CTRL (HS1) High Speed Signalling
Uniting a multi-national consortium and restoring delivery confidence on a £60m signalling contract
Overview
The Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL), now High Speed 1 (HS1), included a £60 million high-speed signalling contract delivered by a Franco-British consortium across multiple locations in France and the UK. This complex delivery structure required stronger leadership, clearer controls and improved performance visibility to maintain confidence in progress. Reeves Project Management was engaged to provide project leadership and controls, helping unify the consortium, strengthen reporting and restore client confidence in delivery.
The Challenge
The signalling contract brought together three separate companies—based in Paris, Bristol/Newport, and Derby—each responsible for distinct parts of the scope. This geographic and organisational separation risked communication breakdowns, misaligned schedules, and unclear performance visibility. Bechtel, as programme and construction manager, required robust oversight and confidence that progress was aligned with the overall delivery programme.
Our Approach
Acting as Project Director for the consortium, we:
Established a core management team, collocating with Bechtel in London to ensure direct, daily collaboration.
Directed the consortium’s teams across their respective offices in France and the UK.
Implemented Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques, providing clear Schedule Performance Index (SPI) and Cost Performance Index (CPI) measures for each company and work package.
Enhanced communication and reporting protocols, ensuring transparent, data-driven updates to all stakeholders.
The Outcome
Our approach created a unified, performance-focused delivery culture across the consortium. The improved visibility into progress and costs reassured Bechtel that the project was firmly on track. The transparency and discipline introduced by EVM restored client confidence, aligned the three companies toward common goals, and contributed to the successful delivery of the high-speed signalling system in line with the CTRL programme.
Next Steps
If you need experienced leadership to bring control, transparency and confidence to a complex rail or infrastructure programme, Reeves Project Management can help. Explore our Interim Leadership service or Book a Consultation to discuss your requirements.