HS2 construction updates

[WesternS]

Is there any update on such major HS2 works like the Stechford-Aston line viaduct replacement which was supposed to take place over the Christmas/New Year period ? I would hope that the demolition of 8 arches of a brick viaduct over road and rail and its replacement by a single steel span (?longer than the Ordsall Link bridge?) might have generated a bit of publicity and a few posters, even if only from Skanska (the contractors). Anyone see anything of it ?

 

[The Planner]

Is there any update on such major HS2 works like the Stechford-Aston line viaduct replacement which was supposed to take place over the Christmas/New Year period ? I would hope that the demolition of 8 arches of a brick viaduct over road and rail and its replacement by a single steel span (?longer than the Ordsall Link bridge?) might have generated a bit of publicity and a few posters, even if only from Skanska (the contractors). Anyone see anything of it ?

It was never happening over Christmas, the blockade is in May to put the bridge in, the line is closed for 3 weeks. The bridge is built from what I hear.

 

[Yindee8191]

It was never happening over Christmas, the blockade is in May to put the bridge in, the line is closed for 3 weeks. The bridge is built from what I hear.
I believe I’ve seen the bridge sitting nearby when travelling on the Birmingham-Derby line. Looked complete.

 

[WesternS]

It was never happening over Christmas, the blockade is in May to put the bridge in, the line is closed for 3 weeks. The bridge is built from what I hear.

Many thanks for the update. A good friend is part of the Skanska team doing it and she gave me the impression that it was going to be Christmas/New Year. However I did think 10 days was pushing it a little, but with modern construction and much more off-site fabrication I wasn't sure. It'll be some piece of work when it happens - and no doubt there'll be some record/video like the M42 bridges.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

The first TBM progress update of the year (for January 7) is available:
In the Chiltern tunnels, Florence is at 2754m, Cecilia at 2127m, ie 17.2/13.3% respectively.
That's +150/157m since the last update on December 15, ie for 23 days over Christmas/New Year.
Not surprisingly, with several days off in the period, the average rate is about 7m/day.

TBM Dorothy, boring the Long Itchington tunnels since December 2, is reported for the first time at 20m.
For what it's worth, the "HS2 in your area" map still shows the full HS2 eastern planned route to Leeds/York.
In your area map - High Speed 2 (hs2.org.uk)

 

[Yindee8191]

The Chiltern Society have released another update on HS2 work. Shows a lot of the progress that’s been going on and goes into some detail about the tunnelling and vent shafts. Also, there are some specific dates about when milestones will happen, which I haven’t seen elsewhere.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Another TBM update has been posted by HS2 Ltd, for January 26 (ie for 19 days since January 7).
Florence is at 2892m (+128m), and Cecilia is at 2482m (+355m).
Florence's relatively slow progress maybe because it is working at the site of the Chalfont St Peter vent shaft.
Cecilia has performed its highest rate so far (18.68m/day).

There appears to be no update for TBM Dorothy at Long Itchington, where it had bored a paltry 20m on January 7.

Interactive route map

Use HS2’s interactive map to explore the entire route of Britain’s new high-speed railway. Find present and upcoming works, tunnels, station locations and community updates — all in one easy-to-navigate map.

www.hs2.org.uk

 

[Tobbes]

The Chiltern Society have released another update on HS2 work. Shows a lot of the progress that’s been going on and goes into some detail about the tunnelling and vent shafts. Also, there are some specific dates about when milestones will happen, which I haven’t seen elsewhere.

Excellent, many thanks. It's also a real whinge-a-thon, with several egregious assertions unencumbered with actual facts, e.g., that "there are very serious concerns that the River Misbourne will disappear forever" (around 26m 30s). For goodness sake, this video actually shows what an excellent job HS2 are doing in building the line as inobtrusively as possible through a vocal community.

 

[Yindee8191]

Excellent, many thanks. It's also a real whinge-a-thon, with several egregious assertions unencumbered with actual facts, e.g., that "there are very serious concerns that the River Misbourne will disappear forever" (around 26m 30s). For goodness sake, this video actually shows what an excellent job HS2 are doing in building the line as inobtrusively as possible through a vocal community.

Plenty of complaining, true! Still shows off the progress pretty well, and with at least an attempt at objectivity though.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

Excellent, many thanks. It's also a real whinge-a-thon, with several egregious assertions unencumbered with actual facts, e.g., that "there are very serious concerns that the River Misbourne will disappear forever" (around 26m 30s). For goodness sake, this video actually shows what an excellent job HS2 are doing in building the line as inobtrusively as possible through a vocal community.

Plenty of good footage though or is it all culled from existing HS2 website?

 

[kevin_roche]

Plenty of good footage though or is it all culled from existing HS2 website?

He does thank HS2 for allowing him access to take photographs, so I think some of the pictures are his own.

 

[Dave_Cardboard]

This Chiltern Society have a web site that they publish photos on. I have not watched the YouTube presentation, but I'd hazard a guess there's a few pictures that didn't make it in...

