Carillion, Eiffage and Kier in HS2 joint venture

Carillion, Eiffage and Kier have announced a joint venture partnership to support the delivery of the UK’s High Speed 2 rail project.

The engineering and design firms have experience in the design, construction, operation, financing and maintenance of railway networks in Europe, including high speed rail systems and their associated infrastructure.

Carillion has delivered numerous major rail infrastructure projects and long-term rail maintenance contracts in the UK, including the construction and maintenance of Channel Tunnel Rail Link, while Effaige is currently constructing the Bretagne to Pays de la Loire project, one of Europe's latest high speed rail projects.

Kier is a major delivery partner on the £16bn Crossrail project, currently Europe's biggest rail project, and has also delivered a wide range of major infrastructure projects across the UK.

Carillion chief executive Richard Howson said: "We are delighted to announce the formation of this new joint venture that brings together three companies with world-class skills and resources, and an absolute focus on safety and quality, which will be required for the successful delivery of the High Speed 2 programme. We look forward to working together to support the delivery of HS2, which is a vital addition to the UK rail network."