SCS JV: Building the Future of HS2 London Tunnels
The SCS JV, formally known as the Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture, stands as one of the most significant collaborations in the United Kingdom’s modern infrastructure landscape. Tasked with delivering the complex and highly ambitious London Tunnels section of the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway project, SCS JV brings together decades of civil engineering expertise, global experience, and proven partnerships.
In this article, we will explore in detail what SCS JV represents, its role within HS2, its history, and the wider impact of its work. We will also provide key information about its website, contact phone numbers, headquarters, when it was founded, and the core specialties that define the joint venture.
What is SCS JV?
SCS JV is a joint venture between three leading construction and civil engineering firms: Skanska, Costain, and STRABAG. Together, they form an integrated project team responsible for building the London tunnels of HS2, the UK’s newest high-speed railway.
The joint venture was established specifically to undertake this mammoth task, combining international expertise in tunnelling, rail, and large-scale infrastructure with decades of collaborative experience in the UK and abroad.
Why a Joint Venture?
Large infrastructure projects such as HS2 require the combined strength of multiple industry leaders. Skanska, Costain, and STRABAG each bring unique capabilities:
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Skanska is recognised worldwide for sustainable construction and major engineering projects.
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Costain has a long legacy of delivering critical national infrastructure across the UK.
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STRABAG, based in Austria, has global tunnelling expertise, particularly in Europe.
By pooling their resources, knowledge, and teams, these three companies created SCS JV to deliver one of the most technically challenging aspects of HS2.
SCS JV and HS2
Delivering London Tunnels
SCS JV is building around 13 miles of twin-bore tunnels, stretching from West Ruislip to Euston. These tunnels form a central artery of the HS2 route into London, ensuring trains can enter the capital efficiently and with minimal surface disruption.
The works also include:
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A large portal at West Ruislip, where trains will enter and exit the tunnels.
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Five ventilation shafts, strategically placed between Camden and Ealing to maintain airflow and safety.
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A crossover box at Victoria Road, enabling trains to switch tracks underground.
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A logistics tunnel, designed to reduce heavy goods vehicle traffic on London’s roads by transporting spoil and materials underground.
Significance of the Project
The HS2 London Tunnels are not only a feat of engineering but also a landmark in sustainable infrastructure. By building underground, SCS JV reduces disruption to communities, protects sensitive areas above ground, and contributes to the long-term efficiency of Britain’s transport system.
History and Experience
Proven Partnerships
The companies within SCS JV have long histories of working together on major infrastructure. For example:
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Skanska and Costain collaborated on the M25 motorway in the 1980s, High Speed 1 in the early 2000s, and the vast Crossrail project, completed under London in 2018.
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Skanska and STRABAG have partnered for over 15 years on European tunnelling projects in Switzerland, Slovakia, and Norway.
This proven track record ensures that SCS JV can deliver the HS2 London Tunnels on time, safely, and to world-class standards.
Headquarters and Location
The joint venture’s main base of operations is in London, United Kingdom. Its headquarters are positioned close to Euston, reflecting its direct involvement in HS2’s central London works.
Earlier offices, such as Black Arrow House in North West London, have since been vacated, and operations are now centred at the Euston area to oversee and coordinate the ongoing tunnel construction.
Website and Online Presence
Website: https://scsjv.co.uk
The official SCS JV website provides extensive information about the joint venture’s work, values, and community engagement. Through the site, the public can access updates on tunnelling progress, details of supply chain opportunities, career vacancies, and information on sustainability initiatives.
The website reflects the joint venture’s commitment to transparency and communication, keeping stakeholders, communities, and potential employees informed about every stage of the project.
Contact and Phone Information
To maintain close contact with communities affected by HS2 works, SCS JV provides access through the HS2 Helpdesk.
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Main phone number: 08081 434 434 (Freephone, available 24/7)
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Minicom line for hearing impaired users: 08081 456 472
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Email contact: hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk
This round-the-clock availability ensures that local residents and stakeholders can raise concerns, ask questions, and receive information at any time.
When Was SCS JV Founded?
SCS JV was formally established in the mid-2010s following HS2’s approval process, specifically to deliver the London Tunnels contract. While the three partner companies have histories stretching back well over a century, the joint venture itself came into being once HS2 Ltd awarded contracts for the first phase of the railway.
Since then, SCS JV has grown into an organisation employing thousands of staff and subcontractors, all dedicated to one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects of the century.
Specialties of SCS JV
The joint venture’s specialties reflect the strengths of its three partners:
Civil Engineering
SCS JV handles massive earthworks, structural engineering, and project management. The twin-bore tunnels and associated shafts demonstrate their mastery in civil engineering on a monumental scale.
Railway Infrastructure
Building HS2 is not just about tunnels. The venture must deliver railway infrastructure that meets world-class standards for safety, speed, and durability. This includes design considerations for track systems, maintenance access, and long-term operations.
Tunnelling and Underground Construction
STRABAG’s expertise, combined with Skanska and Costain’s experience, ensures world-leading capability in tunnelling. The use of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) demonstrates their ability to manage complex geology, urban conditions, and logistics.
Sustainability and Community Engagement
SCS JV places significant emphasis on minimising environmental impact, reducing lorry movements, cutting carbon emissions, and engaging with affected communities. Their logistics tunnel, green tunnel methods, and focus on local engagement underline this specialty.
Values and Culture
Beyond the technical aspects, SCS JV is guided by a set of core values that influence every stage of the project:
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Safety first: Protecting workers, communities, and future passengers.
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Collaboration: Operating as “one team” across all partner companies.
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Excellence: Striving for continuous improvement and innovation.
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Leadership: Empowering teams and individuals to deliver their best.
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Integrity and respect: Acting responsibly toward people and the environment.
These values help maintain high performance, foster innovation, and ensure the project leaves a lasting positive legacy.
Impact on the Future
Economic Growth
HS2, and by extension the work of SCS JV, is expected to transform the economic geography of Britain. By connecting London with Birmingham and later Manchester and Leeds, the railway will boost productivity, reduce travel times, and support job creation nationwide.
Skills and Employment
SCS JV employs thousands of staff and engages with hundreds of subcontractors and suppliers. This not only generates direct employment but also supports the wider construction supply chain, creating opportunities for apprenticeships, training, and long-term skills development.
Community and Environment
Through measures such as the logistics tunnel and careful environmental planning, SCS JV demonstrates its commitment to reducing negative impacts while maximising the long-term benefits of HS2.
Conclusion
The SCS JV is more than just a construction partnership; it is a cornerstone of the HS2 project and a model of international collaboration. By bringing together Skanska, Costain, and STRABAG, the joint venture has created an integrated team capable of delivering one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
From the tunnels beneath London to the values that guide its workforce, SCS JV exemplifies engineering excellence, sustainability, and community responsibility. Its work on HS2 will leave a lasting legacy, shaping the transport future of the UK for generations to come.
