HS2 Monthly Report, Feb 24

Works update

·      Rocky Lane has been closed for six months to allow the road and utilities to be diverted to the new HS2 underbridge.  Bucks Council have dismissed our concerns about consequent rat run traffic attempting to use Hale Lane.

·      Concrete slab foundations for the Wendover Green Tunnel are being created in the 200m section just north of Ellesborough Road.  Excavation further north is delayed pending construction of the Dobbins Lane spring chamber as required by the Environment Agency.  Now that the diversion of the sewer and water main which has been completed, excavation of the 18m deep cutting through Ellesborough Road is expected from late March depending on the weather.

·      The Small Dean Viaduct deck was launched over the A413 and Chiltern Line; and lowered into position onto the pier bearings.  Further night time closures of the A413 are anticipated during 2025 as the deck is stiffened and parapets are installed.

Dobbins Lane / South Street HGV Access

·      Councillors Strachan, Newcombe and Porter attended a site visit meeting where HS2 and EKFB explained the mitigation measures that they had developed in response to the complaints received from local residents.  This includes reduction in the scale of the track across the fields which significantly reduces the amount of aggregate that needs to be delivered.  The total number of HGV truck round trips has come down from about 170 to 60, and with a shorter 12 week project results in an average of about 1 trip per working day.  The trucks will now be escorted by a safety vehicle to ensure speed restriction to 20mph, and timing between 09:30 and 14:45 to avoid school children commuting to/from the station.

·      The planning application (ref 25/00406/APP) was submitted with a public consultation period expected between 20^th February and 13^th March.

·      We briefed the WPC Planning Committee about the project, and it is expected that a decision will be made at the 4^th March full Council meeting.  Councillors noted concerns raised by Residents that the option of creating an alternative access to the worksite from Nash Lee End (which would avoid any need for HS2 HGVs to use Dobbins Lane) had not been fully considered.  It is proposed that the application will be “called in” for decision by Bucks Councillors at a public Planning Meeting, rather than being delegated to officers.

·      We have produced guidance for the public about how to access the planning application and provide feedback to the Council on our website at https://tinyurl.com/DLnextsteps.