Costain has won a major contract to deliver tunnel and lineside mechanical and electrical systems for HS2.
Costain will deliver the design, supply, manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning of HS2’s tunnel and lineside M&E systems during construction. The contract, to be signed in due course, is worth a minimum of £400m to Costain. It will start in Q1 2025 for a seven-year period, with the option for additional contract extensions.
The M&E systems installation will include services in the tunnels, together with cross passages, low voltage power services and distribution on the open part of the route. Costain will also design, supply, install, test and commission the tunnel ventilation systems.
Costain has delivered M&E systems in road, rail and water projects, including Crossrail and London Power Tunnels.
The company has recently been trialling cutting-edge AI robotics technology to automate and improve the efficiency and safety of tunnel M&E installation. It has since developed the trials to incorporate real-time digital assurance at the point of installation to significantly improve the cost and efficiency of tunnel-fit outs.
Costain CEO Alex Vaughan said Costain had a long-standing involvement with the UK’s largest strategic infrastructure programme and this contract was testament to the strength of its collaborative and successful relationship with HS2.
“Our teams will draw on their experience and expertise in delivering world-class M&E systems, for example on Crossrail, and will use the latest technology to drive efficiency,” he said.
“HS2 will be transformational for UK connectivity, freeing up capacity on the existing rail network and alleviating road traffic and congestion. It’s a project that will continue to create jobs, develop skills and drive prosperity long after construction.”
