High Speed 2 (HS2) is a Department for Transport project to build a new high speed railway between London and Birmingham, with later extensions to Manchester and Leeds.
A section of the line – due to open in 2026 – passes within Hertfordshire's county boundary and requires significant construction works, namely the Colne Valley Viaduct and Chiltern Tunnel Southern Portal.
How HS2 will impact Hertfordshire
We recognise the need to improve our national infrastructure and we broadly support the scheme. However, we do have particular concerns about the impact the construction of the HS2 line will have on the local area.
The HS2 proposals that will impact on the county include:
- constructing the Chiltern Tunnel and the Colne Valley Viaduct
- excavating material to form the West Hyde embankment – a large new hill to the southwest of West Hyde
- ongoing round-the-clock construction work for approximately 6 years
- building three large construction compounds within the county that would house 250 and be in use for up to 12 years.
How Hertfordshire County Council has responded to HS2
Our priority is to make sure that, if HS2 does go ahead, it does so in a way that minimises any negative impact on Hertfordshire's residents, wildlife, and resources.
We have been working with HS2 and other affected authorities including Three Rivers District Council to address our concerns and objections. We are encouraged by the assurances given by HS2 which gives us greater clarity over the scheme and comfort regarding our concerns.
Assurances given by HS2
HS2 has said it will:
- monitor air quality at three key construction sites
- provide new habitats for rare wildlife, such as corn buntings, and observe populations
- monitor the amount of aggregate and waste materials released into the air and surrounding areas where excavations are taking place
- address concerns about traffic management around construction compounds and site
- ensure the construction sites are appropriately screened while work is carried out and restored once work is complete.
HS2 receives Royal Assent (Feb 2017)
HS2 received Royal Assent and is now an Act of Parliament.
Preparatory works for the scheme are currently underway. We continue to work closely with Three Rivers District Council.
Schedule 17 consents
Schedule 17 consents for Three Rivers District Council
Restoration scheme for Western Valley Slopes (May 2023)
Western Valley Slopes Scheme Amendments (May 2023)
Distribution Network Operator (DNO) February 2023
Colne Valley Western Slopes Schedule 17 February 2021
Revised Accommodation Block February 2021
Tilehouse Lane Overbridge received April 2020
Accommodation Block received October 2019
Revised Bund received October 2019
Bringing into use temporary south bound slip road- June 2018- supporting documents and decision notices
Bringing into use for temporary north bound slip road- June 2018- supporting documents and decision notices
Bringing into use for temporary link road- June 2018 - supporting documents and decision notices
SSE substation February 2018 - Supporting documents and decision notice
Earthworks at Chalfont Lane S17 December 2017 – Supporting documents. Submission withdrawn
Site Restoration S17 December 2017 - Supporting documents and decision notice
Chalfont Lane Bund October 2018 supporting documents
Earthworks at South Cutting, Tilehouse Lane and Colne Valley North Embankment
Tilehouse Lane/ Quarry Access Bringing Into Use July 2021
Schedule 17 consents for Hertfordshire County Council
Lorry Route Approval December 2017- supporting documents and decision notice