HS2 Photo Diary - Chiltern Society

HS2 The construction of the HS2 high speed railway line will have a major impact on the Central Chilterns and the Colne Valley Regional Park. Some of these locations will […]

chilternsociety.org.uk

 

[civ-eng-jim]

He does thank HS2 for allowing him access to take photographs, so I think some of the pictures are his own.

Yep - It pays to have friends in high places!

 

[lachlan]

Update on the People Mover:

Automated People Mover

www.hs2.org.uk

The future HS2 Interchange Station in Solihull will be a major gateway station for the region. It will be part of a new public transport interchange serving Solihull and the West Midlands, with links to the UK motorway network.
A new automated people mover system will serve the station. The People Mover will provide connectivity between Interchange Station and Birmingham Airport, Birmingham International Railway Station and the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
The People Mover is being designed to provide a high quality passenger experience in line with the aspirations set out in the HS2 Design Vision.

Working with stakeholders​

HS2 has been working closely with the Urban Growth Company (UGC) in Solihull to include extra design elements which will support wider growth plans at the UK Central Hub. This includes modifying the alignment of the people mover as part of a major redevelopment at Birmingham International Station to create a new, multi-modal transport exchange.

Aerial view of HS2 Interchange Station, artist's impression

What is a People Mover?​

People Movers are reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly modes of transport. People Movers can be self-propelled, or cable pulled. The end result is the same: a high quality, fully accessible passenger experience.
Well-known locations of People Movers in the UK include Birmingham Airport, Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport and Heathrow Terminal 5.

Architect's vision of the new HS2 Interchange station in Solihull.

The People Mover at a glance​

• Services every three minutes
• Interchange to Birmingham Airport in six minutes
• 2.3km long route – from Interchange to Birmingham Airport
• Approximately 20m long vehicles
• Capable of carrying 2,100 passengers per hour in each direction Travel on a viaduct for entire route – 12m off the ground at its highest point

Automated people mover (APM) viaduct leading to HS2 Interchange Station

The Viaduct​

After departing Interchange Station, the People Mover vehicles will travel along an elevated viaduct for the entire route. The viaduct will cross over the M42, Pendigo Lake and the West Coast Main Line railway.
The viaduct will be made of weathering steel, which will be supported by concrete columns. Weathering steel is a popular choice of material for infrastructure such as viaducts because of its low maintenance requirements, which means less disruption in the surrounding area.
Weathering steel initially appears as a fresh, orange-brown colour. After a few years of exposure to the elements, the colour changes to a dark brown ‘chocolate’ colour.

Artist's impression of the completed highways network near the future HS2 Interchange Station

People Mover Stops​

The People Mover stops are designed to be simple and intuitive for passengers. The use of colour will provide clear wayfinding for passengers, while information screens and passenger announcements will provide live journey updates. All stops will be fully accessible.

Minimising environmental impacts​

People Mover vehicles will be cleaned and maintained in a dedicated maintenance facility. This facility will be located alongside the viaduct, to the east of where the viaduct crosses the M42.
We have moved the location of the maintenance facility since the original plans were developed. This reduces the length of the viaduct and minimises environmental impacts, while maintaining the same quality of service.

Working with stakeholders​

HS2 has been working closely with the Urban Growth Company (UGC) in Solihull to include extra design elements which will support wider growth plans at the UK Central Hub.
This includes an option to modify the alignment of the Automated People Mover as part of a potential major transformation of Birmingham International Station to create a new, integrated multi-modal transport exchange. The realignment would also support the UGC’s plans to deliver new commercial development and public realm opportunities on adjacent land.
We have now submitted an application to Solihull Council for the realignment of the Automated People Mover at Birmingham International Station. These plans will enable better integration with the planned future redevelopment at Birmingham International Station.
The application seeks permission for a slight variation of the originally proposed Automated People Mover route and the Automated People Mover stop at Birmingham International Station, for which we received Schedule 17 approval in 2020.
The plans will integrate the Automated People Mover stop with a revitalised public realm at Birmingham International Station, and will include a green wall, planting and public art. As with the original alignment a pedestrian footbridge would connect the Automated People Mover stop with Birmingham International Station, allowing seamless connections between HS2 Interchange Station, Birmingham International Station, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and Birmingham Airport.
Once the proposal has been through the planning process, a decision will be taken at a later date by HS2, the UGC and the contractor appointed to build the Automated People Mover as to which route will be constructed.

Any idea what will happen to the existing people mover between Birmingham Airport and International station? I'm also wondering how the proposed tram extension fits in with all of this.

 

[yorkie]

Just a gentle reminder to all contributors that if you post a reference to any external content (including photos/videos) and/or link, we ask that a text quote (or a text description/summary, as appropriate) is provided, alongside the link to the original source, and some text of your own.

In other words, a blind or deaf person should still be able to understand the gist of what is being posted or referred to, please

(A perfect example of this is @lachlan's post above; many thanks!)

