The contract encompasses civil and structural design services and includes the design work for the Colne Valley Viaduct, the twin-bore tunnels under the Chilterns, and a range of new green tunnels that are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings.
"We have to very aware of how we minimise the impact the construction and operation of the line could have on the communities through the which it will travel," says Mr David Tonkin, CEO of Atkins UK.
Work will start immediately and will be completed to coincide with the HS2 hybrid bill to Parliament by the end of 2013.