HS2 updates designs to reduce the length of wall structures for the railway at Streethay from 1.6 kilometres to 420 metres, meaning 80% less concrete will be required
The HS2 updates to this design will help save around 70,000 cubic metres of concrete, equivalent to 6,700 concrete mixer lorry loads. This adjustment will save around 420,000 tonnes of carbon, supporting HS2’s ambition to cut carbon on the project.
Shortening of the retaining structures also means the community will experience less noise and disruption during construction because fewer large machines will be needed on site.
This follows the revision of initial designs after a public consultation in 2017 to change the designs from a viaduct to a cutting.
In the revised designs, HS2 now passes beneath the A38 Rykneld Street, A38 southbound slip road, and the South Staffordshire train line. This significantly reduces the visual impact of HS2 in Litchfield.
Landscape planting will protect against railway noise
The HS2 updates to the design also include a shorter diversion of Fulfen Wood watercourse.
Most of the Streethay cutting will now have sloping earth banks, improving the visual appearance of the railway and increasing the opportunity for wildlife habitats and landscape planting to protect against noise from the railway.
Phased traffic management and signposted diversions to minimise impact of works
Simon Hinsley, senior project manager for HS2 Ltd said:
“We’re pleased that these further updates bring more benefits, both for the local community and the environment – better visuals, less carbon from concrete, shorter construction period and more environmental features.”
Andy deBell, head of stakeholder engagement for BBV, said:
“This new design will see the HS2 line pass underneath the A38 and neighbouring railway line, bringing significant environmental and community benefits.
“We’ll need to work on the slip road to the south to deliver these changes, which we understand will cause some localised disruption. Phased traffic management and signposted diversions will be in place during this phase of the work.
“We’ll continue to make sure the local community is kept updated, providing more detail on the works before they begin and during construction. There’ll also be opportunities for community drop-in sessions.”
