains,”the Procurement and Commercial Director at HS2 Ltd, David Poole, said.
HS2 Ltd is currently running a separate procurement process to award four track systems contracts for the design and installation of the track and coordination of construction logistics. This will also include integration and installation of the switches and crossings.
To reduce long term costs and improve performance, the track will be set onto concrete slabs instead of the ballast commonly used on the UK rail network. The contract to deliver the pre-cast slab track has been awarded in October to Porr UK Ltd which will see the slabs made at a new factory in Somerset.
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