HS2 Monthly Report, May ‘24

HS2 Monthly Report, May ‘24

Works update

·      The Ellesborough Road diversion is due to be completely finished by June; which will enable the removal of the temporary traffic lights.

·      The closure of the Bridleway at Small Dean Lane has removed the only safe cycle route between Dunsmore and Wendover, and this has been escalated

·      Five of the six piers of the Small Dean Viaduct have now been completed. The remaining pier is expected to be finished this year.

·      The visual impact of security fencing around a water pipe in the field behind Lionel Avenue is causing concern to local residents.  This has been escalated.

May WPC activity

·      Councillor Porter was agreed as the WPC lead on HS2 activities at the first meeting of the 2024/25 year.

·      The first joint WPC/WHS2/EKFB monthly update meeting was held.  This significantly reduces the administrative burden involved for all concerned.

·      WPC approved a budget of £500 for the HS2 Public Meeting to be held in the Memorial Hall on 28th June at 19:00

·      Councillor Williams met EKFB and Dunsmore residents to explore alternative cycle routes prior to the closure of the Small Dean bridleway.

·      Councillor Porter and WHS2 reps attended an EKFB site visit to see the work progress at Ellesborough Road and Small Dean.

·      Eight public issues were handled in the month; including the community impact of noise from the Small Dean bridleway closure and the works in the field at the end of Dobbins Lane.

Current Issues

·      Preparation for the “mass haul” movement of spoil from Small Dean to Stoke Mandeville have been made over the top of Ellesborough Road due to the ongoing delay in moving the underground utility services.  The local Monitor for the noise, vibration and air quality impact that has been unreliable for many months is now reported as having been fixed. Thousands of large dump truck movements are anticipated starting in June.

·      Recent discussions with EKFB suggest that the Environment Agency will soon permit the excavation for the underground wall surrounding the North Cutting that should protect the Aquifer groundwater flows to the Weston Turville Reservoir SSSI and Stoke Mandeville.

30th May 24