Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has won a major contract to deliver tunnel and lineside mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems for HS2.

Costain will deliver the design, supply, manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning of HS2’s Tunnel and Lineside M&E systems during construction. The total contract value is worth a minimum of £400m to Costain. The contract, to be signed in due course, will start 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.

Costain will bring skills including complex project and programme delivery, systems engineering, integration, and supply chain collaboration, drawing on its experience in delivering high quality M&E systems in road, rail and water projects, including Crossrail and London Power Tunnels.

The infrastructure solutions company has recently been trialling cutting-edge AI 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 to significantly improve 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.”