High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has announced that ALIGN, the bidding joint venture (JV) of Bouygues Construction, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick (a subsidiary of VolkerWessels), with its design partners, Jacobs and Ingerop, has been awarded the GBP 965 million (USD 1.19 billion) Chilterns Tunnels and Colne Valley Viaduct main works civils contract (Lot C1), a key section of Phase One of the HS2 high-speed rail network between London and Birmingham. This officially launches the execution phase of a major HSR project.

The ALIGN JV will be responsible for the design and build of the main civil works of the 22km section of the high-speed rail line, running between the Colne Valley and the Chilterns. The C1 lot includes the route’s 3.4km- long Colne Valley Viaduct, as well as the 15.8km-long Chiltern twin-tunnels.

During the first stage of the contract, ALIGN will complete the scheme design, produce the construction programme and launch its key procurement activities. Following Stage One - an expected 16-month period - HS2 will issue notice to proceed with Stage Two, including the implementation of detailed design and construction works.

ALIGN combines world-class experience with award-winning industry practice in whole-life infrastructure delivery, specifically with leading-edge high-speed railways, one example of which is currently being delivered by Bouygues Construction on the new Nimes-Montpelier Bypass.

The ALIGN partners have an impressive, and successful track record of major project innovation, design and construction. They have worked closely together for over two years to consolidate their collaborative culture, and their corporate values and practices so as to stand ready and able to deliver for HS2.

Feasibility studies and preparatory engineering work started in 2017. The contract will run for 66 months (five and a half years).