Global construction consultancy Davis Langdon, an AECOM company, has been appointed by High Speed Two (HS2) to produce the cost and risk model to support the economic case for the proposed high speed rail network connecting London to the North of England.

The proposed Y-shaped network will greatly reduce journey times between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, as well as the Channel Tunnel and Heathrow, while providing much needed extra capacity on the rail network and a clean, quick and reliable way for people to move around the UK.

Lindsay Noble, Davis Langdon’s head of rail, commented: “The development of a high speed rail network is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the way we travel and do business. In addition to the reduced travel times, the line will increase network capacity, enhance integration of new and existing transport links across the country and provide significant opportunities for business development across all sectors. This is a very exciting appointment for Davis Langdon and AECOM and reinforces our reputation as the go-to consultant for complex projects and major programmes.”

Alison Munro, chief executive of HS2, said: “We’re very pleased to have engaged Lindsay Noble and his team to produce the economic case cost and risk model, as they have a strong track record in this sector.”

The proposed Y network and the high speed rail line from London to the West Midlands are currently under public consultation which is due to end on 29 July. The appointment was secured in part by drawing on AECOM’s combined global high-speed rail experience which will see Davis Langdon working closely with experts from AECOM as well as INOCSA, AECOM’s Madrid-based transportation high speed centre of excellence.