Two of Europe’s leading high-speed rail engineering consultancies, Ayesa Engineering and Egis, have been appointed to provide specialist design and engineering services for the delivery of track infrastructure for HS2.

The announcement follows HS2’s appointment of Ferrovial BAM as principal contractor for Track Systems Lots 1, 2, and 3, under a contract that forms part of HS2’s wider £3bn rail systems portfolio.

The Ayesa-Egis JV will support the delivery of the Track Urban, Open Route Central and Open Route North, key urban sections of the main line, bringing global best practice in high-speed rail engineering to HS2. These sections represent the majority of the track along HS2’s 140-mile route between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street.

The joint venture provides multidisciplinary support across complex slab track systems, tunnel and bridge interfaces and systems integration and assurance. It forms a critical part of HS2’s rail delivery programme and will be key to supporting Ferrovial BAM in delivering a world-class rail corridor.

Rob Sizer, head of engineering UK at Ayesa, said: “HS2 is one of Europe’s most transformative rail projects. We’re proud to bring Ayesa’s global high-speed rail expertise to the UK, working with Ferrovial and BAM to deliver resilient, safe, and on-time design solutions. Together with Egis, we’re helping to shape a landmark in national infrastructure.”

Tim Galvani, transportation managing director at Egis in the UK, added: “Around the world, Egis has delivered major rail programmes by combining global expertise with the strengths of our local teams and trusted partners. This appointment continues that approach and we look forward to working alongside Ayesa to bring proven capability, shared ambition and collaborative delivery to one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects.”