The contract was awarded to KVJV by C1 section main contractor Align – made up of Bouygues, Sir Robert McAlpine and VolkerFitzpatrick.

The section consists of 21.6km of high-speed rail infrastructure between London and the West Midlands including a 3.4km viaduct and twin-bore 16km tunnels under the Chilterns.

KVJV’s scope of work is to construct the piled foundations for the viaducts, grouting works, retaining structures for four ventilation shafts, and ground improvement works for the execution of the tunnel cross passages.

At peak of the production it will require 270 highly skilled people working on site.

KVJV has already completed supplementary site investigations and pile testing.

The teams are currently working on advance works for the south portal of the tunnel that will be the entry point for the tunnel boring machines, and the first diaphragm wall for one of the ventilation shafts.

Jim De Waele, Keller President Europe, said: “The KV joint venture is a continuation of our successful partnership on the Melbourne Metro Project in Australia.

“We’re excited to bring our complimentary geotechnical capabilities, experience and capacity on one of the most demanding and exciting transport projects in Europe.”

Peter Hughes – Managing Director, VSL Systems (UK) Ltd added: “We are looking forward to moving into the main works on this project.

“This award is the culmination of a collaborative approach adopted by HS2, Align, KVJV and other stakeholders, to develop the best possible solution for the project and we are excited to be involved.”