The HS2 track systems have been designed for smooth operations, to run safely at speeds of up to 360km/h and diverging speeds up to 230km/h. Credit: Cory Woodward on Unsplash.

HS2 has announced that it is seeking suppliers of switches and crossings for the 280km of new high-speed track between London, Birmingham and the connection with the existing west coast mainline at Crewe in the UK.

The £156m contract will include the design, manufacture, and delivery of around 180 switches and crossings for Phase I and IIa of the project.

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The contract will also provide options to extend for further equipment to cover Crewe to Manchester in Phase IIb and the maintenance yards.

Around 77 rail expansion devices for track on viaducts and bridges are also within the scope of the contract.

The HS2 track systems have been designed for smooth operations, to run safely at speeds of up to 360km/h and diverging speeds up to 230km/h.

Furthermore, HS2 will separately award four Track Systems contracts for the design and installation of the track and coordination of construction logistics, including the integration and installation of the switches and crossings.

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HS2 procurement and commercial director David Poole said: “The switches and crossings supplier will play a vital role in delivering the high-tech rail systems that will allow HS2 to run some of the world’s most reliable, fast and efficient high speed trains.

“The launch of this new procurement contest is an important step towards appointing all the suppliers who will deliver the rail systems once the main civils work is complete. HS2 already supports more than 13,000 jobs across the UK and contracts like this will provide a real boost for employers across the supply chain, helping to support skills development and provide opportunities for years to come.”

For cost reduction and better performance, the track will be set onto concrete slabs instead of the ballast.

PORR UK will deliver the pre-cast slab track, which will be made at a new factory in Somerset.

Earlier, separate procurement for the station building systems for the Phase One stations were completed under a contract of up to £47m.

The contract included Public Address / Voice Alarm (PAVA), Fire Detection and Alarm System, Lighting Control System (LCS), Customer Information System (CIS) and more.

The framework supplier and Phase One Station contractors will work collaboratively with HS2.

HS2 is conducting separate procurement competitions for other components of the rail systems, including overhead catenary, high voltage power supply, and more.

Bidders for the switches and crossings contract will be finalised in the summer of next year, with the contracts to be awarded in 2022.