The successful consultant will manage the delivery of HS2 Phase 2a within budget and programme, including the management and co-ordination of the design and construction of Phase 2a works from contract award until the completion.

The 36-mile phase 2a route will now be built earlier than originally planned at a cost of £4.5bn.

Contracts have still to be awarded for this part of the route, which is expected to create 5,000 construction jobs, with many more in the supply chain.

This phase involves constructing two tunnels, 26 cuttings, 17 viaducts and 65 bridges.

Previously HS2 intended to split section 2a into two major civils worth together over £1.6bn. But latest thinking suggests the section will now be split up into seven civils packages.

The ‘Early Civils Work – Package 2’, will be worth £50m and will be awarded through the government’s existing Construction Works and Associated Services framework.

Firms can obtain more information from the portal to submit prequals by 23 July.