 

[Meerkat]

Update on the People Mover:

Automated People Mover

www.hs2.org.uk

Any idea what will happen to the existing people mover between Birmingham Airport and International station? I'm also wondering how the proposed tram extension fits in with all of this.

The design for the People Mover station looks a real token afterthought. Its not a diesel so why can't it be a fully contained station, rather than making people exit the station and wait on a windy open air platform?

 

[jyte]

Well apparently Dorothy has got a little over-excited and is now en route to Norway, according to the map...

 

[lachlan]

The design for the People Mover station looks a real token afterthought. Its not a diesel so why can't it be a fully contained station, rather than making people exit the station and wait on a windy open air platform?

Agreed. It also doesn't allow for future extension, however unlikely that it is.

 

[SynthD]

Agreed. It also doesn't allow for future extension, however unlikely that it is.

Does the current station permit the future extension that was just approved?

 

[edwin_m]

Well apparently Dorothy has got a little over-excited and is now en route to Norway, according to the map...

Toto, we're not in Warwickshire any more...

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Well apparently Dorothy has got a little over-excited and is now en route to Norway, according to the map...

There's an update on the HS2 web site for Dorothy at Long Itchington, with the graphic now back in the right county and showing 124m (11 Feb).
So at least it is making progress (about 5m/day) and most of its train will now be inside the tunnel.
No update for the Chiltern TBMs.

Interactive route map

Use HS2’s interactive map to explore the entire route of Britain’s new high-speed railway. Find present and upcoming works, tunnels, station locations and community updates — all in one easy-to-navigate map.

www.hs2.org.uk

 

[snowball]

The Act for Phase 2a was passed just over a year ago and there are reports on another forum (SABRE, which now has a rail subforum) of works on the ground near Crewe:

Work seems to have started near me (Crewe) at long last. There is now a worksite on Newcastle Road near Hough. Before the main junction works can commence a new access must be built for Lane End Farm at Chorlton, and also for access to the new railway, incl. balancing ponds

This is part of the early or advanced civils package (I forget which) that provides accesses, manages early surveys (archaeology and ecology etc.) and, I think, also manages utility diversions. The main civils are out to tender, if not already, then soon.

Presumably there are also visible works at other places between King's Bromley and Hough?

Does this merit a separate thread?

 

[swt_passenger]

Presumably there are also visible works at other places between King's Bromley and Hough?

Does this merit a separate thread?

I don’t think so, everything about phase 1 is really in this one single thread, I suspect phase 2A doesn’t add much extra.

 

[Bald Rick]

Presumably there are also visible works at other places between King's Bromley and Hough?

Yes. You can see on google maps what looks like ground investigations progressing along the line of the trace from west of Kings Bromley (north west of the A513). Also just west of the WCML at Madeley, and east of it at Whitmore Heath.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

The Act for Phase 2a was passed just over a year ago and there are reports on another forum (SABRE, which now has a rail subforum) of works on the ground near Crewe:





Presumably there are also visible works at other places between King's Bromley and Hough?

Does this merit a separate thread?

These works are to move a gas mains prior to starting work on the HS2 line. I can see both the WCML and those works from my house.

 

[Yindee8191]

According to this tweet (https://twitter.com/paulmbigland/status/1493546709884051456?s=21) Dorothy is now fully in the tunnel at Long Itchington Wood.

 

[kevin_roche]

Well apparently Dorothy has got a little over-excited and is now en route to Norway, according to the map...

According to this tweet (https://twitter.com/paulmbigland/status/1493546709884051456?s=21) Dorothy is now fully in the tunnel at Long Itchington Wood.

Would have been nice to get a tunnel to Norway.

 

[TheHSRailFan]

I was in London today (first time this year) and I did notice that the digging seems to be going good, Noticed they were a couple of feet down... can't make a proper estimate of course. Could not take a pic because I didn't think there was much going on and my phone battery was low.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

I was in London today (first time this year) and I did notice that the digging seems to be going good, Noticed they were a couple of feet down... can't make a proper estimate of course. Could not take a pic because I didn't think there was much going on and my phone battery was low.

The focus around Euston will be on the underground station for the rest of this year, including the relocation of the utilities from the old building, then onto the platform box, though the reinforcement of the wall is going well.

Ianvisits did a trip down there last week I think, he has some ok pics

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

The HS2 TBM progress data has been updated today - but for different dates.
The Chiltern TBMs have moved only 4/5m in 29 days (26 Jan-21 Feb), so both are essentially stopped near the Chalfont St Peter vent shaft.
21 Feb: Florence 2896m, Cecilia 2487m.

TBM Dorothy at Long Itchington was at 142m on 14 Feb, which is 18m more than a week earlier.

Interactive route map

Use HS2’s interactive map to explore the entire route of Britain’s new high-speed railway. Find present and upcoming works, tunnels, station locations and community updates — all in one easy-to-navigate map.

www.hs2.org.uk