HS2 Ltd has started searching for contractors to deliver nearly £2 billion worth of work on the major infrastructure development.

Successful firms will be tasked to deliver the track and overhead catenary system works and the tunnel and lineside mechanical & electrical and tunnel ventilation works, between London and Birmingham (Phase One) and Birmingham to Crewe (Phase 2a).

The £1.55bn track and overhead catenary system (OCS) package will oversee HS2's construction and testing phase, linking the whole system and trains before handing it over to the operator for the line's trial running phase.

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In addition, firms are being sought to secure a £330 million contract for the tunnel and lineside mechanical & electrical and tunnel ventilation works. The deal covers the design, installation, testing and commissioning of HS2 safety equipment including tunnel ventilation fans, lighting, handrails, fire safety equipment and tunnel alarm systems.

HS2 Ltd chief executive, Mark Thurston, said: "We're looking for the smartest, most cost effective solutions that the industry has to offer through these contracts, which form part of the overall railway system for HS2.

"These 2 essential contracts are fundamental to HS2 operating safely, reliably and efficiently for the millions of people who will use and come to depend on it.

"Once complete, HS2 will transform rail travel in the UK, providing extra capacity and improved connectivity between our major cities and act as a catalyst for growth across the UK."

To view the contract notice, visit here.

(LM/MH)