Six firms shortlisted for £240m civils deal

A mix of new names and familiar faces have made the shortlist for an enabling works contract for the stretch of line between the West Midlands and Crewe on the HS2 railway.

Familiar bidders Laing O’Rourke, Skanska and Bam Construction, which is set to include the group’s Bam Nuttall civils arm, have all made the cut for the deal known as the Advanced Civil Works contract.

They have been joined by Galliford Try, believed to be making its debut as a lone bidder on a HS2 shortlist, as well as Kier, another firm also thought to have been shortlisted as a sole bidder for a major package for the first time, and a bid from Northern Irish firm John Graham.

galliford

Galliford Try has made the shortlist for the £240m scheme

The scheme is set to start next autumn ahead of the main civils contract for the 36 mile route starting in summer 2024.

HS2 said one firm will carry out the northern part of the advanced civils while another will be allocated the southern lot. The entire deal is worth £240m.

Over the summer, HS2 began the search for a design and delivery partner on the second section of line in a deal worrth £500m. The route between the West Midlands and Crewe, known as phase 2a, will include 17 viaducts and 65 bridges.