Ferrovial BAM driving High-Speed Rail in the UK with new HS2 Contract
Ferrovial, in partnership with BAM, has landed the most significant construction contract in its UK history.
The joint venture will design and build track infrastructure for the entire 140-mile route of the HS2 high-speed rail project, connecting Old Oak Common in London to Birmingham’s Curzon Street station. This monumental undertaking includes the design and installation of approximately 280 miles of track capable of supporting trains travelling at speeds of up to 225mph (360km/h).
This milestone contract positions the Ferrovial BAM team at the forefront of one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. For Ferrovial’s Construction division, which has operated in the UK for over 20 years, this project is a crowning achievement, demonstrating its expertise and commitment to transformative rail systems.
A Key Component of HS2’s £3 Billion Infrastructure Plan
The HS2 project represents a colossal investment in the UK’s rail future, with contracts totalling around £3 billion awarded across various systems. Alongside the track systems delivered by Ferrovial BAM, other contractors will handle Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS), Operational Telecommunications, Command, Control, Signalling and Traffic Management (CCS&TM), and more.
These projects aim to create a seamless, efficient, and safe high-speed rail network that will transform how people and goods move across the country. Moreover, the HS2 initiative is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs, providing an economic boost to the regions involved and fostering a highly skilled workforce.
Building on a Legacy of Excellence
Ferrovial BAM’s success in securing the HS2 track systems contract is no coincidence—it’s the result of a proven track record. The two companies first collaborated in 2010 as BFK, delivering three Crossrail contracts, including the longest stretch of tunnelling works between Royal Oak and Farringdon and the completion of Farringdon Station on the Elizabeth Line.
Currently, the team is working on the Silvertown Tunnel project in East London and has contributed to HS2’s earlier phases, such as Fusion JV for enabling works and EKFB for main works in the central section. These projects highlight the joint venture’s capability to deliver large-scale infrastructure efficiently and within budget.
A Collaborative Rail Systems Alliance
To ensure seamless delivery of this extensive project, Ferrovial BAM will operate under a Rail Systems Alliance structure. This collaborative model brings together design, access, resources, and logistics teams to manage interfaces and resolve programme conflicts. Such a framework fosters a unified approach to achieving shared goals for cost efficiency and timely delivery.
The Alliance also provides a robust mechanism for addressing challenges during the testing and commissioning phases, ensuring the track infrastructure meets stringent safety and performance standards.
Ferrovial’s High-Speed Rail Expertise
Ferrovial’s Construction business boasts an impressive portfolio in high-speed rail projects across the globe, having delivered 1,125km of high-speed track in Spain, the USA, and the UK. In Spain, the company played a pivotal role in constructing 12% of the national High-Speed Rail Network and maintaining over 45% of it.
The company’s innovative edge is further underlined by its 26 patented technologies in track assembly, which contribute to efficient, sustainable, and reliable rail infrastructure. These capabilities will undoubtedly play a crucial role in delivering HS2’s ambitious goals.
The Broader Impact of HS2
HS2 is more than just a rail project—it’s a game-changer for the UK’s transportation landscape. By drastically reducing journey times, increasing capacity, and connecting major cities, the high-speed network aims to rebalance economic growth and support regional development.
The environmental benefits are equally significant. High-speed rail is a more sustainable mode of transportation, with the potential to reduce road congestion and lower carbon emissions. By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure like HS2, the UK is taking a bold step toward achieving its net-zero targets.
A New Chapter in UK Infrastructure
The award of the HS2 track systems contract to Ferrovial BAM marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for the project. With the statutory standstill period concluded and contracts signed, the focus now shifts to the initial design phase, which will run alongside the completion of civil works. This ensures a seamless transition into the construction and commissioning stages, setting the project on track for success.
As Ferrovial BAM embarks on this transformative endeavour, the collaboration embodies the spirit of innovation, expertise, and ambition that defines modern infrastructure development. With a track record of delivering world-class projects, the joint venture is poised to make history once again—this time on UK soil.
