Costain steams off with £400m HS2 rail M&E systems contract

It will design, supply, manufacture, install, test and commission the tunnel and lineside M&E systems during construction, starting in Q1 2025 for a seven-year period, with the option for additional contract extensions.

The M&E systems installation will include services within 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.

The company said it has recently been trialling robotics technology to automate and improve the efficiency and safety of tunnel M&E installation. It has since developed the trials further to incorporate real-time digital assurance at the point of installation, which it claimed improved the cost and efficiency of tunnel-fit outs.

Alex Vaughan, CEO, Costain, commented: “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.

“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.”