The consortium saw off challenges from WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff and Ramboll and a JV between Bechtel, Jacobs and Idom Merebrook for the 10-year £300m contract.

Staff from the three firms will be integrated into the HS2 team to manage the design and construction of the line from London to Birmingham. They will also assist HS2 with the procurement of the £11.8bn of civils packages.

The JV will oversee the procurement for station work and provide technical and design assistance for the various schemes of work.

The decision comes as tendering for the civils packages heats up, with nine JVs expected to bid for the seven work packages.

The deadline for PQQs passed last November with shortlisted firms set to be announced later this year.

Seven of the nine firms are also bidding for three enabling works packages worth a total of £900m.

Last month Construction News revealed the design partners for six of the seven JVs. 

Construction is expected to begin in 2017 after the HS2 hybrid bill is granted royal assent later this year.

HS2 managing director for construction Jim Crawford said: “Today’s contract award marks an important milestone as we continue to move towards the start of construction in 2017.

“It is vital that we constantly challenge our suppliers to ensure we deliver long-term value for money for the taxpayer as well as a world-class railway for all our passengers, stakeholders and communities along the line.”

“That’s why I’m pleased to welcome Atkins/CH2M/Sener to the team, and look forward to seeing HS2 benefiting from their considerable skills and experience of delivering world-class infrastructure on time and on budget.”

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “The Engineering Delivery Partner will play a key role in bringing HS2 to fruition and Atkins/CH2M/Sener bring clear expertise.

“Today’s announcement means we are one step closer to getting spades in the ground next year for this transformational project.”