HS2 Announces Rail Systems Contract Winners

HS2 has announced the selected teams to deliver the high-speed rail project’s ‘Rail Systems’ contracts, including track, signalling, and communications systems.

These contracts, collectively valued at approximately 3 billion GBP, mark the next phase of HS2’s development, transitioning from civil engineering works to the installation of railway infrastructure.

This work will see almost 140 miles of tunnels, bridges and earthworks between London and the West Midlands transformed into an operational railway.

Over the coming years, the successful companies will design and install around 280 miles of track capable of supporting trains at speeds of up to 225mph. They will also provide power supplies and signalling equipment required for the safe operation of the railway.

What’s more, a vast optical fibre network, functioning as the railway’s “nervous system,” will be installed at the heart of the network, with over 1,200 miles of cable providing essential communication links.

The work will be managed under a collaborative Rail Systems Alliance model, ensuring smooth integration between contractors while prioritising cost efficiency and timely delivery. This cooperative approach aims to drive alignment across design, logistics, and resource management.

The successful bidders include industry leaders such as Ferrovial BAM, Colas Rail, and Siemens Mobility:

Track Systems, Lots 1, 2 & 3

Ferrovial Construction / BAM Nuttall JV

The Ferrovial BAM joint venture will lead the design and construction of HS2’s track infrastructure, oversee construction logistics, and support the testing and commissioning process. Acting as the Principal Contractor, they will coordinate works associated with the trace, as well as manage logistics and consent approvals.

Their responsibilities span the route from Old Oak Common in London to Birmingham Curzon Street, including the design and construction of the Infrastructure Maintenance Depot at Calvert. They will also manage the interface with the Washwood Heath Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot and oversee the permanent connection to the existing rail network at Handsacre Junction.

Switches, crossings, and pre-cast slab tracks forming the HS2 track system will be supplied under existing contracts with Voestalpine and PORR UK, while the Track Systems contractor will coordinate their design, logistics, and installation. The rail itself will be provided through Network Rail, ensuring seamless integration across the system.

Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS)

Colas Rail Limited

Colas Rail will handle the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) for HS2.

Using the advanced V360 OCS design range, licensed from SNCF Réseau, Colas Rail will develop the next stages of the system’s design. This technology was the first in Europe certified for speeds up to 360km/h. It will supply power to HS2’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains, ensuring reliable and efficient operations.

Operational Telecommunications and Security Systems

Siemens Mobility Limited

Siemens Mobility will oversee the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, safety authorisation, testing, commissioning, and initial maintenance of HS2’s operational telecommunication systems and route-wide security infrastructure.

In addition to supporting the railway’s operations, the system’s optical fibre network will include spare capacity, which could be sold to third-party providers. This initiative has the potential to enhance broadband connectivity, particularly in more remote rural areas, fostering wider digital inclusion.

Third Party Telecommunications

Hitachi Rail GTS UK Limited and Telent Technology Services Limited JV (TTJV)

The TTJV partnership will manage the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, safety authorisation, testing, commissioning, and initial maintenance of HS2’s telecommunications systems.

These systems will provide reliable mobile communications for passengers, support critical emergency services, and facilitate the station data network, ensuring seamless connectivity and operational efficiency across the railway.

Command, Control, Signalling & Traffic Management (CCS&TM)

Siemens Mobility Limited

HS2 will implement a digital Command, Control, and Signalling (CCS) system, along with advanced Traffic Management (TM) technology, replacing traditional coloured lights to enable faster and more frequent train services.

Siemens Mobility will oversee the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, supervision, inspection, safety authorisation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of the CCS & TM systems. Its responsibilities will extend through to the handover for trial operations, alongside providing ongoing technical support to ensure optimal system performance.

Engineering Management System

Siemens Mobility Limited

HS2’s digital engineering management system will provide remote supervisory control of railway assets and systems, empowering operational and maintenance teams to ensure some of the world’s most reliable, safe, and efficient high-speed rail services.

Siemens Mobility will design, manufacture, supply, install, integrate, test, commission, and maintain an advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) solution for the entire HS2 network. Siemens will also provide technical support for up to 25 years, ensuring long-term system reliability.

This integrated SCADA system will enable real-time monitoring and control of HS2’s operational railway assets from the Network Integrated Control Centre in Birmingham and other key locations. The system will play a critical role in maintaining safe operations and ensuring efficient maintenance across the railway.

A separate contract to construct the Washwood Heath depot and Network Integrated Control Centre will be awarded next year.