Significant equipment required for HS2

The entire HS2 project envisages 563 km of track and nine stations, with multiple tunnels, bridges and viaducts.

It will be completed in two phases – the 104 km first phase will see the construction of a line from London to the West Midlands, including Birmingham, which also connects with the existing High-Speed One (HS1) network. This line is expected to open in 2026, with construction scheduled to start in 2016.

The next phase is scheduled for construction in 2022 to 2033 and extends the line in the north to Manchester and Leeds.

“For phase one of the project, at peak construction times, at least 450 ADTs will be required on site, and 600 on-highway loading trucks,” Mr Carroll said.

“If you add to that of all the excavators and other equipment needed to load these trucks, it gives you an idea of the kind of equipment demand we are expecting.”

Mr Carroll said more than 50% of the first phase of the project would involve cuttings or tunnels. In addition, around 100 bridges and viaducts are planned for this phase.

“We are forecasting 55 million m³ of excavation,” Mr Carroll said. “In addition, the first phase of the project will need around 4 million m³ concrete; 900,000 tonnes rebar; 4,500 m³ of concrete segments; 700,000 m³ of surfacing materials; and 973 km of rail line.”

In December last year, the CPA forecast that the first phase of HS2 could generate rental revenues of more than £200 million (€254 million).