Carillion, Eiffage and Kier have announced a joint venture partnership to support the delivery of the UK's High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project.

The joint venture brings together three companies with expertise in the design, construction, operation, financing and maintenance of railway networks in Europe, including high speed rail systems and their associated infrastructure.

• Carillion has delivered numerous major rail infrastructure projects and long-term rail maintenance contracts in the UK, including the construction and maintenance of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (High Speed 1).

• Eiffage is currently constructing the Bretagne to Pays de la Loire project, one of Europe's latest high speed rail projects, which is due for completion in May 2017.

• Kier is a major delivery partner on the £16 billion Crossrail project, Europe's biggest current rail project, and has also delivered a wide range of major infrastructure projects across the UK.

HS2 is a planned high-speed railway which will initially link the cities of London and Birmingham, followed by further extension to North West England and Yorkshire.

Construction of the first phase of HS2 is set to begin in 2017 with an indicated opening date of 2026, while completion of the entire network is expected in 2033. Shortlisted contenders for the first set of tenders are expected to be invited to bid in September.

Carillion chief executive, Richard Howson, stated:

"We are delighted to announce the formation of this new joint venture that brings together three companies with world-class skills and resources, and an absolute focus on safety and quality, which will be required for the successful delivery of the High Speed 2 programme. We look forward to working together to support the delivery of HS2, which is a vital addition to the UK rail network."

Eiffage chairman and CEO, Pierre Berger, commented:

"Eiffage is looking forward to working with our UK partners, Carillion and Kier, bringing the latest design and construction expertise from continental Europe to support the successful delivery of this new High Speed Rail route that will stimulate growth in the UK economy in the way similar schemes are in Europe."

Haydn Mursell, chief executive, Kier added:

"It is excellent to be able to bring together the combined talents and expertise of three major infrastructure partners, to provide a highly experienced delivery solution for HS2.  The government has signaled its ongoing commitment to the project, in the recent Queen's Speech and with today's revisions to the HS2 hybrid Bill, so the formation of this joint venture is well timed to respond to the progression of what will be the country's largest infrastructure project to date."