HS2 Project
HS2 – High Speed Two (UK)
Client: HS2 Ltd / EKFB JV (Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial, BAM)
Design JV: ASC (Arcadis, Setec, Cowi)
Location: London to Birmingham (C2 and C3 packages)
Services Delivered: Scheme Design, Detailed Design, Assurance Support
Duration: 2017 – Ongoing
High Speed Two (HS2) is the UK’s flagship rail infrastructure programme, designed to deliver a high-speed north–south railway connecting London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. Phase One, currently under construction, covers 230 km from London to the West Midlands.
The EKFB joint venture is responsible for two of the largest civil works packages (C2 and C3), totalling 80 km of new railway infrastructure. The design has been entrusted to ASC – a Design Joint Venture comprising Arcadis, Setec, and Cowi.
Setec’s Role
As part of the ASC JV, Setec has played a central role across both the Scheme Design (2017–2020) and the Detailed Design phase (2020–present). Our contribution covers multiple disciplines, with Setec companies including SETEC TPI, SETEC Organisation, Terrasol, Setec Ferroviaire, and Setec International providing expertise.
As part of the construction support, Setec has contributed to both CSS (Construction Support Services) and CAS (Construction Assurance Services), providing technical assistance during delivery, responding to site queries, supporting design modifications as construction progresses, and carrying out risk-based independent inspections of the construction of the permanent works.
Our work spans:
- Earthworks: design of major cuttings, embankments up to 14m, and slope stability measures, supported by extensive geotechnical risk assessments.
- Geotechnics: detailed ground investigations, settlement and heave analysis, landslide risk mitigation, and design of trial embankments/cuttings.
- Civil Structures: design of 15 viaducts, 21 overbridges, 6 culverts, and 3 cut-and-cover tunnels.
- Highways & Drainage: realignment of A-roads and local access roads, integration of drainage and SuDS, and highway safety compliance.
- Landscape Integration: bunding, planting, and ecological mitigation to reduce visual impact and meet environmental commitments.
- BIM & Digital Engineering: delivery of federated 3D models, clash-free multidisciplinary coordination, and asset information management aligned with HS2’s BIM standards.
- Constrution assurance: carrying out risk-based independent inspections of the construction of the permanent works.
Design Challenges
- Complex ground conditions, including chalk dissolution risk and settlement control.
- Interfaces with existing infrastructure and public rights of way.
- Coordinating 80 km of route across multiple work packages.
- Meeting HS2’s strict environmental and sustainability standards
Added Value by Setec
Setec’s team has delivered tangible value through:
- Independent Category 2 and 3 design checks on key assets
- Construction-stage technical support and assurance, ensuring design intent is fully realised on site.
- Close collaboration with EKFB and ASC partners to resolve design queries swiftly and minimise delays.
- Digital engineering and data management that enhance traceability and integration across disciplines.
on critical assets, ensuring robust assurance.
Outcome
Setec Consulting Engineers (UK) continues to support EKFB and HS2 Ltd through ongoing design and construction phases. Our input ensures that design quality, buildability and compliance are maintained throughout delivery..
HS2 remains one of Europe’s most ambitious infrastructure programmes and a powerful example of how Setec’s technical expertise, digital capability, and collaborative approach contribute to delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient outcomes.