Costain has landed a £400m contract to deliver tunnel and lineside mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems for HS2.
Under the deal, the contractor will deliver the design, supply, manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning of HS2’s tunnel and lineside M&E systems during construction.
Its work will start in Q1 2025 for a seven-year period, with an option for additional contract extensions.
A statement from Costain said the M&E systems installation will include services within the tunnels, plus cross-passages, low-voltage power services and distribution on the open part of the route. The company will also design, supply, install, test and commission the tunnel ventilation systems.
Costain chief executive Alex Vaughan said: “Costain has a long-standing involvement with the UK’s largest strategic infrastructure programme and this new award is testament to the strength of our 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 added: “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.”
The company has recently been trialling AI robotics technology that it said can automate and improve the efficiency and safety of tunnel M&E installation.
Last month Construction News sat down with Vaughan to look back at his 34 years working at Costain and five years leading the company.
He said that the company focuses on transport, water, energy and defence sectors because investment in them is crucial for the country.
“These are areas where investment has to happen, not just because they’re profitable, but because they are essential to the country’s economic growth and environmental resilience,” he said.
Investment bank Investec responded to the latest announcement: “Another contract win enhances an already strong forward work position [for Costain]. With the recent forward work position standing at £4.8bn, this win should boost the position to in excess of £5bn.”
