Kier has been selected by HS2 to deliver a major programme of highways and utility work on Phase 2a of the project, which will take the UK's new high speed railway north of the West Midlands.

It has been awarded the first stage of the £50m Enabling Civil Works – Package 2 (ECW2) programme, which will be awarded in two stages through the government’s existing Construction Works and Associated Services framework.

The programme includes a range of early works designed to reduce disruption during the main build stage of the project. It includes major highways works, including the survey, design and construction works for a new bridge on the M6; it will also involve associated utility diversions, as well as a range of environmental and other surveys along the 36-mile stretch of route.

More than 16,000 jobs and over 500 apprenticeships are already being supported by the project, which is set to transform transport links between Britain’s major cities, free up space on the rail network for more freight and local services and support the UK’s transition to net zero carbon emissions.

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Mark Pengelly, Group managing director at Kier Infrastructure, said: "Being appointed to deliver this early works package allows us to build on our existing relationship with HS2 and implement lessons learned from Phase 1. We already deliver a range of projects in the area and our work on Phase 2a will provide increased employment opportunities for both local people and our local supply chain partners."

HS2 Ltd's Procurement and Supply Chain Director, Andrew Cubitt said: "Kier will play a vital role in delivering the next stage of Britain’s new high speed railway, taking the route north from Birmingham to Crewe and I’m really pleased to welcome them to the team.

"HS2's Phase 2a represents a massive opportunity for businesses in the north of England and across the UK in the short term, and in the longer term it will speed up journeys for trains bound for places like Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and the North West, and release much-needed extra capacity on the existing mainline."

As part of the EKFB (Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial and BAM) joint venture, Kier is delivering civil engineering works across an 80km section of the new high speed rail link between the Chiltern Tunnel and Long Itchington Wood. The scope of works includes 15 viaducts, 6.9km of green tunnels, 22km of road diversions 81 bridges and around 30 million cubic metres of excavation.