HS2 High Speed Line – United Kingdom

After working on HS1, the first high speed line in the United Kingdom, SYSTRA is a key player in the HS2 (High Speed 2) project, as part of two joint ventures, showcasing its digital design solutions, providing robust and efficient services to drive maximum v in Europe.

After building HS1, the UK’s first high-speed line, SYSTRA is now taking part in the HS2 project as part of two joint ventures, showcasing its digital design solutions to ensure robustness and cost-efficiency.

A high-speed network for 30 million people

The HS2 project, launched by the British government, aims to create a new high-speed network linking London, the Midlands and the North of the country, serving 8 of the 10 largest conurbations in Great Britain, including the cities of London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, with the potential to carry up to 30 million people. SYSTRA is one of the engineering companies involved in three different areas of the HS2 project:

• Infrastructure, with the Birmingham approach section and Delta Junction in particular;
• In systems, with the rail systems integration programme for the entire network;
• And as a tier 1 partner for the design and build of Old Oak Common station in London.

SYSTRA involved in a Franco-British joint venture

Since 2017, SYSTRA has been working within the Balfour Beatty-VINCI joint venture (JV) for the civil engineering design of lots N1 and N2, 50/50 with Mott MacDonald (MSD). With a total length of 90 km, these two lots are the largest, the most complex and the most northerly geographically, including Delta Junction as well as connections to Birmingham city centre and to the existing West Coast Main Line network in Staffordshire.

Iconic engineering structures near Birmingham

As part of the major infrastructure of HS2, SYSTRA and Mott MacDonald have designed Delta Junction, the centrepiece of the new line’s interconnection with the conventional network. Thanks to a number of structures, including the Water Orton No. 1&2 viaducts, which will be the highest point on the route, HS2 trains will span a large number of rivers, roads and railway lines, including the M42 motorway and the existing line between Birmingham and Peterborough.

The design process for these viaducts has been optimised using dynamic and parametric 3D modelling tools, and a collaborative space for electronic data management has been set up to ensure conformity between technical production and collaborative exchanges between all the experts involved.

With a view to reducing environmental impact during construction, Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS) was used in the structures as a sustainable and more efficient alternative to traditional concrete mixes. This reduced the site’s carbon emissions by more than 60%. After the works, the area below the viaduct will benefit from landscaping accessible to the public, with planted trees, new habitats for flora and fauna, footpaths and cycle paths.

SYSTRA at the heart of a major systems mission

In 2023, SYSTRA has been awarded a major contract, in a consortium with AtkinsRéalis and Ineco, to supply systems for HS2, to lead the systems integration programme across the network. This is the largest engineering contract awarded by HS2 in 2023.

SYSTRA and its partners will support HS2 for up to 10 years in the role of Prime Systems Integrator (PSI) and Rail Systems and Systems Integrator (RSSI). This is a cross-functional role integrating the various rail systems contracts that will be delivered across a number of Design & Build programmes.

At the height of the project, as part of the same team with our partners, up to 40 SYSTRA engineers will be mobilised full-time for all stages of the project, from studies to technical assurance, including technical risk management and systems architecture. In addition, specialist rail engineering support will cover a number of areas, such as rail performance modelling and analysis, noise and vibration management, and software and data management certification.

SYSTRA as Tier 1 partner for the design and construction of Old Oak Common station

Since 2019, as Tier 1 partner in a JV with Balfour Beatty and VINCI (BBVS), SYSTRA has been involved in the Construction Delivery Partner contract for the new Old Oak Common station, the largest railway station to be built in London for a century. This future hub will be the most connected in the country, with connections between HS2, the Crossrail and Central Line underground services, the existing Great Western Main Line and North London Line rail links, as well as three airports.

The station will provide fast, efficient connections between the HS2 network (six underground platforms), the new Crossrail line, the existing Great Western Main Line (eight above-ground platforms) and North London Line intercity networks, and the Central Line underground line. Located in an area undergoing a major renaissance, Old Oak Common will help to create up to 65,000 jobs and 5,500 homes.

HS2: at the cutting edge of technology and focused on environmental protection

As part of its civil engineering design mission for lots N1 and N2, SYSTRA is taking part in studies aimed at developing natural habitats around the HS2 line route. Together with Mott MacDonald, we have put together a team of landscape architects and ecologists. This reflects our commitment to taking environmental concerns into account in every project we undertake.

SYSTRA brings its expertise in engineering, modelling and BIM to each of the project’s tasks. In order to optimise the design process, coordinate the many people involved in the project and ensure the conformity of the technical production, our teams have deployed 3D modelling tools and implemented the use of electronic data management systems.

Our commitment was honoured by the software development company Bentley Systems during the Year in Infrastructure 2019 Awards, where the MSD teams won the Special Recognition Award for Advancing Digital Workflows through Digital Twins.