Balfour Beatty Vinci, a joint venture between UK-based infrastructure leader Balfour Beatty and French construction giant Vinci, has appointed Mark Cutler as the new managing director for its iconic rail infrastructure project, High Speed 2 (HS2).

A chartered civil engineer, Cutler has extensive experience across the UK infrastructure market spanning a 26-year career. He rejoined Balfour Beatty last year as director of strategic projects having previously led the group’s UK regional construction and civil engineering businesses.

Cutler was previously CEO of Barhale and managing director of Morgan Est following his early career in Carillion, during which time he oversaw major projects on the West Coast upgrade and High Speed 1 (HS1).   

Balfour Beatty Vinci, a long established joint venture between two global infrastructure leaders recognised for its portfolio of large scale projects, is currently shortlisted for four of the seven HS2 main civils works packages valued at over £4 billion ($4.86 billion) in total.

On his new role, Cutler said: "I am delighted to lead the Balfour Beatty Vinci joint venture team for HS2. I believe our long-standing joint venture, an infrastructure powerhouse proven in innovative and collaborative delivery, with over 30 years of international major rail project experience, is a compelling proposition for the delivery of HS2."

Balfour Beatty Vinci represents a powerhouse for critical infrastructure with a successful track record in delivery of high profile projects including The Channel Tunnel rail and a portfolio of live projects including Crossrail and the M4, M5 and M6 Smart Motorway package.

HS2, an iconic rail infrastructure project, will create significant opportunities for the UK construction industry by generating around 25,000 jobs and 2,000 apprenticeships, supply chain partnerships and local enterprises as well as boosting capacity on the existing rail network and improving journey times between London, the West Midlands and further north.

Balfour Beatty Vinci has bid four of the seven packages of main civils works including the Chiltern Tunnels and Colne Valley Viaduct, North Portal Chiltern Tunnels to Brackley, Long Itchington Wood Green tunnel to Delta Junction – Birmingham Spur, and the Delta Junction to West Coast main line tie-in.

Successful contractors for the main civils works will be announced in mid-2017 with mains work construction expected to commence in 2018.-TradeArabia News Service