Works update
· The Ellesborough Road diversion was brought into use before Easter, but still has traffic lights for the single carriageway around the electricity substation at the Wendover end. UK Power Networks hope to resolve the residual underground cabling issue to allow full use of the road by 19th May. A closure for remedial works to improve the signage and roadway is planned on 8th May.
· A third pier of the Small Dean Viaduct has been completed with the installation of its “hammerhead”. The three remaining piers are expected to be finished this year.
· The PRoW between Dobbins Lane and the Station Approach Business Estate has been reopened after 21 months to install a water main to the HS2 compound.
· Another pipe is to be installed in the fields at the end of Dobbins Lane from 29th April, but public access will be maintained. An event is being planned to brief local residents about the impact of a further phase of work involving HGV movements in Dobbins Lane.
· Work on the temporary diversion to Bacombe Lane is progressing, but creation of the junction with Ellesborough Road is held up by two 33kV UK Power Networks cables that need to be disconnected.
April WPC activity
· WPC wrote to Bucks Council requesting meetings to discuss the scope of potential redevelopment following the release of land being used for HS2 construction; and mitigation of the morning South Street traffic congestion from the A413 speed restriction at the Small Dean Viaduct.
· EKFB are proposing that the current fortnightly updates to the council should be replaced with a longer monthly meeting including Wendover HS2.
· Fifteen public issues were handled in the month including the impact of works in the Dobbins Lane, Land reuse after HS2, and St Mary’s Church interest in using Hampden Pond.
· The WPC/WHS2 relationship was reviewed and it was agreed that the liaison should continue in its current form for 2024/25. A joint Public Meeting is being proposed for the end of June, following the success of the November ’23 event.
Current Issues
· Preparations for the mass excavation of the Green Tunnel Cutting have started, but the actual digging is still delayed until after Thames Water have moved their sewer and water main on Ellesborough Road. With the current approvals from the Environment Agency most of the excavation through to Bacombe Lane should then be possible.
· Work north of the old Cricket Ground is held up due to further studies that the EA have requested about the impact of excavation as far north as Nash Lee Lane due to the groundwater issues. EKFB are planning additional monitoring points and extension of the proposed underground wall around the North Cutting. We have a review with EKFB’s hydrogeologist planned in May and should be able to determine the likely timing of the excavation works.
Review of 2023/24
· We would like to thank Councillors Williams and Porter for their involvement in the HS2 issues during the year; and the support given by Andy and Phoebe from the Clocktower.
· The outcome has been increased appreciation of the impact and opportunities of HS2 both in the Council and the local Community.
· WHS2 has provided support to the Council on various HS2 matters in preparation for meetings with EKFB, HS2 Ltd and Bucks Council; and handled about 100 public queries over the year.
24th April ‘24
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