Bechtel awarded HS2 Phase 2b contract

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California-based construction and civil engineering firm Bechtel has been chosen as the preferred bidder to become the development partner for HS2 Phase 2b.

The role had initially been awarded to CH2M but following the threat of legal action over a potential conflict of interest it withdrew from the £170 million deal.

At the time, CH2M said it remained committed to working with HS2 Ltd on delivering Phase 1.

A spokesman for HS2 said: “HS2 Ltd can confirm that Bechtel are being taken forward to the next stage of the 2b Development Partner procurement process.

“The bidder now enters the standstill period allowed for under the process prior to contract award.

“Following discussions, we are confident they are able and prepared to deliver the contract on time, on budget, and to a high standard.”

HS2 phase 2b will run from Crewe to Manchester, and from the West Midlands to Leeds, via Sheffield.

Later today (April 19) Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins will discuss the issue at the Commons’ Transport Select Committee.