Civils work on 50-mile test section of HS2

[absolutelymilk]

HS2 have said that they are focusing civils work on a 50 mile section between Washwood Heath and Wendover, so that tracks/signals etc can start construction and then testing can begin earlier on that section.

HS2 marks a year of progress ahead of major reset

This year HS2 Ltd has:

• Established a new construction schedule to prioritise completing the initial phase of the railway between Old Oak Common and Birmingham. This includes finishing an initial 50-mile stretch first between HS2’s new network integrated control centre in Washwood Heath, Birmingham, and the Wendover green tunnel in Buckinghamshire so testing can begin.

What do people think will be the last part of the civils work to complete on this section and when do we think it will finish?

 

[The Planner]

Probably either of the stations at the ends.

 

[Belperpete]

It is important that ALL the civils and associated construction work is completed to allow test trains to run and the signalling to be tested. Unfinished construction work was enormously disruptive to test running on the Elizabeth Line, and was the primary cause of the opening getting pushed back.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Probably either of the stations at the ends.

Stations probably aren't in the frame for the initial testing. There's only Birmingham Interchange on the test section, and I doubt if that is critical to the testing plan.
I would have thought maybe the Calvert access is critical, in order to start work both ways on track/OHLE/signalling installation, and then Washwood Heath for the signalling centre and system control.

 

[The Planner]

Stations probably aren't in the frame for the initial testing. There's only Birmingham Interchange on the test section, and I doubt if that is critical to the testing plan.
I would have thought maybe the Calvert access is critical, in order to start work both ways on track/OHLE/signalling installation, and then Washwood Heath for the signalling centre and system control.

Washwood Heath, Berkswell and Copthall will all be locations where materials will get delivered.

 

[hwl]

HS2 have said that they are focusing civils work on a 50 mile section between Washwood Heath and Wendover, so that tracks/signals etc can start construction and then testing can begin earlier on that section.

What do people think will be the last part of the civils work to complete on this section and when do we think it will finish?

The test track section is between ~58km (just south of Stoke Mandeville - Wendover Green Tunnel is very very behind hence avoiding including it in the test track) and ~173km (near Washwood Heath depot entrance) which is 115km or 71miles. No one could make sense of the 50mile claim previously (unless HS2 did a km to mile conversion twice???)

For the last 6 weeks I've been building a detailed progress tracker for everything civils* north of the Chilltern tunnel (47.4km) so I should be able to give detail progress and estimates for stages towards handover from civils to track systems soon.
*e.g. Culverts and larger (i.e. anything marked on the drawings)
My first chosen progress marker (based on HS1 and overseas HS new build) is whether sections of the track bed are ready to be used as haul road which are key to enable the medium - long distance moves of material for cutting + embankments and top soil moves. Being able to use the track bed as haul roads also enables the temporary haul roads to start be removed.

Progress recently has been better on these sections than previously.

One interesting thing to note is that progress appears to have been very good on the 20km north of Calvert which sees comparatively little drone footage, with large sections never having been seen by a camera since construction started in earnest (and lots of footpaths were temporarily closed) due to their remoteness. (remote = 1mile walk + 500-800m drone flight to get to the alignment). So I'd bet the ~21km north of Calvert (or parts of it) may be the first to be handed over (some is already at the stage of just needing the permanent fencing with everything else including planting done.
One lesson from Crossrail was you can't hand over everything at once so expect reasonably sized sections of line (not to short not too long) to be packaged up for handover from civils to track systems.

 

[absolutelymilk]

The test track section is between ~58km (just south of Stoke Mandeville - Wendover Green Tunnel is very very behind hence avoiding including it in the test track) and ~173km (near Washwood Heath depot entrance) which is 115km or 71miles. No one could make sense of the 50mile claim previously (unless HS2 did a km to mile conversion twice???)

That's my understanding as well, so glad you also think that.

For the last 6 weeks I've been building a detailed progress tracker for everything civils* north of the Chilltern tunnel (47.4km) so I should be able to give detail progress and estimates for stages towards handover from civils to track systems soon.
*e.g. Culverts and larger (i.e. anything marked on the drawings)
My first chosen progress marker (based on HS1 and overseas HS new build) is whether sections of the track bed are ready to be used as haul road which are key to enable the medium - long distance moves of material for cutting + embankments and top soil moves. Being able to use the track bed as haul roads also enables the temporary haul roads to start be removed.

I'm excited to see this progress tracker - could this be pinned to the top of a thread?

 

[Snow1964]

It is important that ALL the civils and associated construction work is completed to allow test trains to run and the signalling to be tested. Unfinished construction work was enormously disruptive to test running on the Elizabeth Line, and was the primary cause of the opening getting pushed back.

Can probably do some initial testing of the track, electrification and new trains without any signalling, as only need signalling when start running multiple trains.

The complicated bits of the signalling are near the ends and at Washwood Heath approach. Most of the test area is just off the shelf standard European kit, with virtual signalling block sections, and reversible crossovers. So test area with simple junctions is closer to plug and play (not pure plug and play, but should not be reinventing anything), unlike the more bespoke terminal areas that need high level specialists to design, install and test.

