HS2 Monthly Report, April ’25

Works update

·      Construction of a 230m section of the Wendover Green Tunnel has started just north of Ellesborough Road using pre-cast concrete arch segments.

·      The Tunnel Boring Machine has been commissioned for the Grove Farm drainage culvert, with imminent mining southwards from Bacombe Lane

·      Now the Small Dean Viaduct deck is in place “concrete pours” are needed to stiffen the structure and add the parapets; which involves a series of weekday A413 overnight and weekend Chiltern Rail closures until the end of May

Dobbins Lane Spring Chamber and HGV Access

·      Following rejection of HS2’s planning application for the “Spring Chamber” north of Dobbins Lane on grounds of adverse visual impact of the access track in the Chilterns, we are awaiting their decision to either appeal to the Planning Inspectorate or modify the design of the access arrangements. 

·      We have a hydrogeology review with EKFB on 30^th April which may start to reveal the impact of the North Cutting tanking wall on aquifer groundwater flows, which in turn may question the actual need for the Spring Chamber.

·      Meanwhile HS2 are pointing out the expected project costs associated with delaying the construction of the Green Tunnel that are due to lack of the Chamber.  They have not publicised the evidence for the costs, their lack of detailed evaluation of alternative access to the Spring Chamber site (which could be expected in line with the HS2 “Good Neighbour” policy), the 15 month delay that was introduced by HS2 Ltd seeking a change of Contractor for the Tunnel, or dismissal of our offer to work with their project team prior to the planning decision to address the local issues that we identified. 

Public queries

Eleven public queries in the month, including questions about Spring Chamber responses, Green Tunnel construction, and HS2 funding for Rights of Way improvement.