HS2 Monthly Report, Dec 24

Works update

·       The Ellesborough Road diversion is now fully open following removal the old sub-station and a repair to the gas main that was disturbed in the process.  

·       The new Bacombe Lane Link Road has been opened to allow access to the houses and Grove Farm.  The east end of Bacombe Lane has been closed with a diversion signed to the new road for a period of two years.  The pedestrian Right of Way between Ellesborough Road and Bacombe Lane remains open for now, but is expected to be diverted over the link road bridleway in January.

·       The Utility Services bridge beside the old Ellesborough Road has been reinstalled and Thames Water have started the diversion of the sewer and water mains.

·       The final pier of the Small Dean Viaduct has been built, and on 31^st January the decking is expected to be pushed over the A413 which is to be closed all day.

·       The access shaft for the Grove Farm Culvert was completed at Bacombe Lane, and the Tunnel Boring Machine is expected to be installed in February.

WPC activity

·       WPC and WHS2 responded to Greg Smith MP’s letter to local residents seeking feedback of their concerns about the planned use of Dobbins Lane and South Street as an access route for HGV lorries needed for the creation of a “Spring Chamber” in the fields at the end of Dobbins Lane currently expected in the Spring.  We welcomed his involvement.

·       We have discussed alternative access methods with EKFB and are attempting to identify other ways of reducing the number of lorry movements needed in the light of the volume of community feedback received.  We have also suggested conditions that WPC can submit to Bucks Council for inclusion in the determination of EKFB’s planning application, in case the currently envisaged scheme proceeds. 

·       In addition to the Dobbins Lane HGV feedback, eight public issues were handled in the month being mainly about the Ellesborough Road diversion including getting Bucks Highways to routinely grit the bridge to counter icing in frosty weather.

Current Issues

·       We have been seeking a comprehensive update of the Rights of Way diversion signage as most of the current signage is out of date and misleading across most of the Parish.  New maps should be available in the New Year.  HS2 are also considering making a digital version available which could be more easily maintained and give an overall view of the multiple closures and diversion routes available.

·       We are flagging the long term issues of expected night time train noise (and proper compliance with the HS2 Act), re-use of land upon completion and future cycleway provisions with Greg Smith and Bucks Council.