Affinity Water has awarded contracts worth an estimated combined £55 million to undertake network modifications needed for the proposed high speed two (HS2) rail project.
Barhale has been awarded a five-year contract for Lot 1 on the HS2 Affinity Water framework for network modifications, worth about £26 million.
While Glan Agua Farrans Joint Venture (GAFJV) has been awarded Lots 2 and 3, with a total estimated value of £29 million.
The proposed new high-speed rail link from London to Birmingham and beyond, will bisect Affinity Water’s supply area and the frameworks will provide “crucial upgrades” of existing treatment infrastructure to facilitate the construction of HS2 from Hanger Lane on West London’s A40 route to Great Missenden in the Chilterns.
Affinity Water said the works will enable the removal and protection of the company’s assets during the construction of HS2.
Lot 1 will see Barhale’s framework management team work with Affinity Water to find the “best solutions” for the designing, enabling and construction of network modifications to Affinity Water’s assets affected by the HS2 works.
Lot 2 includes the design and installation of modifications of up to five treatment sites, while Lot 3 specifies the design and installation of modifications of up to two existing groundwater abstraction sites.
Affinity Water said the works will be funded by HS2 and will not be at the expense of its customers.
Ben Hayward, Affinity Water’s programme manager, said: “Our priority is to protect customers from any interruption to supply or deterioration in service during the construction of HS2.”
Phil Cull, Barhale’s southern director, added: “HS2 is a very prestigious project and in our role, we must make sure it does not impact on Affinity Water’s AMP6 business plan or have any detrimental effect on Ofwat’s ODI’s or Affinity Water’s customers.”
David Parr, director at GAFJV, said: “This award builds on Farrans growing reputation in the GB water market, supporting our long-term strategy.”