黑洞社区

HS2 has shortlisted nine heavyweight bidders for up to 拢12bn worth of enabling works.

The shortlist features eight joint ventures - featuring the likes of Balfour Beatty, Sir Robert McAlpine and Carillion - and a lone bid by Bechtel (see full shortlist below).

The civil engineering contracts for the 140 miles from London to Birmingham are expected to be signed in 2017, with the start of work on site one year later.

Firms that deliver the best results in terms of value and efficiency will be eligible to bid for work on an additional 40 miles between Birmingham and Crewe, due to open in 2027.

The HS2 Bill is due to return to the Commons today for the latest vote in the legislative process, before moving on to the Lords. Royal Assent is expected at the end of the year, with the start of construction in 2017.

HS2 chief executive Simon Kirby said: 鈥淭oday鈥檚 announcements are a major milestone for the project. Over the next 10 years HS2 will help create tens of thousands of job opportunities, build specialist skills and expertise across the country and create at least 2,000 new apprenticeships.鈥