24.04.13
Extra 9km tunnels proposed for HS2
HS2 Ltd has modified plans for the route through London, to cut 15 months off the construction time.
Following lobbying by local residents, the company has proposed to include extra 9km twin-bored tunnels under Ealing and Northolt. The continuous tunnels would run from Old Oak Common to West Ruislip and form the longest tunnel on the route.
The original plans proposed following the existing Northolt corridor line.
HS2 Ltd community and stakeholder manager for London, Peter Fry, said: “The recommendation to build a tunnel through Ealing and Northolt shows what can be achieved by working with local people and that we value their input and suggestions.
“The study we commissioned found that for this specific section of the line, the cost of tunnel would be comparable with a route on the surface without the need to replace bridges and divert associated utilities.
“The proposed tunnel will be included as the preferred option in the draft Environmental Statement for the first phase of HS2, so the community and stakeholders will have the opportunity to respond to this proposal as part of the consultation in coming months.”
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