The High Speed Rail Group (HSRG) has welcomed infrastructure provider Balfour Beatty as its newest member.
With extensive experience in rail and infrastructure, Balfour Beatty brings strong technical capability to HSRG. Through the Balfour Beatty VINCI joint venture, the company is designing and building major civil infrastructure for HS2 – including the 90km main works in the West Midlands between Long Itchington in Warwickshire and Birmingham, and the final design and construction of Old Oak Common station in west London, a key future interchange on Britain’s new high speed rail line. This involvement on high profile, technically complex assets gives Balfour Beatty valuable practical insight to share with HSRG.
Richard Watts, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s Rail business, said: “We’re pleased to be joining the High Speed Rail Group, working alongside organisations with a shared focus on the future of high speed rail in the UK.
“Drawing on our experience delivering complex rail infrastructure, we look forward to contributing practical insight that supports the development of efficient, well integrated new lines.
Investment in rail plays an important role in improving connectivity, and we’re keen to play our part in helping ensure these schemes deliver lasting value for passengers and communities.”
Huw Merriman, chair of the High Speed Rail Group, commented: “Balfour Beatty’s involvement at both Birmingham and Old Oak Common gives them a unique understanding of the scale of high-speed rail projects and what is needed to make them work effectively.
Their expertise will be invaluable as the industry tackles the practical challenges of getting new lines up and running, from better integrating new rail lines into the existing network to ensuring that communities and passengers truly benefit from the opportunities high speed rail can deliver.”
HSRG champions investment in new high speed rail lines to increase capacity, enhance regional connectivity, and support communities across the UK. Its members, drawn from across the supply chain, collaborate to share expertise, inform policy, and shape the development of the country’s rail network.
Image credit: iStockphoto.com/den belitsk
