HS2 has revealed details of the initial works packages for the first phase of the £42.6Bn project on which construction will start in late 2016.
The first package - a £600M enabling works framework is to be let in spring next year. Early contractor involvement will feature in the procurement strategy whose details were released for consultation with the industry.
Over 600 contractors, consultants and other suppliers companies heard the details at HS2’s first major supply chain event in Birmingham on Tuesday. Several other supply chain events will be held over the next few months, and following consultation a major event will be held in May next year when final details of contract packages will be revealed.
Thousands of civil engineering related jobs would be created in the £17.16Bn first phase which involves cuttings and tunnels for about half of the route, with about 100 bridges and viaducts. There will also be four new railway stations.
HS2’s initial works packages total £12Bn in addition to the £600M enabling works. They comprise four main tunnelling packages worth £2.9Bn, three to six packages worth £2.7Bn on surface works, £2.6Bn on the four new stations, £350M for multi disciplinary design packages, £1.5Bn for railway systems and £2Bn for rolling stock, depots and signalling. Procurement will be under NEC3 contracts with early contractor involvement.
HS2 Commercial Director Beth West told delegates at the supply chain event that consultation would help the company determine whether things like splitting the tunnelling and surface route works into separate packages is the best way to proceed.
Tenders will be assessed using a ‘balanced scorecard’ approach using strategic themes including health and safety, operational excellence, as well as ability to complete on time and to budget.
