The United Kingdom is facing one of the most ambitious infrastructure challenges in its recent history with the development of High Speed 2 (HS2). In response to a conventional railway network operating at the limits of its capacity, this new strategic corridor is designed to transform connectivity between London and Birmingham, enabling speeds of up to 360 km/h. More than a solution to congestion, HS2 represents a qualitative leap towards a sustainable and efficient transport model, aimed at strengthening national cohesion and meeting the mobility demands of the coming decades.

Ineco has been involved in the development of high-speed rail in the United Kingdom since 2012, establishing itself as a strategic partner and a leading international reference in exporting the Spanish railway model. With a new contract awarded in 2026 in consortium with Arup, the company has reinforced its role in the project by taking on the detailed design of the track superstructure in critical sections. This work builds on its involvement in Phases 1 and 2b, as well as its current role in the integration and verification of railway systems alongside Atkins and Systra.

Detailed Design and High-Complexity Solutions

Ineco’s contribution focuses on highly demanding sections where design precision is critical to system performance. The company’s role goes beyond planning, encompassing the superstructure design in three strategic areas: the London approach via urban tunnels; the Birmingham access branch from the “Delta Junction” rail node (the design of which previously earned Ineco the international Be Inspired award), and Calvert Depot, the maintenance centre responsible for the upkeep of the infrastructure and superstructure across the entire line.

In these areas, Ineco’s expert team leads the design of slab track in environments with strict vibration and acoustic attenuation requirements, including the integration of resilient track components at Euston and Old Oak Common stations.

In addition, Ineco produces all technical documentation, construction drawings, and control protocols required to ensure efficient commissioning in accordance with the highest safety standards.

Ambassadors of the Successful Spanish Model

Drawing on its extensive experience across more than 4,000 km of Spain’s high-speed rail network, Ineco acts as a trusted consultant for HS2. In 2024, the company organised a technical visit for a British delegation, showcasing first-hand the testing, commissioning, and interoperability processes that have made Spain a global success story. This exchange of knowledge, supported by collaboration with organisations such as ADIF, Renfe, and CEDEX, highlights the added value Ineco brings to the HS2 lifecycle, from initial infrastructure design through to future operation.