The only station on the test section is Birmingham Interchange, and because the platforms are on loops, could almost certainly start testing using just through tracks, even if platforms are not 100% ready. Then adding platform roads later in the testing.

Ultimately the key test is making sure the trains actually work and at full line speed (or speed +10% if that is test margin). Want to identify any problems quickly.

 

[Peter Sarf]

Can probably do some initial testing of the track, electrification and new trains without any signalling, as only need signalling when start running multiple trains.

The complicated bits of the signalling are near the ends and at Washwood Heath approach. Most of the test area is just off the shelf standard European kit, with virtual signalling block sections, and reversible crossovers. So test area with simple junctions is closer to plug and play (not pure plug and play, but should not be reinventing anything), unlike the more bespoke terminal areas that need high level specialists to design, install and test.

The only station on the test section is Birmingham Interchange, and because the platforms are on loops, could almost certainly start testing using just through tracks, even if platforms are not 100% ready. Then adding platform roads later in the testing.

Ultimately the key test is making sure the trains actually work and at full line speed (or speed +10% if that is test margin). Want to identify any problems quickly.

Trains, speaking of trains, When will they be ready ?.
In time ?.
(is there another thread ?).

 

[absolutelymilk]

Trains, speaking of trains, When will they be ready ?.
In time ?.
(is there another thread ?).

Yes, the thread is here and production is planned to start in 2027.
HS2 Class 895s (Hitachi Alstom High-Speed)

 

[Snow1964]

HS2 will be crossing the Grand Union canal near Offchurch, by launching the Longhole viaduct in next few weeks

We will be launching the Longhole Viaduct in March 2026. To ensure the safety of all canal users, we will need to close the towpath between Lock 19 and Bridge 30 at Welsh Road. The closure will be in place 24/7 from Wednesday 4 to Friday 13 March 2026. During the launch we will also be closing Ridgeway Lane between the Grand Union Canal and Welsh Road.

https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/HS2-Notice-of-towpath-closure-Grand-Union-Canal-1.pdf

On viaducts in general :
Chiltern viaduct is complete

Most of the shorter ones in Buckinghamshire are in position, although work on deck and parapets is ongoing

The viaduct near Berkswell, only has part of its deck so far.

The second viaduct over the M6 has started to be assembled ahead of first push over the slip roads, if it is built to same timescale as southbound one should be in position by end of 2026 (this is 4 track section)

The flyover junctions concrete boxes (south to west leg) of delta junction are almost complete, although the earthworks will need to be built up. The short viaducts on this spur are already in place.

Between Washwood Heath depot and Curzon Street, lots of pillars, but very little deck so far.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

That's my understanding as well, so glad you also think that.



I'm excited to see this progress tracker - could this be pinned to the top of a thread?

Agreed. Very useful.

 

[absolutelymilk]

On viaducts in general :
Chiltern viaduct is complete

Most of the shorter ones in Buckinghamshire are in position, although work on deck and parapets is ongoing

The viaduct near Berkswell, only has part of its deck so far.

The second viaduct over the M6 has started to be assembled ahead of first push over the slip roads, if it is built to same timescale as southbound one should be in position by end of 2026 (this is 4 track section)

The flyover junctions concrete boxes (south to west leg) of delta junction are almost complete, although the earthworks will need to be built up. The short viaducts on this spur are already in place.

All sounds like good progress! Do you have a view on what the last piece of civils to complete on the test section might be? (And when that might be)

 

[Peter Sarf]

Yes, the thread is here and production is planned to start in 2027.
HS2 Class 895s (Hitachi Alstom High-Speed)

Thanks.

 

[hwl]

All sounds like good progress! Do you have a view on what the last piece of civils to complete on the test section might be? (And when that might be)

Plenty of structures north of the A45 (just south of the NEC/Birmingham Airport) are vying for the "last to complete" prize in the test track area - including the entire depot area!

In the shorter term what matters is how far the structures are from the 3 track laying delivery points on the test track section.
The area to the south of the test track section can be mostly or all be fed from Ruislip/Copthall (whatever it will be called).
The nominal mid-point between Calvert and Ruislip/Copthall is the Rocky Lane Bridge between the two viaducts near Wendover but the gap between Berkswell and Calvert is bay far the biggest hence Calvert will have to cover do more distance going north, hence it may well be that the test track area is the south edge of track laying from Calvert, with everything further south from done from the London end.

In terms of test track route kilometers delivered from hubs it is looking like:
Washwood Heath ~15 route km
Berkswell 45-50 route km
Calvert 55-60 route km

And outside of the test track area to the south:
Ruislip/Copthall 57km (including Euston Tunnels later)

 

[Snow1964]

A couple of new drone videos have been uploaded which show construction progress in Warwickshire. This is close to middle of the test section.

