HS2 Monthly Report, OCT 24

Works update

·      The very rainy weather stalled the use of the dump trucks moving clay spoil to the stockpile just north of Ellesborough Road.  Operations are controlled on a day to day basis, but we expect no activity between November and April.During that period EKFB are planning to reinstall the second bridge to handle the Thames Water pipes so that cutting through the old road can start in the new year.

·      UK Power Networks are expected to complete the removal of the old sub-station in November, which should lead to the opening of both lanes of the Ellesborough Road diversion and removal the temporary traffic lights.

·      Work has started Inside the massive excavation just north of Bacombe Lane to create a 9 metre diameter shaft down to the level of the drainage culvert between Grove Farm and the old cricket ground.  The shaft will eventually become an underground storm water cistern, but will be used initially to allow removal of the spoil from mining the 2.4 metre diameter culvert tunnel.

·      The creation of the underground tanking wall to stop groundwater ingress at the North Cutting is progressing at a rate of about 40 metres a week. The initial 650m section will be complemented with a second phase north of Nash Lee Road in 2025.

WPC activity

·      Bucks Council responded to our request for a discussion of three issues about future landscaping and land restoration.  We provided further information and still seek a meeting with officers to establish policy prior to HS2 submitting their detailed plans which are now expected mid 2025. 

·      WPC wrote to Bucks Council seeking accelerated determination of the EKFB Planning Application for works in the fields at the end of Dobbins Lane to facilitate the early removal of unsightly fencing.

·      WPC wrote to Bucks Council seeking road safety improvement at Hale Lane in the expectation of significantly increased traffic due to planned closure of Rocky Lane for construction of the HS2 bridge.

·      Five public issues were handled in the month, including the availability of environmental project funds and the civil engineering works at Small Dean Lane, Nash Lee Lane and Dobbins Lane.

Current Issues

·      There is a major reorganization happening inside HS2 following the last Government’s decision to cancel Phase 2 north of Birmingham.  The new government is scrutinizing the costs of Phase 1 and hopes to gain more control over the Contractors.  We anticipate that procurement of the “Railway Systems” (including the Track, Power Supply and Overhead Cabling) for Phase 1 will proceed following the October 30^th Budget.  As identified in the recent National Audit Officer report, HS2 have not yet defined the revised scope of the initial Phase 1 railway; and further changes will be involved if Euston Station is reinstated.  In the absence of a high level 5-year plan from HS2 we currently anticipate the civil engineering to continue at Wendover until 2028.  

·      We are awaiting a quotation for a formal feasibility study for the Hampden Pond artesian well from a Consultant Hydrogeologist and are developing a case for HS2 funding.