HS2 Ltd has revealed the first images of its planned Oxford Canal Viaduct and is seeking views from the local community about the design of the viaduct between Banbury and Daventry. This is one of 15 viaducts and bridges across the central section of the HS2 route, designed by our Read more…
We spoke to Bethany Williamson, a civil engineering apprentice from our High Speed Rail Apprentice Network, based in Birmingham, and working for Balfour Beatty Vinci. Can you describe your role in a few words? I work with the design team here – engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that the Read more…
The first of 112,000 walls segments for the Chiltern tunnel were produced at a purpose-built production line at the project’s tunnelling HQ close to the M25 in preparation for the launch of HS2’s first giant tunnelling machines. The project’s first two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) – named Florence and Cecilia Read more…
HS2 has revealed revised designs of the railway in the Canley Brook area near Kenilworth in Warwickshire which will significantly reduce environmental impacts and avoid a major realignment of a local river, preserving the home of protected wildlife such as otters and bats. The design changes, developed by HSRG members Read more…
We are pleased to announce the appointment of three new Directors to HSRG’s Board with immediate effect, all drawn from HSRG’s membership. Kate Jennings, Policy Director at RIA; Susan Ryall, Technical Director at Skanska and Tom Wadsworth, Head of Communications, UKI at Siemens Mobility will join the Board with immediate Read more…
We welcome the progress being made by Government in formulating plans for a new pan-UK strategic transport network, including faster and higher capacity connections from HS2 to Scotland and North Wales – which will benefit both passengers and freight. The Prime Minister’s comments in today’s Daily Telegraph on improving rail Read more…
The High Speed Rail Group hosted an event to consider the growing demand and market for international high speed rail, and lessons that can be learnt and applied in the UK context. The event brought together Dyan Crowther, CEO at HS1 Ltd, Clive Roberts from the University of Birmingham and Mark Smith (the Read more…
HS2 has revealed the final design for the headhouse that will provide emergency access to the new high-speed railway’s tunnels as they approach Euston station. Developed by HSRG members Costain, Skanska and STRABAG (as the joint venture), and working with design partners Design House, the headhouses will be one of Read more…
Midlands-based company Collins Earthworks has completed excavating the north portal site of Long Itchington Wood Tunnel, ready for the launch of the tunnel boring machine that will dig under the ancient woodland in Warwickshire. The company, with headquarters in Ripley, Derbyshire, is contracted to our members, HS2’s main works contractor BBV Read more…
HS2 is beginning the process of building the project’s central control centre and maintenance depot, which is a real milestone and a huge long-term opportunity for Birmingham’s Washwood Heath area. With main works civils construction now well underway, HS2 Ltd is putting the specialist team in place to support operation Read more…