Kenilworth to Burton Green and Burton Green to Balsall Common

Majority of trackbed appears built, but earthmoving for bits of unfinished landscaping is required in places.

There is also a new drone video of Aylesbury - Quainton section of HS2

Doesn't seem as advanced on this section, because trackbed doesn't appear to be as finished as the sections above

 

[absolutelymilk]

Doesn't seem as advanced on this section, because trackbed does appear to be as finished as the sections above

Thanks for posting those excellent videos - should that be *doesn't* appear or am I misunderstanding?

 

[Belperpete]

Can probably do some initial testing of the track, electrification and new trains without any signalling, as only need signalling when start running multiple trains.

The complicated bits of the signalling are near the ends and at Washwood Heath approach. Most of the test area is just off the shelf standard European kit, with virtual signalling block sections, and reversible crossovers. So test area with simple junctions is closer to plug and play (not pure plug and play, but should not be reinventing anything), unlike the more bespoke terminal areas that need high level specialists to design, install and test.

Ultimately the key test is making sure the trains actually work and at full line speed (or speed +10% if that is test margin). Want to identify any problems quickly.

Does anybody know how the limits of this test section align with traction, signalling and telecom? You would hope this would have been considered, but experience on other projects such as Crossrail suggests that at a time when all the management focus is on the civils work, the other engineering disciplines tend to get overlooked. Yahoo, the track's almost down, we can soon run trains - what do you mean the power/telecom/signalling is nowhere near ready?.

The relevant control room will also need to be both built and fitted out to control the power, signal and telecom connections. What is the progress with this?

Getting one train to run under special trial conditions is certainly a step, but it is very far from being the key step. That is getting trains to run under normal operational conditions, and racking up the mileage. And as we saw on Crossrail, it can be a LONG time between the first train tentatively running along the line and the line finally opening.

The more I think about it, the more I am concerned that getting this test section ready is being done purely to generate some good publicity. I doubt it will help bring forward the opening of the line, and the risk is that it could actually delay it, if attention and resources are diverted from other parts of the project that are on the critical path.

 

[Snow1964]

HS2 have announced permanent demobilisation of a main works compound near Chelmsley Wood between March and 30 June.

Which suggests the work being done from there is nearing completion.

Location
BBV HS2 M6 Main Compound – Coleshill Heath Road, Chelmsley Wood.

Duration
HS2 site demobilisation works:
From 8am on Monday 2 March until 6pm Friday 30 June 2026.
Saturday working hours during this period:
Each Saturday during the stated period, work will take place between 10am and 1pm. There will be no Sunday work.

What we are doing
We will be carrying out demolition activities, including the safe removal of the existing office and welfare units, along with landscaping and fencing works.

What to expect
• Low level noise from our works site.
• Our other HS2 sites within the local area will remain unaffected and work will continue as planned.

Notice of BBV HS2 M6 Main Compound permanent demobilisation – Coleshill Heath Road, Chelmsley Wood

Location BBV HS2 M6 Main Compound – Coleshill Heath Road, Chelmsley Wood. Duration HS2 site demobilisation works: From 8am on Monday 2 March until 6pm Friday 30 June 2026. Saturday working hours during this period: Each Saturday during the stated period, work will take place between 10am and...

www.hs2.org.uk

 

[The Planner]

HS2 have announced permanent demobilisation of a main works compound near Chelmsley Wood between March and 30 June.

Which suggests the work being done from there is nearing completion.

Notice of BBV HS2 M6 Main Compound permanent demobilisation – Coleshill Heath Road, Chelmsley Wood

Location BBV HS2 M6 Main Compound – Coleshill Heath Road, Chelmsley Wood. Duration HS2 site demobilisation works: From 8am on Monday 2 March until 6pm Friday 30 June 2026. Saturday working hours during this period: Each Saturday during the stated period, work will take place between 10am and...

www.hs2.org.uk

Based on where that is, nothing around there is remotely finished. Its about a mile from Interchange.

 

[hwl]

HS2 have announced permanent demobilisation of a main works compound near Chelmsley Wood between March and 30 June.

Which suggests the work being done from there is nearing completion.

Notice of BBV HS2 M6 Main Compound permanent demobilisation – Coleshill Heath Road, Chelmsley Wood

Location BBV HS2 M6 Main Compound – Coleshill Heath Road, Chelmsley Wood. Duration HS2 site demobilisation works: From 8am on Monday 2 March until 6pm Friday 30 June 2026. Saturday working hours during this period: Each Saturday during the stated period, work will take place between 10am and...

www.hs2.org.uk

Based on where that is, nothing around there is remotely finished. Its about a mile from Interchange.

If that is where I think it is - the portacabins (and foundations) are in the way and need moving before the next stages of civils can proceed. They are no where near finished there.

 

[The Planner]

If that is where I think it is - the portacabins (and foundations) are in the way and need moving before the next stages of civils can proceed. They are no where near finished there.

I reckon its the one on the roundabout. They took that over from National Highways as it was the M6 all lane construction depot I think.