HS2 is entering a critical new phase by developing advanced rail systems for reliable high-speed services between London and the West Midlands.
HS2 Ltd will award around £5 billion in contracts in 2024 to build the tracks, power, signalling, overhead lines and a new network control centre.
Contracts will also cover a new telecoms system for uninterrupted phone calls and streaming along the whole route. This marks a major turning point for the project, starting to bring the railway to life seven years after it was approved.
So far, skills and resources have focused on major civil engineering like tunnels and bridges along the 140-mile route. HS2 remains the UK's largest infrastructure project despite cancellation of the second phase north of Birmingham.
The project hit peak construction in 2022 with milestones like starting work on 14 platforms at Old Oak Common station, completing the first twin-bore tunnel, and launching the first of two tunnel boring machines.
The workforce has passed 30,000, with thousands more British jobs supported in the supply chain.
HS2 Ltd Executive Chair Sir Jon Thompson said: “This is a project of phenomenal scale and ambition and we’re immensely proud of the progress made between London and the West Midlands throughout 2023. There will be no let-up in delivery in 2024.
“The transition in our focus towards railway systems represents another significant milestone and will edge us ever closer towards bringing this transformational project to life.”
Once complete, HS2 will halve journey times between London and Birmingham and free up space on the congested southern West Coast Main Line, potentially doubling capacity.
In early 2024, work will formally start on Birmingham's Curzon Street station. The first Chilterns tunnel boring machine is also expected to break through.
HS2 Ltd will award 11 rail systems contracts in 2024, creating opportunities for the construction and rail sectors. These include track, signalling, power and the nerve centre maintenance depot.
Physical construction across the route is due from 2026/7 when civil engineering concludes.