By Lynda Myer
Phase 2b investigation works in Crewe and Manchester line of HS2 Ltd.’s project requires an expert team of ground investigation contractors.
The value of intended contract is £300M and it is going to involve the appointment of a main ground investigation partner, which is comprise of ten specialist ground investigation contractors to deliver HS2 Ltd.’s desired program of work.
The procurement will be split in to two parts, one to find the ground investigation partner – a contract worth up to £85M, and the second: to find additional ground investigation partners – a contract worth up to £215M.
Managing and coordinating the packaging of ground investigation works and also the projecting and the implementation of ground investigation site enabling works, will be some duties of the ground investigation partner.
Responsibility of the other ground investigation partners will be the attainment and official reporting of geotechnical, hydrogeological and geo-environmental data through surveys, the digging and precise logging of exploratory holes, and high-quality in-situ and laboratory testing.
Progressing a model of the ground under the whole route, will be the main purpose of the ground investigation program.
According to HS2 Ltd.’s statements, this geotechnical data will cause efficient estimation in ground hazards and their reorganization and managing, also they have a vital role to play in informing the design and construction of the railway.
While the purchase is for a primary eight-year framework, it can be extended for a further two years.
The significant duties of the selected teams are due to be the design needs and the outcome of the government’s Integrated Rail Plan, which is estimated to be published later this year.
The UK Government has instructed HS2 Ltd to proceed with legislation for the Western leg of Phase 2b – from Crewe to Manchester as a priority in an effort to deliver economic benefits and improve transport links to the North.
This project will develop economic progress through connectivity among and around the two cities and hopefully this will cause creation of thousands of new jobs and business opportunities.
HS2 Ltd procurement and supply chain director, Andrew Cubitt, said: “This framework agreement is an important step in our plans to bring HS2 to the North. It will enable us to procure a comprehensive body of ground investigation data to inform our future civil engineering works.”
He also added: “The structure of the framework agreement means that more than ten contractors could benefit from the opportunities we are creating, which comes at a vital time for UK businesses seeking stability and growth as we strive to recover from the effects of the pandemic.”
The final shortlist of the proposers will be release towards the end of the year with the contract award expected in 2022.
