Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

HS2 and East West Rail: Construction Traffic

Thursday 9 September 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Assessments of the impact of HS2 construction traffic on roads were included in environmental assessments submitted during the passage of relevant Acts.
  • Both HS2 Ltd and East West Rail Company undertook full surveys of road conditions before construction works commenced.
  • Ministers are considering all evidence from stakeholders before making a decision on the integrated rail plan for HS2.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Transport
Context

Assessments were included in environmental assessments for HS2 and monitored by the Transport and Works Act orders for East West Rail.

Question

What assessment has been made of the impact on roads along the routes of (a) HS2 and (b) East West Rail of traffic connected to the construction of those railway lines?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

Assessments of the impact of HS2 construction traffic on roads were included within the environmental assessments submitted during the passage of the High Speed Rail (London–West Midlands) Act 2017 and the High Speed Rail (West Midlands-Crewe) Act 2021. For East West Rail, the impact of construction on roads is monitored in compliance with the Transport and Works Act orders.

Answered
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Q2 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Transport
Context

The construction of HS2 and East West Rail caused issues including the perilous state of roads due to HGV movements.

Question

Will my hon. Friend reassure me that there will be urgent and rapid action to make safe those roads affected by the construction of those two projects?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

Both the HS2 and East West Rail projects undertook full surveys of road conditions for the designated lorry routes prior to the construction works commencing. HS2 Ltd and East West Rail Company must ensure that all road damage as a result of construction works is repaired to the standard reported in those surveys.

Answered
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Q3 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Transport
Context

Earlier promises from the Prime Minister about HS2's eastern leg led to skepticism when reports suggested a potential U-turn.

Question

Can the Minister confirm that the eastern leg of HS2 will be built in full, on time and on budget?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

We are working on the integrated rail plan which is progressing well. Ministers are considering all evidence from stakeholders before making a decision, but we intend to publish the integrated rail plan soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Confirmation of eastern leg completion status and timeline not provided.

How: Considering, Waiting For

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Q4 Alec Shelbrooke Con Wetherby and Easingwold
Transport
Context

Local authorities' demands are causing delays and increased costs for the HS2 eastern leg.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that one of the problems with the HS2 phase 2b eastern leg is that local authorities seem constantly to be adding to the cost?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

We are very keen to ensure that the benefits of HS2 are delivered as affordably as possible. Leeds and regional stakeholders have brought forward plans for regeneration around a new station, which is being considered by Ministers across Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement on local authority impact not provided.

How: Considering, Regeneration

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Q5 Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton
Transport Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Residents near the Old Oak Common station have complained about their journeys being disrupted by construction.

Question

Can we have an urgent visit from the HS2 Minister?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

I would be delighted to visit Old Oak Common again. It is a 32-acre site offering unrivalled connectivity when it opens, and I have visited in the past and will be keen to visit again and meet the hon. Lady.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific action to address resident concerns not provided.

How: Delighted, Regeneration

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