HS2 Ltd has commenced a significant procurement process valued at £124M for on-track machines.
- The procurement involves three distinct contracts covering various maintenance needs along the railway between London and Birmingham.
- General infrastructure maintenance machines will form the bulk of the contracts, with an emphasis on modular designs.
- Additional contracts focus on supplying infrastructure monitoring and track access machines.
- Potential bidders have until January 2025 to submit their offers, with contract awards anticipated by May 2025.
High Speed 2 Ltd (HS2 Ltd) has announced the launch of a comprehensive procurement process aimed at acquiring on-track machines (OTMs) with a total contract value of £124 million. This initiative is a crucial step in maintaining the infrastructure of the high-speed railway currently under construction between London and Birmingham. The procurement is comprehensive, involving three separate lots that focus on different machine types and functionalities.
Lot 1, the largest of the contracts, is valued at £76 million and focuses on supplying general infrastructure maintenance machines. These machines are designed to be modular, allowing them to be adapted for various tasks such as overhead catenary system inspections, railhead conditioning, and clearing drains. This adaptability is achieved through interchangeable modules or attachments, enhancing the efficiency and utility of the maintenance fleet.
Lot 2, worth £16 million, is dedicated to infrastructure monitoring machines. These machines will play a vital role in assessing the condition of infrastructure assets through a combination of unmanned, remote, dynamic, and visual inspection methods. To complement these techniques, mobile infrastructure monitoring will also be undertaken using passenger rolling stock equipped with limited capabilities. Full-speed and lower-speed runs will be conducted to gather detailed data and perform specific measurement techniques.
The final contract, Lot 3, also valued at £16 million, pertains to the provision of track access machines. These machines are essential for maintenance shifts requiring Any Line Open (ALO) conditions, ensuring the safe transport of staff and equipment while minimising manual handling. All machines procured under this contract will provide essential protection for staff and materials during transit.
Each of these contracts encompasses the design, manufacturing, testing, commissioning, supply, and delivery of the OTMs, along with warranty and defect correction services. HS2 Ltd has set a timeline of 36 months for the completion of these contracts, with an option to procure additional machines valued at £16 million, potentially expanding the extent of the contract. Interested bidders must submit their applications by 12 pm on 10 January 2025, with the selection of successful bids projected for announcement by 9 May 2025.
This strategic procurement underscores HS2 Ltd’s commitment to ensuring the efficient maintenance and operation of its pivotal high-speed railway project.
