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Balfour Beatty, a renowned construction company with a proven track record, has achieved a major milestone by securing the first works contract for the highly anticipated HS2 phase 2a route. This significant contract, valued at £52 million, marks a pivotal moment in the extension of the high-speed rail line, connecting the vibrant West Midlands region to Crewe. The award comes on the heels of the Royal Assent granted in February 2021, further propelling the progress of this ambitious transportation project.
Encompassing an impressive 36-mile stretch, this particular section of the HS2 route is projected to open simultaneously with the initial segment between Birmingham and London, ensuring a seamless and efficient connection. The early environmental works, which are set to commence at 82 carefully selected sites, starting from Fradley in Staffordshire and extending northward, will serve as the foundation for this transformative rail expansion.
Balfour Beatty, known for its commitment to sustainable development, will undertake a diverse range of initiatives as part of the early environmental works. With a strong focus on enhancing the natural surroundings, the company plans to engage in extensive tree planting across more than 40 sites, equivalent to an impressive area spanning 86 football pitches. Balfour Beatty will create over 18 miles of new hedgerows and establish expansive grassland meadows covering a vast expanse equivalent to 140 football pitches. These measures aim to foster biodiversity, creating a thriving habitat for wildflowers and insects while promoting ecological balance and environmental well-being.
Colette Carroll, the dedicated Phase 2a delivery director for HS2, expressed her enthusiasm for the early realisation of HS2's benefits in the north through the partnership with Balfour Beatty. She emphasised the practical implementation of their commitment to the region, ensuring tangible progress for communities. Mark Bullock, the esteemed Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty's UK Construction Services business, echoed these sentiments, underlining the company's unwavering dedication to leaving a positive and enduring legacy. Balfour Beatty's approach encompasses a holistic perspective, encompassing environmental protection, while simultaneously generating employment opportunities for local businesses and individuals. This multifaceted approach will undoubtedly contribute to a better, greener future for all stakeholders involved.
With Balfour Beatty leading the charge in this pivotal environmental endeavour, the vision of extending HS2's high-speed rail network is firmly materialising. The company's expertise and commitment ensure the realisation of a sustainable and prosperous future for the region, enhancing connectivity, and fostering economic growth. As the environmental works get underway, anticipation builds for the transformative impact HS2 will have on the region, solidifying Balfour Beatty's position as a key driver of progress and innovation in the construction industry.