In what is a woeful underestimation of the scale of a wayfinding, information, and safety signage project on this scale the DFT has not only not put this element out for contract yet, it has not even thought to make it a central tenant of its planning.
When asked what the DFT's plans were regards the signage infrastructure for HS2, a spokesperson said: “We’re well off that at the moment—I know all main works, civil contracts were awarded yesterday, but those guys are only just now moving on their involvement with the project.”
The civil contracts are already worth almost £7bn, and the eventual line will connect Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, and the East Midlands with London. Some existing railway lines will be used, with added stations. The announced contracts are only for the Birmingham to London line, with work beginning next year and in 2019.
We’re well off that at the moment—I know all main works, civil contracts were awarded yesterday, but those guys are only just now moving on their involvement with the project”
It was also revealed that the line will demolish 16 homes in Yorkshire—houses that had only been recently built—for the Birmingham to Leeds route, which will run just east of Sheffield. The eventual HS2 railway line is due for completion in 2026, and will open in December of the same year.
When asked if any more thought would be given to the signage, the spokesperson seemed unsure, but accepted that signage is an important aspect of the project. He commented: “It’s way down the line, don’t forget that it won’t open until 2026, but it’s certainly an interesting area. It’s an area we are giving thought to absolutely, because it’s very important.”
On when they would announce the sign contracts, he finished: “I couldn’t say off the top of my head, sorry.”
As any sign industry professional knows, a project on the scale of HS2 would require thousands of varied sign schemes to be designed, manufacturers and fabricators sourced, and a roll-out system envisaged involving a huge number of different sub-contractors. Indeed, HS2, as it would require a single unified signage code of practice would be the single biggest contract since the Second World War.
The DFT's view that it is "interesting area" seems to be in stark contrast to the reality of what will be needed in this specific infrastructure area if its promise of bringing in HS2 "on time and in budget" is to be kept.
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